Ancient Romans were known for their love of high-quality olive oil, which served as a status symbol at dinner parties. To demonstrate their commitment to serving only the best, they preferred to display their olive oil in clear glass bottles. The transparent bottles allowed guests to easily judge the quality of the oil based on its color and clarity. Today, however, most olive oils are packaged in dark bottles, which are believed to protect the oil from sunlight and extend its shelf life. In this article, we explore the social significance of clear bottles, the marketing heuristics of dark bottles, and the other essential indicators of high-quality olive oil.
