Yes, you can drink olive oil on an empty stomach, and plenty of people take their morning spoonful that way. There is no strong evidence it is better than any other time, so the best time to drink olive oil is simply whenever you will do it consistently. Here is the honest picture.
Can you take olive oil on an empty stomach?
For most people, yes, and it is a common way to take a daily spoonful of extra virgin olive oil. If you are prone to nausea, a spoonful of pure fat can feel rich first thing, so you might prefer a little food alongside it, or a smaller amount to begin with.
Is morning best?
Morning is popular mainly because it is an easy habit to anchor to, not because of any metabolic magic. A spoonful in the morning and a spoonful with dinner do the same job. Pick the time you will actually stick to.
What about with food or before bed?
Both are fine. Taking olive oil with food, or drizzled raw over a meal, does not reduce its value, and it is often the most enjoyable way to have it. Before bed works too if that suits your routine.
Does timing change the benefits?
Not meaningfully. The authorised health claim, that olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress, is based on your daily intake of around 20g of a suitable oil, not on the hour you take it. For the wider picture, see the health benefits of drinking olive oil.
How to make it a habit
Keep a good bottle and a spoon where you will see them, pair the spoonful with something you already do each day, and use an oil you enjoy so it never feels like a chore. If you like the ritual, our guide to the olive oil shot covers how to take it neatly, and which oil to choose for it.
