Olive oil tab has genius function that many don't know about

Before you bin the tab on your olive oil bottles, wait a moment. The often-overlooked feature on the bottle might just be a "game changer".

We've all been there - pouring oil into a pan to cook with, or drizzling some nice Extra Virgin over a meal - and a wave rushes out, ruining your plans.

Not only that, but olive oil is expensive - even more so for premium bottles, which can cost upwards of £25, earning it the nickname 'liquid gold'.

However, the humble bottle lid is your saviour in such situations. The common misconception is that the tab stoppering the bottle is to ensure the product hasn't been tampered with - so most us of throw it away.

However, this little bit of plastic has another functional purpose, so you might want to hang onto it.

A tip shared via @foodies on TikTok, later circulated on Twitter, showcased how the process works.

The hack involves removing the lid, taking out the green tab, flipping it, and then placing it back in the neck of the plastic oil container, allowing small gaps at the sides.

This adjustment turns the free-flowing oil into a controlled drizzle, perfect for precise measurement and no waste. Furthermore, no decanting into expensive oil bottles is needed.

"Game changer," exclaimed the 'Today Years Old' Twitter page while sharing the clip. And it seems that plenty of people agreed.

One commenter said: "That's handy! They could have told us!" Another user expressed their surprise, writing: "Wow. Never knew."

Meanwhile, a third commenter reacted with astonishment: "Are you kidding me!?!". And someone else remarked: "Manufacturers should be telling consumers how to use their products in the first place".

How much olive oil should you use

A lot of it comes down to personal preferences, but you should be mindful about the amount of oil you're using as it can be pretty calorific.

Food Network suggests a modest amount, sufficient to coat the pan's base, is best - roughly one to two tablespoons, rather than a big glug.

The NHS advises that while small amounts of fat - particularly olive oil's monounsaturated fats - are crucial for a nutritious diet, moderation remains key. Just one tablespoon holds 119 calories.

With daily calorie intake recommendations standing between 2,000 and 2,500, lavishing your dishes in olive oil isn't the healthiest move.