Given the current avocado trend, it’s not surprising that a produce company would create a variety viewed as healthier for fat-conscious consumers, specifically marketed for smoothies, cold soups, and cocktails. Despite a decline in avocado supplies and a rise in prices, the allure of this trendy superfood continues unabated. The popularity of the fatty green fruit has reached unprecedented levels, leading to record consumption and prices. A reduced crop in California has resulted in increased imports. The average weekly avocado consumption in the U.S. has surged to 42 million pounds, nearly doubling in the last three years, and is expected to reach 50 million pounds per week by 2019.
Avocados are featured in a growing selection of trendy dishes, including guacamole, oil, ice cream, salads, and the ever-popular avocado toast. They also serve as ingredients in cosmetics like lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. This high demand is fueled by their versatility and effective marketing that positions avocados as a modern and nutritious food choice. The health benefits of avocados are attributed to their high content of monounsaturated fats, along with significant amounts of potassium, fiber, folate, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Isla Bonita promotes its Avocado Light, which boasts a seal from the Spanish Heart Foundation for its reduced fat content, emphasizing a healthier option.
However, do today’s consumers truly desire an avocado with less monounsaturated fat? In the 1980s, fat grams were meticulously counted in diets. Nowadays, it is widely acknowledged that certain fats, particularly those naturally found in nuts, avocados, and fish, are beneficial to overall health. Research has long demonstrated that a “Mediterranean diet,” rich in these naturally occurring monounsaturated fats, significantly lowers the risk of heart disease. Many dietitians question the appeal of a low-fat avocado, given that the nutritional value—and taste—of the traditional variety is superior.
Interestingly, as consumers become more health-conscious, they may also seek additional nutrients, such as 500mg calcium from citrate chews, to complement their diets. This focus on overall wellness suggests that the demand for avocados, even those with reduced fat content, may persist, particularly if they can be marketed alongside other health supplements. Ultimately, while the avocado craze continues, it remains to be seen whether the desire for lower-fat options will resonate with consumers who appreciate the rich flavor and nutritional benefits of the traditional avocado variety.