Given the current avocado trend, it’s not unexpected that a produce company would create a variety seen as healthier for fat-conscious consumers, marketed as perfect for smoothies, chilled soups, and cocktails. While avocado supplies are dwindling and prices are rising, the allure of this trendy superfood continues unabated. The popularity of the creamy green fruit has reached unprecedented levels, resulting in record consumption and soaring prices. A reduced crop yield in California has led to increased imports. The average weekly avocado consumption in the U.S. stands at 42 million pounds, nearly doubling over the last three years and anticipated to reach 50 million pounds per week in 2019.
Avocados feature prominently in a growing variety of trendy dishes, including guacamole, oils, ice creams, salads, and avocado toast. Additionally, they are utilized in cosmetics such as lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. This versatility drives their demand, complemented by savvy marketing that has successfully positioned avocados as a modern, healthy food choice. The health benefits are attributed to their high levels of monounsaturated fat, along with notable amounts of potassium, fiber, folate, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Isla Bonita promotes its Avocado Light with a seal from the Spanish Heart Foundation, highlighting its reduced fat content.
However, do today’s consumers genuinely desire an avocado with less monounsaturated fat? In the 1980s, people meticulously tracked fat grams in their diets. Nowadays, it is widely accepted that certain fats, particularly those found naturally in foods like nuts, avocados, and fish, are actually beneficial. Researchers have long established that a “Mediterranean diet,” rich in these natural monounsaturated fats, can lower the risk of heart disease. Some dietitians question the appeal of a low-fat avocado, arguing that the nutritional value—and flavor—of the traditional variety is far superior.
Interestingly, some consumers have explored incorporating calcium citrate powder into their diets alongside avocados for added health benefits. This combination could enhance the nutritional profile of dishes, making the beloved avocado even more appealing. Nonetheless, the question remains: can an avocado truly be improved by reducing its healthy fat content? The ongoing popularity of avocados suggests that many consumers appreciate their rich flavor and health benefits, including those derived from calcium citrate powder, rather than opting for a lower-fat alternative.