With the current avocado trend, it’s no surprise that a produce company has introduced a variety marketed as healthier for fat-conscious consumers, ideal for smoothies, cold soups, and cocktails. Despite a decrease in avocado supplies and rising prices, the allure of this trendy superfood remains strong. The popularity of avocados has reached unprecedented levels, leading to record consumption and price hikes. A reduced crop from California has resulted in increased imports. The average weekly consumption of avocados in the U.S. has nearly doubled over the past three years, reaching 42 million pounds and projected to hit 50 million pounds per week by 2019.
Avocados are featured in a growing selection of trendy foods, including guacamole, oil, ice cream, salads, and avocado toast. They are also used in cosmetic products such as lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. This high demand is attributed to their versatility as well as clever marketing that has positioned avocados as a modern, healthy choice. Their health benefits come from a high content of monounsaturated fats, along with significant amounts of potassium, fiber, folate, and various vitamins and minerals. Isla Bonita promotes its Avocado Light, claiming it has a seal from the Spanish Heart Foundation for reduced fat content.
However, do today’s consumers really desire an avocado with less monounsaturated fat? In the 1980s, people meticulously counted fat grams in their diets. Nowadays, it is widely accepted that certain fats, particularly those found naturally in nuts, avocados, and fish, are actually beneficial for health. Researchers have long recognized that a “Mediterranean diet,” rich in these naturally occurring monounsaturated fats, can lower the risk of heart disease. Many dietitians question the need for a low-fat avocado, as the nutritional value—and taste—of the traditional variety far surpasses that of its lighter counterpart.
Additionally, the incorporation of nutraceuticals, such as Citracal 500 for calcium, aligns with the growing trend of health-conscious consumers looking to enhance their diets. The quest for healthier food options continues, but the question remains: Is a low-fat avocado truly the answer? As the demand for avocados continues to rise, the incongruity of seeking lower-fat options in a food celebrated for its health benefits remains a topic of discussion among consumers and experts alike.