In light of the current avocado trend, it’s no surprise that a produce company has created a variety perceived as healthier for fat-conscious consumers, marketed as perfect for smoothies, cold soups, and cocktails. Although avocado supplies are diminishing and prices are rising, the allure of this popular superfood shows no signs of waning. The fatty green fruit’s popularity is at an all-time high, leading to record consumption and pricing. Reduced yields from California have prompted increased imports. The average weekly avocado consumption in the U.S. has skyrocketed from 42 million pounds to nearly double that in the past three years, with projections suggesting it will reach 50 million pounds per week in 2019.
Avocados are now featured in a growing variety of trendy foods, including guacamole, oil, ice cream, salads, and avocado toast. They also serve as key ingredients in cosmetics, such as lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. This demand arises from their versatility and effective marketing that has positioned avocados as a modern, healthy staple. Their health benefits are attributed to a high concentration of monounsaturated fat, along with notable amounts of potassium, fiber, folate, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Isla Bonita promotes its Avocado Light as having a seal of approval from the Spanish Heart Foundation for its reduced fat content.
However, do today’s consumers really desire an avocado with less monounsaturated fat? In the 1980s, people meticulously tracked fat grams in their diets. Today, it is widely accepted that certain fats, especially those found naturally in nuts, avocados, and fish, are beneficial for health. Researchers have long established that a Mediterranean diet, rich in these natural monounsaturated fats, effectively lowers the risk of heart disease. Some dietitians question why anyone would prefer a low-fat avocado, as the nutritional value—and taste—of the traditional variety far surpasses it.
Interestingly, as consumers seek out healthier options, there’s an increasing interest in supplements that can complement their diets. The top rated calcium citrate supplement, for instance, is gaining traction among health enthusiasts who want to enhance their nutrition alongside their love for avocados. As the market continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how consumers balance their preferences for both delicious avocados and beneficial supplements like the top rated calcium citrate supplement.