The Bitter Truth About Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has been hailed as a culinary superstar, packed with health benefits from vitamins to healthy fats. Whether used for cooking, skincare, or even as a dipping sauce, this trendy oil has earned its spot in households across America. But how pure is the avocado oil you're buying? A recent groundbreaking study by the University of California, Davis, unveiled a startling truth: a majority—82%, to be exact—of avocado oil samples were either stale before their expiration date or adulterated with other, cheaper oils.^[1] In this blog, we will explore what these findings mean for consumers who think they're making a healthy choice, and how you can protect yourself from these substandard products.

The State of Avocado Oil in the U.S.: Quality or Quackery?

Quality Concerns Unveiled

The allure of avocado oil lies in its touted health benefits, making it a go-to choice for people interested in a balanced diet. However, the UC Davis study reveals a disturbing underbelly to this popular product. Not only were the majority of samples found to be of poor quality, but some were also downright fraudulent. Bottles that boldly claimed to be "pure" or "extra virgin" avocado oil contained nearly 100% soybean oil, a far cheaper alternative with different health implications.^[1]

UC Davis' Eye-Opening Study

Led by Selina Wang, a Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of Food Science and Technology, the study scrutinized 22 domestic and imported avocado oil brands available in the market. The results were concerning, to say the least:^[1]

• 82% of samples were either stale or mixed with other oils.
• 15 of these samples had already oxidized before their expiration dates, meaning they had lost their flavor and health benefits.
• Only two brands produced samples that met purity and nonoxidation criteria, highlighting the rarity of genuine, high-quality avocado oil.

These findings cast a significant shadow over the perceived purity and health benefits of avocado oil, shaking the trust that consumers place in this premium product.

Why These Findings Matter: More Than Just a Label

A Health Mirage?

Many consumers opt for avocado oil specifically for its health benefits, which include a rich supply of essential vitamins and good fats that contribute to heart health, among other perks. However, if what's inside the bottle is mostly soybean oil or has oxidized, then consumers are not only being duped financially, but they're also missing out on the health benefits they sought in the first place.

Financial Implications for Consumers

Avocado oil is often more expensive than other types of oils, partially because avocados themselves are not cheap, and the oil extraction process is more labor-intensive. Consumers are generally willing to pay this premium because they believe in the product's health benefits. When that product turns out to be stale or adulterated, it's a double blow: not only have they wasted money, but they've also been led to believe they are making a healthier choice when they are not.

Impact on Consumer Trust

These shocking findings can have a lasting impact on consumer trust. The lack of transparency and authenticity in labeling means that consumers might start second-guessing not just avocado oil but other "healthy" alternatives as well. This erosion of trust can have a ripple effect across the entire health food industry.

Tips for Navigating the Avocado Oil Maze

Sensory Indicators

• Genuine, fresh, virgin avocado oil should taste grassy, buttery, and slightly reminiscent of mushrooms.
• It should be green in color, whereas refined avocado oil is light yellow and almost clear.

Storage and Freshness

• Proper storage can prevent good oil from turning bad. Keep the oil away from light and heat, storing it in a cool, dark cabinet rather than next to the stove.
• If the oil starts to smell stale, sort of like play-dough, it's a good indicator that it's rancid.

Be Informed

• Whenever possible, choose an oil that’s closest to the harvest/production time to ensure maximum freshness. The "best before date" is not always a reliable indicator of quality.

By being vigilant and informed, you can better protect yourself from falling into the avocado oil trap.

Summary

The state of the avocado oil market is troubling, as revealed by a study from the University of California, Davis, which found that a majority of commercial avocado oil is either stale or adulterated with other oils. This poses serious concerns for consumers who choose avocado oil for its health benefits and are willing to pay a premium for it. The absence of strict regulations and misleading labels makes it crucial for consumers to be vigilant and informed. The article concludes with tips for navigating this murky market and urges consumers to be proactive in demanding transparency and quality in the products they buy.

1. Green, Hilary S., and Selina C. Wang. “First Report on Quality and Purity Evaluations of Avocado Oil Sold in the US.” Food Control, vol. 116, 2020, p. 107328, doi:10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107328.