According to the Hass Avocado Board, America is an avocado nation with per-capita consumption of fresh avocado in the U.S. having increased by 260% over the past 20 years. The board said that increased consumer awareness of avocados’ health benefits, fueled by trendy dishes such as avocado toast, drove demand. This has motivated the industry to seek the next avocado craze.
To continue this momentum, the board has partnered with Food & Culinary Professionals, a dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, on the “Avocados – Love One Today” initiative. The goal of the partnership is to develop innovative recipes that inspire new ways to love fresh avocados more.
“Avocados have long been a favorite, but there’s still so much to discover — new flavors, unexpected pairings and creative recipes that go beyond typical uses,” Amanda Izquierdo, public relations and advertising manager at the Hass Avocado Board, said in a news release. “Our goal is to spark curiosity and confidence in consumers, making it easier — and more exciting — than ever to enjoy this nutritious fruit in fresh, innovative ways.”
Expanding avocados’ role on the plate
The culinary potential of avocados extends far beyond traditional applications, according to the Hass Avocado Board. The recipes generated through this initiative demonstrate how avocados can be integrated into every meal of the day:
- “Javacado” frozen mocha – A barista-style coffee creation blending espresso with the natural creaminess and nutrition of avocados.
- Key Lime pie avocado frozen yogurt bark – A freezer-friendly snack combining creamy avocados, Greek yogurt, honey and zesty lime juice, offering a twist on Key lime pie.
- Avocado gnocchi with avocado cilantro lime creamy sauce – A modern take on the classic pasta dish, swapping traditional potatoes for mashed avocados to create gnocchi paired with an avocado cilantro lime sauce.
- Street corn style soup – A warm, one-pot meal inspired by street corn, featuring a creamy blend of avocados, sweet corn, white beans and lime.
- Miso-marinated salad with whipped avocado dressing – A vibrant lunch or side dish featuring miso-marinated farro for an umami boost, topped with a creamy citrus avocado dressing.
Driving nutrition awareness and education
The Hass Avocado Board said it is committed to growing avocado consumption through ongoing investments in nutrition research and educational resources for both consumers and health professionals. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, empowering individuals to make healthier choices.
A nationwide survey representing more than 1,000 adults found that, while nearly all Americans (93%) recognize the importance of good nutrition, only half consistently maintain healthy eating habits four to seven days a week, according to the board. Despite widespread awareness of the importance of good nutrition, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020 to 2025, show that about 90% of Americans eat too few vegetables, and 80% fall short of the recommended daily fruit intake — highlighting the ongoing need for nutrition education.
Fresh avocados offer a simple, nutrient-dense solution that can be seamlessly incorporated into meals throughout the day, the board said. Avocados provide naturally good fats and are a good source of fiber, an underconsumed nutrient critical for overall health.