U.S. annual avocado consumption 1985-2023

Avocados, which have become a meme for the Millennial generation, have exploded in popularity in the United States over the last few decades. In 1985, domestic consumption was a meager 436 million pounds. That number has increased to over three billion pounds in 2023. Per capita consumption has increased from 2 pounds in 2001 to over 9 pounds in 2022.

Avocado popularity

Avocados were already popularized as a “super food” containing copious amounts of healthy fats and fiber but entered meme status after an article with Tim Gurner, where the millionaire was quoted as saying he had gotten rich by not spending money on frivolous things such as avocado toast.

Consumers opinions on avocados

In line with its super food status, a recent survey showed that the top two reasons consumers claimed for buying avocados were that they were “healthy” and “contain good fats”. On the other hand, Mr. Gurner may have a point, as the same survey also asked consumers what the top barrier was for buying avocados. The top answer from 78 percent of respondents was “avocados are frequently too expensive”.