Avocados Now Cost More Than They Have in Years. Here’s How to Cope

Q: Why are avocado prices increasing so much?

Avocado prices are increasing due to reduced supply from a grower strike in Mexico and drought-driven lower yields in California, combined with rising global demand.

Q: How long will elevated avocado prices likely last?

Prices may stay high through the summer as supply disruptions and seasonal production shortfalls persist; market recovery depends on harvests and resolution of strikes.

Q: Can I save money while still enjoying avocados?

Yes. Stretch avocados with budget-friendly recipes, use ripe or overripe avocados in sauces and dressings, and buy frozen or canned alternatives when fresh fruit is expensive.

Q: Are there good substitutes for avocados in recipes?

Depending on the recipe, substitutes include hummus, mashed peas, Greek yogurt, or blended silken tofu for creaminess, and nut butters or olive oil for healthy fats.

Q: Is the avocado price rise driven by demand overseas?

Partly. Growing appetite in markets like China has boosted exports from Latin America, increasing global competition for supply and contributing to higher U.S. prices.

Published by

Clara

Dec 16

Avocado prices are shooting through the roof. That delicious bowl of guac for your tortilla chips this Cinco de Mayo is going to cost you.

Avocados are more than twice as expensive as they were a year ago, according to Bloomberg. Prices are at levels not seen in nearly two decades.

And the expectation is they’ll remain elevated throughout the summer.

So why are avocados suddenly so dear?

As usual, you can point the finger at those unpredictable market forces: supply and demand. Those unruly twins are at it again.

Here are two reasons avocado supply is down:

A grower strike in Mexico, which provides more than 80 percent of the avocados consumed in the U.S.
A drought in California, which grows the remainder of America’s avocados. California yields are projected to fall 44% this year.

Meanwhile, here are two reasons avocado demand is rising:

They’re incredibly nutritious. Avocados pack healthy fats and oils and have the highest protein of any fruit — a big draw for health-minded consumers. The average American ate almost 7 pounds of avocados in 2015, compared with roughly half that amount in 2006, per U.S. government figures.

China. The appetite for this creamy green fruit in China has surged. Exports of avocados from Latin America to China have been expanding by about 250% annually, according to the Financial Times.

What Can We Do About This Guac Emergency?

“But I want my guacamole!” we can almost hear you protest.

We get it. Nothing complements a salty tortilla chip or crunchy carrot quite like a generous scoop of fresh guac.

Maybe paired with a margarita?

Can you taste it already? Us too.

Here are a couple of pieces that can help you cope.

First, stretch your dollars with these five budget-friendly avocado recipes. (The original headline read “5 Avocado Recipes for Less Than $5,” but with avocado prices climbing, that specific price point may not always apply.)

Second, avoid tossing out avocados. They’re getting expensive, so if they get a bit too soft, don’t throw them away. Instead, use these 11 tasty ideas for overripe avocados.

Also, if you’re trying to cut produce costs overall, check out this guide on how to save money on produce for more tips.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Your Turn: Will you skip avocados, or will you shell out more for guac?

Alex Reed (alex.reed@example.com) is a senior writer at Savinly. He’s a big fan of fresh guac.