Avocado consumption patterns and nutrient contribution in the US: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017- March 2020 and August 2021-August 2023

Authors: CHENG, FEON - Hass Avocado Board; MORTON, SUZANNE - American Society For Nutrition; MCCRORY, MEGAN - Boston University; Moshfegh, Alanna

Submitted to: Nutrients
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/27/2026
Publication Date: 1/29/2026
Citation: Cheng, F.W., Morton, S., Mccrory, M.A., Moshfegh, A.J. 2026. Avocado consumption patterns and nutrient contribution in the US: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017- March 2020 and August 2021-August 2023. Nutrients. 18(3):449. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030449.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030449

Interpretive Summary: Avocados are nutrient-dense fruits rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, and key micronutrients. Although avocado purchases have increased in recent years, comprehensive national data on consumption patterns remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the prevalence, quantity, and context of avocado intake among the US population and to evaluate its contribution to daily nutrient intake using dietary recall data from 19,086 participants aged =1 year in NHANES 2017–March 2020 and August 2021–August 2023. 5.8% of participants consumed avocado. Prevalence was highest among women (6.9%), adults aged 19–50 years (7.4%), and Hispanic individuals (9.1%). Among consumers, the mean intake was 67.0 g/day. Plain avocado was the most common form (54.8%), and most intake occurred at dinner (43.4%) and at home (67.7%). Avocado was an important contributor to the mean daily intake among consumers for beta-cryptoxanthin (33.4%), alpha-carotene (27.0%), dietary fiber (19.9%), monounsaturated fatty acids (19.7%), and other nutrients. Although avocado consumption remains relatively modest, it contributes meaningfully to nutrient intake among avocado consumers and aligns with dietary recommendations. These findings support efforts to promote avocado intake, particularly among groups with lower consumption, as part of strategies to improve diet quality and address nutrient shortfalls.

Technical Abstract: Avocados are nutrient-dense fruits rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, and key micronutrients. Although avocado purchases have increased in recent years, comprehensive national data on consumption patterns remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the prevalence, quantity, and context of avocado intake among the US population and to evaluate its contribution to daily nutrient intake. Day 1 24-hour dietary recall data were analyzed from 19,086 participants aged =1 year in NHANES 2017–March 2020 and August 2021–August 2023. Avocado intake was identified using consumption data coded as avocado, guacamole, avocado for use on a sandwich, and guacamole with tomatoes. Weighted estimates described consumption prevalence, amount, form, self-selected eating occasion, location, and source. Nutrient contributions from avocado were calculated overall and by sex, age, and race/ethnicity. 5.8% of participants consumed avocado. Prevalence was highest among women (6.9%), adults aged 19–50 years (7.4%), and Hispanic individuals (9.1%). Among consumers, the mean intake was 67.0 g/day. Plain avocado was the most common form (54.8%), and most intake occurred at dinner (43.4%) and at home (67.7%). Avocado was an important contributor to the mean daily intake among consumers for beta-cryptoxanthin (33.4%), alpha-carotene (27.0%), dietary fiber (19.9%), monounsaturated fatty acids (19.7%), and other nutrients. Although avocado consumption remains relatively modest, it contributes meaningfully to nutrient intake among avocado consumers and aligns with dietary recommendations. These findings support efforts to promote avocado intake, particularly among groups with lower consumption, as part of strategies to improve diet quality and address nutrient shortfalls.