top of page
Search

The Avocado Oil Scam is Real: Why I only Trust Chosen Foods

Avocado oil has become a kitchen staple for good reason. It offers a high smoke point (around 500°F), a neutral flavor that works for almost any cooking method, and healthy monounsaturated fats. But here’s the hard truth most labels won’t tell you: a large percentage of the “avocado oil” on store shelves isn’t pure—or fresh.


The Landmark UC Davis Study That Exposed the Problem

In 2020, researchers at the University of California, Davis conducted the first extensive study of commercial avocado oil sold in the United States. They tested 22 domestic and imported brands purchased from stores and online. The results were alarming:

  • At least 82% of the samples were either already rancid (oxidized) before their expiration date or adulterated with cheaper oils such as soybean, sunflower, or safflower oil.

  • In three cases, bottles labeled “pure” or “extra virgin” avocado oil contained nearly 100% soybean oil.

  • Only two brands produced samples that were both pure and non-oxidized: Chosen Foods and Marianne’s Avocado Oil (both refined oils made in Mexico). Among the virgin-grade oils, CalPure performed better than the rest of its category.


Later UC Davis work reinforced the pattern. A 2023 study of private-label (store-brand) avocado oils found roughly 70% were rancid or mixed with other oils. And in 2026, the same research group tested processed foods marketed as “made with avocado oil” (chips, mayonnaise, and salad dressings). Nearly 89% failed authenticity testing.


There is still no strong FDA standard of identity for avocado oil (unlike olive oil), which makes it easy for cheaper oils to slip into bottles and products while the premium price stays the same.


Direct links:


This is the original 2020 study that found at least 82% of commercial avocado oil samples were either rancid or mixed with other oils (some nearly 100% soybean oil).


Why Labels Alone Aren't Enough

A clean-looking bottle that says “100% pure avocado oil” is only a starting point. Ownership changes, supply-chain layers, and the lack of enforceable standards mean quality can shift over time. Independent chemical testing—looking at fatty acid and sterol profiles—is what actually reveals what’s inside.

That’s why I stopped buying random brands years ago and now stick to one.



Why I Recommend Chosen Foods Only

Both Chosen Foods and Marianne’s passed the rigorous 2020 UC Davis purity and freshness testing. Marianne’s remains a solid family-owned option (often found at Costco) and has even been used as a purity benchmark in later research. So why do I personally recommend Chosen Foods only for everyday use?

Here’s my reasoning:

  1. Proven track record from independent testing — Chosen Foods was one of only two brands confirmed pure and non-oxidized in the landmark UC Davis study. That independent verification still carries weight.

  2. Ongoing batch testing — Chosen Foods states they test every single batch internally using fatty-acid profiling and conduct external testing quarterly. This continuous verification gives me more ongoing confidence than a single past study.

  3. Practical everyday performance — Their refined avocado oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point (500°F), making it ideal for high-heat cooking, roasting, sautéing, and frying without overpowering food. They also offer a convenient spray version that many people find useful.

  4. Wide availability — I can reliably find Chosen Foods at most major grocery stores, online, and in multiple sizes. This consistency matters when I’m restocking regularly.

  5. Focus on the bottled oil — Note that the 2026 UC Davis study that found problems with many “avocado oil” chips, mayos, and dressings included some Chosen Foods processed products. I use their pure bottled oil (and spray), not the ready-made dressings or mayonnaise, for this reason.


I’m not claiming Chosen Foods is perfect forever—no brand is immune to supply-chain issues. But based on the independent lab evidence, their published testing practices, and real-world performance in my kitchen, it is the one I trust and repurchase.


Simple Tips If You Want Real Avocado Oil

  • Buy from brands with independent purity verification (Chosen Foods remains my top pick).

  • Prefer dark glass bottles when possible to reduce light-induced oxidation.

  • Check best-by or harvest dates and use the oil while it’s relatively fresh.

  • Store it in a cool, dark place.

  • For high-heat cooking, refined avocado oil is generally more stable than extra-virgin versions.


Bottom Line

The UC Davis research made one thing clear: you cannot trust the avocado oil label alone. Most of what sits on shelves has quality or purity problems. After reviewing the data, I simplified my choice. For pure, high-performance avocado oil that has been independently verified, I buy Chosen Foods.

That’s the brand I keep in my kitchen—and the only one I recommend.

Comments

bottom of page