Hi ,

I got an email last week asking about the avocado oil scandal that broke out this summer, and yes, we need to talk about it!

A study came out that asked something I thought we could take for granted:

Is your avocado oil actually avocado oil?

Apparently not.

A new 2026 study found that 89% of packaged foods tested that were marketed as containing avocado oil failed authenticity testing. That means some products may contain cheaper substitute oils instead of the avocado oil you’re paying for.

Does that mean these foods are unhealthy or unsafe?

No. Failing an authenticity test doesn’t mean a product is harmful. But it DOES mean that the product doesn’t contain what the label says it does. Many of the oils that might be substituted, like canola or sunflower oil, are perfectly healthy options.

But, the big issue here is consumer transparency and trust.

If you’re paying a premium for a product because it’s made with avocado oil, you deserve to get what you’re paying for.

And it’s not just chips and snacks. Earlier studies found similar authenticity problems with bottled avocado oil. I couldn’t find any newer research that says how widespread the issue is with bottled avocado oil today.

What about olive oil?

The news is more reassuring! Olive oil has more established quality standards and a longer history of testing. Recent U.S. research suggests that outright adulteration with cheaper oils is uncommon.

My shopping advice:

Don’t pay extra for chips or snacks just because they’re marketed as being made with avocado oil. They might not even have avocado oil. (Boooo! Shame on you, manufacturers!) For bottled avocado oil, Chosen Foods and Marianne’s have performed well in independent purity testing. Olive oil is a great alternative, and other cooking oils are fine to use, too!

The bottom line:

This isn’t a health scare, but it is a legitimate consumer protection issue. People are paying a premium for avocado oil products and may not be getting what they’re paying for. Consumers deserve honest labeling, accurate ingredient claims, and confidence that the products they buy actually contain what’s advertised!
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Healthy Caramel Apple Dip

If you love caramel apples but want something a little easier for everyday snacking, this Date Caramel Apple Dip is such a good one to have on hand. It’s sweet, creamy, and has that rich caramel-like flavor—all made with just a handful of simple ingredients.

If You're Worried About Halloween Candy​
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If you need the reminder, here’s my annual note to stress less about sweets on Halloween.

We should never judge nutrition based on one day. And holidays are special!

You don’t have to do the Switch Witch or hide your kid’s candy away immediately. It’s okay for them to enjoy some candy without guilt. If they are excited about the idea of the Switch Witch, by all means, go ahead. I just don’t want you to feel like you HAVE to take all the candy away immediately.

And it is okay to set some boundaries around it, like:

1. Keep the candy out of reach following Halloween
2. Set limits on when/how much they can have each day
3. Remove anything that may be inappropriate for them (like chewy things for my friends with braces)

If you have a toddler or preschooler, check out my free resource on how to handle Sweets & Treats. I give you all the tools to take treats off a pedestal and empower your family to enjoy treats without stress.

Happy Halloween, friend!

Disclaimer: this message contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

© Mama Knows Nutrition 2026
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