Avocado, why? Because happiness is in season!
You know how every avo season we tell South Africans consumers to add an avo to their meals at any time of day? Well, this year, as we officially launch avo season 2026, we thought we’d tell consumers all the seriously good reasons why they should listen to us!
Also see: How to pair wine with spicy foods
The little treat culture
Avocado, why? Because there is one longstanding consumer trend that research house Kantar believes will be making a huge comeback this year, where avos just happen to tick all the boxes – Treatonomics.
Rooted in the so-called lipstick effect, a phenomenon that emerged during World War II, where women continued to buy morale-boosting red lipstick despite the hardships of war, Treatonomics sees consumers purchasing small luxury items during economic downturns.
The trend resurfaced after the pandemic, and has evolved to include experiences, once-off indulgences and foodie treats, all driven by a desire to feel better and cultivate happiness in everyday life.
What’s everyday happiness if not adding creamy, delicious, feel-good avos to every meal? They add a touch of luxury to even the most basic dishes, elevating them out of the ordinary into something special.
The health kick we all need
Avocado, why? Because both green-skinned and dark-skinned avos offer health benefits. They’re high in energy, vitamin K and biotin. They’re cholesterol-free and sodium-free and are a source of fibre.
Plus, their good fats have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may decrease the physiological processes linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and mild cognitive impairments.
Mood-boosting food
Avocado, why? Because avos are bundles of joy. No, really, they are. One avocado contains 13g of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. Diets higher in good fats may lower our risk for depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders.
Good fats may also facilitate thought-processing, hormone-production and stress-reduction mechanisms within the brain. See? It’s joy in a single package!
Versatile viral hacks
Avocado, why? Because avos are always on-trend. Since #avocadotoast broke the internet in 2015, avos have consistently remained in the health foodie spotlight. Each year, they’re back with another culinary innovation, like this year’s avo wrap, which has already gone viral on social media.
It simply blends raw eggs with avocado, lemon juice and seasoning to create a batter that is smoothed out and baked into a wheat-free, gluten-free, fuss-free, rollable, foldable wrap!
Also see: How South Africans are stretching food budgets in 2026
Tasty trendsetters
There are actually several food trends for 2026 where avos fit the bill perfectly (they really are an A-list ingredient!)
Globally, attention falls this year on fermented foods and their role in promoting better gut health – think local favourites like yoghurt and amasi (maas), as well as kimchi, pickled vegetables and prebiotic ingredients for digestive wellness. Hello, pickled avocado!
‘Savoury’ flavours that mix sweet with savoury in a single ingredient or dish remain popular. Black garlic and chilli-infused fruits, for instance, are still trending. Avos are right in there, being paired with everything from melon and mango to peach and papaya, topped with chilli flakes.
Nostalgia and comfort food never go out of fashion. This year, tiramisu is set for a revival. In our world, avos replace the mascarpone cheese to create a dreamy, dairy-free, guilt-free indulgence.
Local is still lekker
In South Africa, foodie trends this year focus on conscious consumption, including using locally grown ingredients, supporting small farmers and ensuring transparency in supply chains.
There’s a shift away from high-fusion cooking back towards authentic South African meals steeped in tradition and heritage recipes. Also on the cards is a move towards more cost-conscious braais that balance high meat costs with the addition of affordable veg braai options.
Generally, we can expect the demand for less-processed, more whole foods to continue alongside the increasing interest in functional foods that support physical and mental well-being.
With the abundance of locally grown avos in South Africa, their versatility in both the kitchen and around the braai, and the inherent nutrient offering of this whole food, avos really are a go-to local food favourite this year.
So avocado, why? Because they’re whole food-healthy, they’re trendy (without even trying), they’re versatile and adding an avocado to every meal is a value-for-money treat that we could all do with in our lives right now.
Avo season 2026 is kicking off…which means happiness is officially in season!
Also see: 5 Foods to add to your plate in 2026
Feature Image: Pexels
Compiled by Maegan-Leigh Jacobs
First published on Garden and Home
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