The foodie ingredients most likely to make waves on social media this year, according to Time magazine’s survey of industry insiders, are Asian ingredients like black sesame, ube and milk tea.
But this survey, and almost every food trend prediction list for 2024, emphasises the continuing strong demand for plant-based meals, and the sustained use of wholefood vegetables – i.e. vegetables that have not been highly processed – in restaurant and easy make-at-home dishes.
The growing trend of using vegetables in drinks is also gaining popularity, with the Time survey noting that “mixologists worldwide are embracing meal profiles for drink flavours”.
South African-grown avocados fit directly into all these trends. They are a quintessential ingredient in plant-based meals; they are complete wholefoods, in that they can be used as is without processing; they make decadently creamy drinks; and they’re totally Insta-worthy (just check out the trending #avocadobread to see what we mean!).
This points to the extreme versatility of avos, and how easy it is to “add an avo” to breakfast, lunch or supper dishes, as snacks or meals in their own right, and as toppings or something special on the side.
Research undertaken by the SA Avocado Growers’ Association (SAAGA) last year showed that the popularity of avos among consumers had surged in recent years, transitioning from being considered a luxury ingredient to becoming a household staple in many South African homes. Here’s why.
- Avocados offer a range of health benefits. They are high in heart-healthy fats, vitamin K and biotin; free from cholesterol and sodium; and can form part of a successful energy-controlled diet for weight management.
- Avocados are a value-for-money ingredient. A little goes a long way when it comes to avos and there are a multitude of ways that consumers can “add an avo” to pantry staples or leftovers to create affordable family meals across all of our beautiful cultures.
- SA avos are available almost all year round. Creamy, green-skinned varieties are available from March to October, and nutty, dark-skinned avos from March until November. Both green and dark-skinned avos are equally delicious and nutritious.
SAAGA’s research also revealed that, even though the average cost of all foods has increased, consumers consistently prioritise avocados, regularly including them in their shopping lists. Consumers’ avo purchase behaviour has evolved from impulse buying in 2012 and 2016 to planned purchases in 2021 and 2023. Shoppers particularly love ripe and ready avocados, with 66% being willing to pay more for this convenience.
So, what will you cook up this year? All you need is a recipe, a camera, a hashtag … and to add an avo or two to create your own viral foodie sensation!
Our fave avocado recipes
Need some avocado recipes to get you inspired? Start with these:
Avocado bagels
Dairy-free avo smoothie
Avocado pastry tart
Roast veg-and-avo ‘mayo’ wraps
