Study: Many Products Labeled as 'Avocado Oil' May Be Diluted With Cheaper Seed Oils

A new analysis by researchers at the University of California, Davis, raises concerns that many products marketed as containing avocado oil may be partially substituted or diluted with less expensive seed oils such as canola or soybean oil. Because avocado oil is prized for its high smoke point, heart-healthy fats, and ability to help absorb fat-soluble vitamins, consumers and brands alike have shifted toward labeling products with premium oils. The UC Davis study suggests those labels may not always reflect the oils actually used.

What the Study Found

The researchers chemically tested 54 items labeled as containing avocado oil, purchased from stores and online retailers in California between 2025 and 2026. They report widespread compositional inconsistencies with authentic avocado oil across several product categories:

• 100% of salad dressings sampled showed oil profiles inconsistent with genuine avocado oil.
• 93% of chips tested indicated likely substitution or dilution.
• 71% of mayonnaises sampled showed compositions inconsistent with authentic avocado oil.

Brands Identified

The study lists tested products from several well-known brands whose oil compositions were inconsistent with authentic avocado or olive oil, suggesting the presence of other vegetable oils:

• Siete
• Kettle Brand
• Jackson's
• Sprouts
• Sensible Portions
• Bettergoods
• Good Health
• Primal Kitchen
• Chosen Foods
• Briannas
• Sir Kensington's
• BetterBody Foods

By contrast, tested items from these brands showed compositions consistent with authentic avocado or olive oil:

• Lay's
• Trader Joe's
• Torres
• Graza
• Bella Sun Luci
• Bragg
• California Olive Ranch
• Grove

Study Limits and Context

The authors caution that the analysis has important limitations. Only two production lots of each product were typically tested, samples were collected only in California, and the study is not an ongoing or real-time monitoring program. Ingredient sourcing, suppliers, and formulations can change, so results may not reflect a product's current composition. The sample set included nationally recognized brands but may not represent the broader U.S. market.

Implication: The findings point to a need for stronger supply-chain testing and verification of premium oils used in processed foods, and for clearer regulatory oversight to protect consumers who rely on ingredient labels.

If you specifically seek products with pure avocado oil, look for brands that publish third-party testing, verify suppliers, or state lot-level testing on labels or company websites.