Purity and quality of private labelled avocado oil

Abstract

Avocado oil continues to be a high demand product and there is a growing market for both name brands and private labels. Since our study on evaluating the purity and quality of name brand avocado oil in 2020, some producers have made efforts to assure quality and lend support for standard establishment. However, the purity and quality of private labeled avocado oil have not been evaluated and are of a concern for many consumers. This study evaluates thirty-six private label samples throughout the US and Canada. Out of 29 refined samples, three met both quality and purity standards, 11 met quality standards and eight met current proposed purity standards; out of 7 unrefined samples, three met current proposed purity standards for avocado oil. Key markers such as an elevated stearic fatty acid value with an elevated delta-7-stigmastenol value were identified to help professional buyers make educated decisions on what oils to purchase. Low cost can indicate a higher probability for adulteration; however, high cost does not guarantee a pure sample of appropriate quality. Both purity and quality parameters should be used to label the avocado oil appropriately to ease consumer confusion and increase their confidence in the avocado oil category. This work also highlighted the importance of continuing to research avocado oil, to understand natural variables that affect chemical compositions of avocado oil and to establish standards that accommodate these variances while minimizing adulterations.