A Milestone for the Avocado Industry in the New Dietary Guidelines

For decades, Hass avocados have been part of a growing global agriculture, enjoyed by consumers around the world—even as public understanding of their nutritional value has evolved over time. Early perceptions often painted avocados as indulgent or misunderstood because of their fat content. What time and research have consistently shown, however, is that avocados have always delivered the same impressive package of nutrients that support their role as a healthy food.

Recognizing the need to bring science into the spotlight, the Hass Avocado Board launched a pivotal strategy in 2010 focused on formally documenting and communicating the nutrition and health benefits of avocados. Through sustained investment in research and the creation of initiatives such as the Avocado Nutrition Center and the Love One Today® program, HAB helped translate credible science into meaningful public understanding. These efforts were paired with a strategic public relations approach that steadily elevated avocados in nutrition conversations—among consumers, health professionals, and government scientists alike.

That long-term commitment has paid off. Over successive five-year cycles, federal nutrition guidance has increasingly reflected what science has shown about whole foods and healthy fats. As we begin 2026, the industry can celebrate a significant milestone: the release of the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Avocados are positively featured in the new guidelines, including visual inclusion in the updated food pyramid and recognition as one of nine foods that contribute “healthy fats” to recommended eating patterns. This is a meaningful signal—not just for consumers, but for institutions, educators, and healthcare professionals who rely on federal guidance to shape food policy and nutrition advice.

The guidelines’ strong emphasis on whole, fresh foods and reduced intake of added sugars and highly processed products aligns closely with HAB’s longstanding messaging. Fresh Hass avocados fit naturally into balanced, health-forward diets, and this federal validation reflects years of coordinated advocacy and science-driven leadership.

As these guidelines influence federal feeding programs and professional recommendations nationwide, the momentum for avocados has never been stronger. Together, the industry is well positioned to build on this progress and continue advancing the role of avocados in healthy eating patterns.

Learn More About the New Dietary Guidelines.