Analysis | 2026 is the new 2016: Why avocados are still winning the cart

Scroll through social media lately, and you’ve probably seen it: “2026 is the new 2016.” A throwback mindset with a modern twist, says Mission Produce in its latest blog post.

Back in 2016, avocados were at the center of that moment, a symbol of feel-good eating that balanced taste, nutrition, and a little everyday indulgence. However, they were considered a “sometimes” purchase for many households.

Fast forward to today, and the stage for the green fruit has changed dramatically—and for the better. The fruit is no longer a rare indulgence, but a weekly staple across retail, foodservice, and beyond.

The rise of the omnichannel avocado shopper

Convenience is driving today’s shopper, and today that means turning to digital grocery more and more. According to data from the US Department of Agriculture, in 2025, 21 percent of households shopped both online and in-store, up from just five percent of shoppers in 2019. 

And these omnichannel shoppers are driving serious demand, with repeat purchases up to 16 times per year and total spending of $59 annually. 

Even more compelling, avocado purchase frequency and dollar spend among omnichannel shoppers are 50 percent higher than among in-store-only shoppers, signaling a significant opportunity for the category in the digital era.

The protein effect: Avocados as a power pair

If 2016 was about avocado toast, 2026 is about protein.

Protein has become one of the most powerful drivers in food, with 70 percent of Americans actively trying to consume more of the nutrient (+8 pts since 2021), according to Morgan Stanley's 2025 IFIC Food Nutrition Survey. Moreover, Google searches for “High protein” are up by 178 percent since 2019.

Even if the green fruit isn't high in protein itself, the trend presents a crucial consumer opportunity. According to the Hass Avocado Board, the fruit plays an important supporting role in this matter, bringing healthy fats, fiber, and craveable flavor to protein-rich meals. 

The pairing is driving big-dollar purchases: When avocados are in the basket alongside these protein items, the basket averages $49 higher, making them a clear driver of incremental sales, according to a 2025 Cross Purchase Report.

So the “2026 is the new 2016” trend isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about returning to foods that feel good, deliver value, and fit seamlessly into everyday life. Avocados do all three, and perhaps most importantly, they continue to grow.

*All graphics courtesy of Mission Produce. 

The second edition of the Global Avocado Summit will be held on November 11, 2026, at the Monticello Casino Events Center in Santiago, Chile. Organized by the Chilean Avocado Committee and Yentzen Group, the meeting seeks to bring together the main players in a growing industry.

The event has established itself as a key space for addressing commercial and sustainability issues in the industry, bringing together producers, exporters, buyers, certifiers, and innovators to analyze the sector’s challenges and opportunities.

For more info, contact 

events@yentzengroup.com

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