My Take on the Avocado Oil Products Study
Study on Avocado Oil Products
UC Davis study found that 89% of avocado oil products contained cheaper oils that were not listed in their ingredients.
What You Will Find In This Post:
How this study was conducted and what its results are
An understandable spectrum of emotions in response to its findings
Where to go from here
A practical salad dressing hack that is seed oil-free!
Frustrating Results from UC Davis Study on Avocado Oil Products
The results from a University of California, Davis, study conducted by Applied Food Research was released. The findings were disheartening regarding the authenticity of grocery items made with avocado oil.
The study found that 48 of 54 avocado-oil-labeled products were adulterated with cheaper oils.
How the study was completed:
Each product was tested using different samples from California stores and online retailers, and from different lots as well.
They tested chips, mayonnaises, and salad dressings, and personally I was stunned by the results!
The percentage of avocado oil products, by category, that failed the test:
93% of Chips
71% of Mayonnaises
100% of Salad Dressings
Olive Oil Products Tested Much Better!
Only 1 of the 20 products tested failed.
If you would like to read more about this study, here is a link from UC Davis with a summary.
Such Frustrating Findings!
You may find yourself experiencing a number of emotions in response to this news:
Angry
Annoyed
Frustrated
Confused
And, not to get too heavy, but you may have even felt like these companies broke the trust you placed in them.
I was incredibly disheartened by this news, for multiple reasons.
Beyond the intentionality of the food I purchase to support my health and my family's health, I carry that same responsibility with the recommendations I pass along to each of you.
Knowing that a number of these products are ones I have suggested to you carries an additional burden for me.
So I am right there with you in the frustration of it all!
I could go on about all the reasons to be justified in being angry about this!
But we can’t change anything in the past, and focusing there would not be good for our stress levels ;)
Let’s look to the ways we can move forward!
So, Where Do We Go From Here?
The reality is we can’t go back…we can only go forward!
We were acting in the best interest of those we loved, based on what we knew at the time.
So…New Knowledge…New Actions
I am going to be honest with you: this summer I have become a bit lazy in the kitchen.
My “on-the-go,” “in a pinch,” “shortcut” options have become more of my regular routine.
It’s alright, it happens!
But here is why I tell you this…
When this news came out, I took it as a wake-up call to get back to more nutrient-dense, God-food options!
To get back to whole-food options that I prepare myself, with my own ingredients, so there is no doubt about what is in it!
I will bring you along on this journey with me, continuing to share quick, easy whole-food recipes that support your health and your family's health!
Practical Salad Dressing Hack
My simple way to avoid seed oils in salad dressing:
It only takes a couple of minutes
You most likely have what you need on hand
None of it goes to waste!
So what are you supposed to do when 100% of the avocado oil store-bought salad dressings have been found to also have seed oils in them?
Even though salad dressings are really easy to make, life is often busy, and that is just one more step you may not have time for.
Another issue for me is that homemade salad dressings don’t last as long as store-bought ones. So I would often end up throwing out what I didn’t use.
So here is my solution:
I just add all the individual ingredients to the top of my salad and mix it all together when I toss it!
No measuring!
No added steps!
No added mess!
No wasted salad dressing that ends up getting tossed!
The Ingredients to Include:
As a general rule of thumb, salad dressings are made of 4- 5 general categories.
An oil- like extra virgin olive oil
Something acidic - my go-to choices are apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Sea Salt
Seasonings - this can vary depending on the flavors you like. I typically add garlic powder, onion powder, and ginger.
Herbs (fresh or dried) - like parsley, mint, dill, or oregano
Regarding quantities:
You want more of the oil than the acidic ingredient, about double, I would say.
If you want a touch of sweetness in your dressing, honey is an excellent choice.
If you are using honey, I do recommend mixing the ingredients separately before adding it to your salad so the honey mixes well.
For the seasonings and herbs, I sprinkle them on top and eyeball it, which I get can be a super annoying recommendation!
General guidelines for a large salad: about ¼ tsp of the dried seasoning and 1 TBSP of fresh herbs, which would equate to 1 tsp dried.
If I can do this, you can do this!
When I started on this journey of tapping into nutrition to support my health, the kitchen was not my happy place. I needed specific, detailed instructions. I was very stressed every time I was making something.
So much so that my husband teased me that if I had a cooking show, it would be called “The Paranoid Chef” ;)
All that to say, I have come a long way!
And I have the utmost confidence that you too can make a tasty salad dressing by throwing together the flavors that you enjoy!
Think of it as trial and error that you can adjust with each salad that you make!
I love sharing quick, simple ways to eat healthy!
I am all about using quick and easy ways to support your health with whole foods, without making it complicated!
If you know someone who might appreciate this approach to their health, please share this post with them!
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Let me know if you try this method for your salad dressing!
If you do, share the flavors you are enjoying mixing together in the comments section! The options are endless!!
Wishing you and your family a blessed and beautiful day!
Love,
Beth xo