#225 - The Avocado Oil Scam: Is Your “Healthy” Food Actually Fake?

Avocado oil is everywhere. Chips, mayonnaise, salad dressing and cooking oils proudly advertise it as a premium — and often more expensive — ingredient. But what if the avocado oil you're paying extra for isn't actually what you think it is? In this episode of FAKD, Joe Rowan investigates the growing controversy surrounding avocado oil after UC Davis researchers tested 54 processed foods labeled as containing avocado oil and found that 48 had oil compositions inconsistent with authentic avocado oil. We break down how real avocado oil is made, why it's so expensive, how cheaper oils can potentially make their way into the supply chain, and why the words “Made With Avocado Oil” may deserve a much closer look. We also dive into the laws surrounding food labeling, the regulatory gaps involving avocado oil standards, previous research that found problems with bottled avocado oil itself, and why olive oil performed dramatically better in the same UC Davis testing. Plus: What does “pure” avocado oil actually mean? Can companies legally misrepresent the oils they're using? How can consumers tell what's authentic? And should independent testing and certification become mandatory for companies charging a premium for avocado oil? You might be paying avocado-oil prices without actually getting what you think you're paying for.