At SOIL, we love delicious, plant-based food—but we also care deeply about where our ingredients come from and how they impact the planet. That’s why, five years ago, we made the bold decision to remove avocados from our menu. It wasn’t easy, but it was the right thing to do. Here’s why.
The Hidden Cost of Avocados
Avocados may seem like the ultimate healthy food, but their environmental footprint tells a different story.
🚰 Extreme Water Use – A single kilogram of avocados requires around 2,000 liters of water to grow. In regions like Mexico and Chile, where much of the world’s avocados come from, this heavy water consumption has led to droughts and water shortages for local communities.
🌳 Deforestation & Habitat Loss – Avocado farming has contributed to deforestation in biodiversity-rich areas, threatening local wildlife and disrupting ecosystems. In some cases, protected forests have been cleared to meet global demand.
🚛 Massive Carbon Footprint – Avocados are often transported long distances to reach Europe, adding significantly to their CO₂ emissions—around 2.5 kg of CO₂ per kg of avocados. When they’re air-freighted for freshness, the footprint gets even worse.
⚖️ Social & Ethical Concerns – The high demand for avocados has fueled issues like land disputes, unfair labor practices, and even cartel involvement in certain regions of Mexico. What should be a simple fruit has, in some places, become part of a much bigger problem.
Choosing Better, Local Alternatives
When we took avocados off our menu, we focused on creating just-as-creamy, nutrient-rich dishes using local and sustainable ingredients. Instead of avocado toast, we developed new flavors with hummus, tahini, sunflower seed spreads, and seasonal vegetables—all with a lower environmental impact.
At SOIL, we believe that food should be delicious, ethical, and sustainable. That means making choices that are better for the planet and the people who live on it. Ditching avocados was one of those choices.
What Can You Do?
If you love avocados, you don’t have to quit them entirely—but being mindful of their impact can help.✅ Buy from sustainable sources (look for organic & fair-trade options)✅ Eat them less often and explore other creamy, nutrient-rich alternatives✅ Support local, seasonal produce to lower your food footprint
At SOIL, we’re all about making plant-based food better for people and the planet. Thanks for being part of the journey with us! 💚
What are your thoughts on avocados and sustainability? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇
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