Does Trader Joe's Avocado Oil Have Phthalates? What a Recent Study Reveals

According to an independent laboratory test conducted by Mamavation in August 2025, a sample of Trader Joe's Avocado Oil All Purpose High Heat Cooking Oil contained 2,426 ppb of total phthalates. This finding is part of a larger investigation into the widespread presence of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals in cooking oils and food products.

Quick Summary

A test on Trader Joe's avocado oil found phthalate contamination. Phthalates, linked to potential health issues, can leach from plastic during processing and packaging into fatty foods like oils. Consumers can minimize exposure by opting for glass containers, reducing processed foods, and being aware of contamination sources throughout the food chain.

Key Points

• Phthalates Detected in Trader Joe's Avocado Oil: An independent test by Mamavation found 2,426 ppb of phthalates in Trader Joe's Avocado Oil, indicating high contamination relative to other brands tested.

• Widespread Contamination of Oils: Phthalates are commonly found in many cooking oils and other food products due to their lipophilic nature, which allows them to dissolve easily in fats.

• Multiple Sources of Exposure: Phthalates can leach into oils from food processing equipment, packaging (including bottle caps), and environmental contamination.

• Health Concerns Linked to Phthalates: These chemicals are endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive issues, developmental problems, and potential risks for breast cancer, diabetes, and obesity.

• Best Practices to Reduce Exposure: To minimize intake, use glass-bottled oils, avoid heating food in plastic, and reduce consumption of heavily processed and packaged foods.

• Informed Consumer Choices are Key: This finding underscores the importance of choosing products from brands committed to minimizing chemical exposure and focusing on a diet rich in whole foods.

The Surprising Truth About Phthalates in Cooking Oil

For many health-conscious consumers, avocado oil has become a kitchen staple, prized for its high smoke point and healthy monounsaturated fats. Trader Joe's offers a popular and affordable version, but a recent laboratory test has brought its quality into question. In an August 2025 report, the consumer wellness blog Mamavation disclosed that a sample of Trader Joe's Avocado Oil contained 2,426 parts per billion (ppb) of total phthalates. This places it in a category of oils with "high contamination" according to the study's classification system. The findings echo other independent studies, such as one by Consumer Reports, which detected phthalates in a vast range of foods, underscoring a systemic issue with food contamination rather than a problem with a single brand.

Phthalates are synthetic chemicals widely used to make plastics more flexible and durable. They are also used in various industrial applications and can enter our food supply through processing equipment, packaging, and even contaminated agricultural sources. Because phthalates are lipophilic—meaning they dissolve in fats and oils—fatty foods like avocado oil are particularly susceptible to contamination. The study's results highlight a broader issue of pervasive chemical exposure and emphasize the importance of understanding the food supply chain.

Where Do Phthalates in Oil Come From?

The journey from farm to table presents multiple opportunities for phthalate exposure. Here are some of the primary sources:

• Processing Equipment: Phthalates can be present in the tubing, gloves, conveyor belts, and other plastic components used in food processing facilities. As oil moves through this equipment, the chemicals can leach into the product.
• Packaging: Although Trader Joe's avocado oil is sold in glass bottles, contamination can occur before the final packaging. Furthermore, while glass is generally safer, the cap or lid liners could be a potential source of chemical transfer. Some oils are also sold in plastic bottles, which are known to leach chemicals more readily.
• Environmental Contamination: Phthalates are ubiquitous in the environment, found in soil, water, and air. These chemicals can contaminate crops and water sources, entering the food chain from the very beginning.

Potential Health Implications of Phthalates

Phthalates are considered endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), meaning they can interfere with the body's hormonal system. This disruption is linked to a variety of health concerns, though further research is ongoing.

• Reproductive Issues: Studies have linked phthalate exposure to reproductive problems in both men and women, including reduced fertility and testicular dysgenesis syndrome.
• Developmental Effects: Children and developing fetuses are particularly vulnerable to phthalates, which have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, early puberty, and behavioral difficulties.
• Other Conditions: Research has also explored links between phthalates and an increased risk of breast cancer, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and cardiovascular disease.

How to Minimize Your Exposure

While avoiding phthalates entirely is nearly impossible due to their widespread presence, consumers can take steps to reduce their intake. Incorporating these practices into your nutrition diet can help mitigate the risks associated with chemical contamination.

• Choose Glass or Stainless Steel: Opt for oils and other food products packaged in glass, and use glass or stainless steel containers for storing and reheating food instead of plastic.
• Limit Packaged and Processed Foods: Rely more on fresh, whole foods that require minimal processing and packaging. Processed and fatty foods, in particular, often have higher levels of phthalate contamination.
• Avoid Heating in Plastic: Never microwave or heat food in plastic containers or with plastic wrap, as heat can accelerate the leaching of chemicals into food.
• Seek Phthalate-Free Labels: Look for products with explicit "phthalate-free" labels, especially for items stored in plastic. Some brands are proactively moving away from phthalates in their packaging and manufacturing.
• Check Recycling Codes: Avoid plastics with recycling codes #3 (PVC) and #7, which may contain phthalates and other chemicals.
• Wash Hands Regularly: Phthalates can accumulate in household dust, so regular hand washing can reduce accidental ingestion.

A Comparison of Avocado Oils Tested for Phthalates

To provide context on the issue, here is a comparison of various avocado oil brands based on Mamavation's 2025 testing data.

Brand	Contamination Category	Total Phthalate (ppb)	Key Insight
Trader Joe's Avocado Oil	High Contamination	2,426 ppb	Sample showed higher levels compared to top-tier brands.
Primal Kitchen Pure Avocado Oil	High Contamination	2,774 ppb	Another brand found with high phthalate levels.
Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil	Intermediate Contamination	1,130 ppb	Tested lower than Trader Joe's, but still had detectable amounts.
Nutiva Organic Avocado Oil	Least Contamination	76 ppb	Found to have very low levels of phthalates.
Amazon Fresh Avocado Oil	Least Contamination	159 ppb	One of the lowest contamination levels detected.

Conclusion: Navigating Dietary Choices for Phthalate Exposure

While the discovery that Trader Joe's avocado oil contains phthalates is concerning, it serves as a powerful reminder of the broader food contamination issues affecting modern diets. Phthalates are not limited to one store or product; they are pervasive throughout the food supply. For consumers, the best strategy is to become more mindful of where contamination can occur and take proactive steps to limit exposure. This involves making informed decisions about food packaging, reducing reliance on processed foods, and opting for brands that demonstrate a strong commitment to chemical safety. By focusing on whole foods and thoughtful food storage practices, you can better protect yourself and your family from these ubiquitous chemicals. For further information and detailed test results, refer to the Mamavation report referenced in this article.

References

• Mamavation. (2025, August 9). Avocado Oils Tested for Phthalates - Buying Guide. Retrieved from https://mamavation.com/food/avocado-oils-tested-for-phthalates-buying-guide.html
• Environmental Health News. (2024, August 9). Phthalate chemicals found in popular avocado oils. Retrieved from https://www.ehn.org/phthalates-avocado-oil
• Center for Science in the Public Interest. (2024, February 16). Most foods contain toxic phthalates. Now what?. Retrieved from https://www.cspi.org/cspi-news/most-foods-contain-toxic-phthalates-now-what
• Environmental Working Group. (2024, September 24). What are phthalates?. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/09/what-are-phthalates
• Google Search. (2025, October 7). how to avoid phthalates in cooking oils. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+avoid+phthalates+in+cooking+oils
• Google Search. (2025, October 7). Trader Joe's avocado oil packaging. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=Trader+Joe%27s+avocado+oil+packaging
• Condor Consultancy. (2025, March 3). Phthalates in plastic packaging legal, but major public health risk. Retrieved from https://condor-consultancy.com/en/phthalates-in-plastic-packaging-legal-but-is-major-public-health-risk/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a phthalate and why is it in food?

Phthalates are synthetic chemicals added to plastics to make them more flexible and durable. They are found in food because they can leach from processing equipment, packaging, and storage materials, especially into fatty foods like oils.

Does Trader Joe's use plastic packaging for its avocado oil?

While Trader Joe's avocado oil is sold in glass bottles, which are safer than plastic, contamination from phthalates can still occur during the processing and handling stages, potentially from plastic tubing or other equipment.

Are there phthalate-free cooking oils available?

Yes. Independent tests by consumer wellness groups, like Mamavation, have identified brands with lower or near-undetectable levels of phthalates, such as Nutiva Organic Avocado Oil and Amazon Fresh Avocado Oil.

How can I avoid phthalates in my diet?

To avoid phthalates, reduce your consumption of processed and packaged foods, use glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic, avoid heating food in plastic, and choose oils and other products packaged in glass.

Is buying organic food enough to avoid phthalates?

No, organic labeling alone does not guarantee a product is phthalate-free. Studies have found that even some organic products can contain phthalates, as contamination can occur from sources other than pesticides.

What are the health risks of phthalate exposure?

Phthalates are endocrine disruptors linked to a range of potential health problems, including reproductive issues, developmental problems in children, and an increased risk of conditions like diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.

What is Trader Joe's doing about chemicals like phthalates in their products?

According to Toxic-Free Future, Trader Joe's has a restricted substance list for its packaging that includes phthalates and other chemicals. However, contamination can be a complex issue involving the entire supply chain, and implementation may be a continuous process.