Which brands of avocado oil are pure?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

A 2020 UC Davis study found that a staggering 82% of avocado oils on the market were either mislabeled, rancid, or mixed with cheaper oils, highlighting the extensive fraud in the industry. This makes knowing which brands of avocado oil are pure essential for health-conscious consumers seeking the true benefits of this cooking oil.

Quick Summary

Pure avocado oil is difficult to find due to widespread adulteration with cheaper seed oils. Independent testing has identified certain reputable brands that consistently offer high-quality, authentic products. Key factors like certifications, packaging, and the oil's sensory profile help consumers verify purity.

Key Points

Prevalence of Fraud: Studies show that a majority of avocado oil products are mislabeled or adulterated with cheaper seed oils.
Look for Certifications: Certifications like the Clean Label Project, endorsed by brands like Madhava, indicate independent testing for purity.
Trusted Brands: Chosen Foods has been consistently verified as pure and unadulterated in multiple independent tests and reviews.
Refined vs. Unrefined: Unrefined oils are greener and more flavorful but have a lower smoke point; refined oils are paler and neutral-tasting with a high smoke point.
Packaging and Storage: Choose oil in dark glass bottles and store it in a cool, dark place to protect it from light and heat, which can cause rancidity.
Use Your Senses: Pure, unrefined oil has a buttery, grassy aroma. A stale, play-dough-like smell indicates rancidity.

The Problem with Avocado Oil Purity

Avocado oil has gained immense popularity for its health benefits, including a high concentration of monounsaturated fats and a high smoke point. However, as its popularity has risen, so has the incentive for producers to cut corners by adulterating it with cheaper oils like sunflower, canola, or soybean oil. Laboratory analyses from institutions like the University of California, Davis, have confirmed that the majority of commercial avocado oils are mislabeled and impure. The issue is compounded by a lack of strong regulatory standards to ensure label accuracy. Some brands even contain no avocado oil at all.

How to Identify Pure Avocado Oil

Becoming an informed consumer is the best defense against fraudulent avocado oil. Here are some key factors to consider when shopping for pure avocado oil:

Look for Certifications and Testing

While no single certification guarantees purity, some organizations and companies are taking steps toward transparency. Look for bottles mentioning independent lab testing or certifications like the Clean Label Project. Trusted brands often voluntarily share their testing results or partner with independent bodies. For instance, Madhava Foods has been certified clean and pure by the Clean Label Project.

Consider the Packaging

Avocado oil is sensitive to light and heat, which can cause it to go rancid prematurely. Pure, high-quality oil should be sold in a dark glass bottle to protect it from oxidation. Be wary of oil sold in clear plastic containers.

Check the Label Carefully

Pure avocado oil should have only one ingredient: avocado oil. Check the label for words like "blend" or any mention of other oils. Even phrases like "100% pure" on the front label are not always reliable without corresponding certification.

Examine the Oil's Sensory Qualities

Unrefined, extra virgin avocado oil has a rich, buttery, and grassy aroma with a vibrant green color. Refined avocado oil is lighter in color, almost clear, and has a more neutral flavor. If an unrefined oil is pale or has little to no scent, it may be adulterated. If any avocado oil smells stale or like play-dough, it is likely rancid.

Refined vs. Unrefined Avocado Oil

The main distinction lies in the extraction and processing methods, which affect the oil's flavor, color, and smoke point.

Unrefined (Extra Virgin) Avocado Oil:

Extracted via cold-pressing, without chemicals or heat.
Retains more nutrients, antioxidants, and a distinct buttery, grassy flavor.
Has a lower smoke point (around 400°F) and is best for low-heat cooking, dressings, and dips.

Refined Avocado Oil:

Undergoes a natural refining process, often steam-refined, that removes impurities but preserves nutritional integrity.
Has a milder flavor and a lighter color.
Features a very high smoke point (up to 520°F for Chosen Foods), making it ideal for high-heat cooking, frying, and roasting.

Brands That Have Proven Their Purity

Several brands have been cited in recent years for consistently meeting or exceeding purity standards in independent lab testing:

Chosen Foods: Consistently named a top pick in various reviews and studies, including the UC Davis test and The Spruce Eats' 2025 review. It is 100% pure and naturally refined, with a high smoke point.
Madhava Clean & Simple Avocado Oil: This brand is notably certified as clean and pure by the Clean Label Project.
CalPure Avocado Oil: Mentioned in the UC Davis study as one of the few brands to pass purity tests, particularly a U.S.-based option.
Marian's Avocado Oil: Also identified as 100% pure and unoxidized by the UC Davis study and sold at Costco.
Avohass Avocado Oil: The Spruce Eats names this cold-pressed, extra virgin oil as a top pick for its unrefined quality.
365 Whole Foods Market Avocado Oil: Included in ConsumerLab.com's list of avocado oils that passed their quality tests.

Comparison of Top Pure Avocado Oil Brands


Brand	Refinement	Noted Qualities	Best For	Certifications
Chosen Foods	Naturally Refined	High smoke point, neutral flavor, available in spray	High-heat cooking, frying	N/A (Independently tested pure)
Avohass	Cold-Pressed, Unrefined	Buttery, smooth flavor; lower smoke point	Dressings, low-heat cooking	Certified Organic, Extra Virgin
Madhava	Expeller-Pressed	Mild, buttery flavor; single-sourced	High-heat cooking, baking	Clean Label Project Certified
CalPure	Extra Virgin	Tested 100% pure by UC Davis; transparent production	Dressings, low-heat cooking	Independently Tested Pure
Nutiva	Steam-Refined	Mild flavor, organic, regenerative farming	All-purpose cooking, baking	USDA Organic
La Tourangelle	Delicate, Refined	Light, fruity flavor; easy-pour bottle	Cooking, sauteing, vinaigrettes	N/A

Conclusion: Making an Informed Purchase

The widespread issue of avocado oil adulteration underscores the need for vigilance when purchasing. While a high price point is no guarantee of purity, opting for established, transparent brands and looking for independent testing or certifications provides the best chance of securing a truly pure product. Brands like Chosen Foods and Madhava have earned reputations for reliability through independent analysis. Understanding the difference between refined and unrefined oil also helps in choosing the best oil for your specific culinary needs. Always store your avocado oil properly to preserve its freshness and quality.

For additional information on food fraud, you can consult studies from reputable sources like UC Davis, which frequently publish findings on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

A primary sign is an unusually pale or clear color for an unrefined oil, indicating heavy refining or mixing. A stale or un-buttery aroma can also be a sign of low quality or rancidity.

Unfortunately, no. Due to a lack of strict regulation, many products labeled "100% Pure" have been found to be diluted or rancid in independent lab tests. Looking for certifications and transparent brands is more reliable.

Cold-pressed (unrefined) oil is extracted without heat or chemicals, preserving a strong flavor and green color. Refined oil is processed to remove impurities, resulting in a neutral flavor, pale color, and higher smoke point.

Refined avocado oil is best for high-heat cooking, such as frying and searing, because it has a high smoke point of over 500°F. Chosen Foods offers a naturally refined option ideal for this purpose.

Store avocado oil in its dark glass bottle in a cool, dark place, away from heat sources like the stove. Limiting its exposure to light and air helps prevent oxidation and keeps it fresh longer.

Many store brands or low-cost options have been found to be diluted with cheaper seed oils. While some store brands, like 365 Whole Foods Market, have been approved in tests, it's safer to stick to brands with proven purity.

No, avocado oil is made from the fruit's flesh, not the seed. However, the market is rife with adulterated avocado oil cut with cheaper, lower-quality seed oils.