Tariffs May Raise the Price of Avocados: What to Eat Instead

President Trump’s decision to impose at least a 10% tariff on most countries the United States trades with sent shockwaves globally, triggering the steepest plunge in U.S. stocks since 2020 and prompting warnings of recession.

Neighboring Mexico and Canada were spared from the latest round of tariffs, as they had been hit with a 25% tax on imports to the U.S. weeks earlier. However, as the tension between countries continues to rise, there’s uncertainty about whether tariffs remain unchanged.

Tariffs are taxes on goods and services imported from other countries. Trump argues they will help protect the country’s interests by encouraging Americans to buy more locally made goods and foreign companies to move their production to the U.S.

However, experts warn that U.S. consumers may be the ones who will absorb the increased taxes, as foreign companies may decide to compensate for tariffs by increasing their product prices.

What foods may face price hikes in the U.S.?

Sharmah Seakar, a senior procurement lead at Efficio, a global procurement and supply chain consultancy, tells WellnessPulse that the recent tariffs may have a significant impact on certain foods, such as:

• Avocados. The U.S. imports about 90% of its avocado supply from Mexico, especially during the winter and early spring, when domestic production in California is low. A 25% tariff on Mexican imports could push the average retail price from $2.00 to $2.50 per avocado, representing a 25% hike at minimum.
• Salmon. About 96% of salmon is imported from Canada. A 25% tariff on Canadian seafood imports could increase salmon prices by up to 10%.
• Bell peppers. Over 75% of bell pepper imports come from Mexico. With the tariff assumption of 25%, the price of the bell pepper would be higher throughout the entire season.
• Berries. During winter months, about 80–90% of the berry supply is imported from Mexico. A 25% tariff would greatly impact the price of berries during the winter period.
• Lettuce and leafy greens. Over 95% of the lettuce consumed in the U.S. during winter months is imported mostly from Mexico. A 25% tariff would increase the price of a head of romaine or iceberg lettuce from $1.20 to $1.50 or more. Due to processing and logistics costs, the effect could be even sharper for bagged salad mixes.

Nutritional alternatives to tariffed foods

So, can these foods be substituted without compromising on nutritional value?

Sandra Vigelienė, BSc

Health content researcher

No food will be equal in both macronutrients and micronutrients.

Avocados are mainly valued for their “healthy fat” content, mono-unsaturated fats (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFA), as a standard 50 g serving contains 4.9 g and 0.91 g, respectively. They are also a great source of dietary fiber, with 3.4 g per serving and potassium, 254 mg per serving.

Fiber helps ensure proper digestion and makes us feel full longer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.) Meanwhile, potassium helps the function of kidneys, heart, muscles, and nerves.

A 16 g serving of almond and other nut butter is higher in healthy fats, containing 5.18 g of mono-unsaturated fats and 2.18 g of polyunsaturated fats. However, it’s about twice as low in dietary fiber and potassium as avocado.

Olives are another great source of healthy fats, with 2.60 g of mono-unsaturated fats per 34 g serving. However, they may not be the best substitution for those who care about their fiber intake, as a serving of olives contains nearly six times less fiber than avocado.

While hemp seeds are lower in healthy fats and dietary fiber, they contain 360 mg of potassium per 30 g serving.

Those looking for alternatives to fatty fish like salmon should focus on fatty acid profile and omega-3, Vigelienė says. Consuming omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and dementia. An 85 g serving of salmon has 0.523 g of omega-3 PUFAs.

Mackerel may be a great alternative to salmon, containing about four times more omega-3 PUFAs, 2.268 g per serving. Trout is also higher in omega-3 PUFAs, with 0.909 g per serving.

Bell pepper is valued for its dietary fiber intake, which is 1.78 g per 148 g serving. It is also rich in vitamin C, potassium, niacin, and magnesium, essential vitamins required for the body to function properly.

According to Vigelienė, Brussels sprouts, cooked kale or spinach, and sweet potatoes may also provide certain similar nutritional values, especially in terms of micronutrients and fiber.

Saving money in the face of tariffs

Multiple strategies can help mitigate the impact of price increases, Seakar says, such as buying locally grown, seasonal produce. During harvest months, U.S. farms can supply excellent alternatives such as apples, squash, kale, spinach, broccoli, and more, depending on the region.

Shopping from farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and regional co-ops not only cuts out the tariff markups but also strengthens local economies and supports small-scale farmers. Seeker says it often delivers produce that is fresher, more flavourful, and longer-lasting due to shorter supply chains.

Consumers may also explore local alternatives, getting creative with the substitution of tariffed products. For example, if maple syrup from Canada becomes cost-prohibitive, locally produced honey or molasses can offer similar sweetness and richness.

Another strategy may involve planning ahead for shelf-stable staples and purchasing them in bulk.

For pantry items likely to see tariff-driven inflation like imported canned goods, pasta, sauces, or cooking oils, buying in bulk before price hikes fully kick in can be a savvy move.

Sharmah Seakar

Ultimately, home cooking and baking may provide consumers with greater control over costs, ingredients, and portion sizes. For example, baking bread and tortillas can be made at home at “a fraction of the store price.”

The takeaway

The tariffs may raise the price of avocados, salmon, and other foods that are integral to a healthy diet, but only time will tell what the actual outcome is. Consumers can save money by buying locally grown produce with similar nutritional value and cooking at home.