Food Shopping and Storing Food Shopping & Storing An Avocado Shortage Is Looming, Here's What You Need to Know Plus, recipes for avocado toast alternatives. By Samantha Leffler Samantha Leffler Instagram Website Samantha is the senior food editor at RealSimple and previously launched the US Weekly food vertical, where she wrote about the intersection of food and pop culture. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on February 15, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: melecis/Getty Images In an age of numerous food shortages, avocados may be next on the list of items that are in short supply. While other recent food shortages have been related to things like supply chain issues, severe weather, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the looming avocado crisis has to do with tensions between the United States and Mexico, which exports more than 100,000 tons of avocados to America per month. According to a recent statement from Mexico's Agriculture Ministry, the U.S. has temporarily suspended avocado imports from Michoacan—a state in western Mexico—after an American inspection officer received a threatening call to his official cell phone. Though the exact nature of the call is unknown, the US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) decided to pause all avocado inspection procedures while the threat is being assessed. An investigation is currently underway. Here's Why Food Is So Expensive Right Now Michoacan is the only state in Mexico that's authorized to export avocados to the United States, so even a momentary pause in inspections can create significant issues in the supply chain. Typically, each avocado coming from Mexico is evaluated, and then shipped to the U.S. to be packaged once it is approved. Since the United States also grows avocados, this inspection process is crucial. Designated American inspectors work in Mexico to ensure that the exported avocados aren't carrying diseases or pests that may harm U.S. crops. While the United States and Mexican governments are currently working together to restore avocado imports, it's unknown how long this ban, which went into effect hours before the Super Bowl, will remain in place. And while the ban means no avocados from Mexico will be allowed into the country, it also has an impact on the green fruits that are already in America, which could in turn impact your guacamole and avocado toast. With the supply in flux, even for a brief period of time, avocado prices may rise because each one is now more valuable than before. Need Avocado Toast Ideas? Try These 8 Upgrades to Make the Meal Even Better In the event that a full-blown avocado shortage does play out, or if avocados become too expensive for some, we've come up with a list of avocado toast alternatives that taste just as good as the beloved breakfast staple. Avocado Toast Alternatives No avocados? No problem. Keep reading for several avocado toast alternatives that will make you forget all about the green fruits. 01 of 05 Yogurt toast This trendy TikTok dish is a piece of toast topped with a combination of yogurt and egg mixed together. It's then popped in the air fryer or oven until the bread gets crispy. You can also add fresh fruit and/or spices to your yogurt toast to give it a bit more flavor. For a toast that's less sweet (and more akin to avocado toast) use unflavored Greek or Icelandic yogurt as a base. RELATED: How to Make the Easiest Dumplings Ever, According to TikTok 02 of 05 Hummus and Cucumber Toast Caitlin Bensel get the recipe Hummus, like smashed avocado, makes for an excellent toast topper. Here, the popular dip is paired with thin slices of Persian cucumbers, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkling of bold za'atar spice mix. This toast will most definitely make you ask yourself, "Avocado who?" 03 of 05 Whipped Ricotta Toasts Greg DuPree get the recipe Whipped ricotta makes for a practically perfect toast base. In fact, you may soon discover that you prefer it to smashed avocado, which can begin to brown minutes after being slathered on a piece of bread. Creamy and neutral in flavor, whipped ricotta cheese goes with just about whatever else you have in the fridge. Try it with olive oil and flaky salt for something savory, or a drizzle of hot honey if you're looking for something sweet and spicy. 04 of 05 Egg Salad Toast With Fresh Herbs and Capers These open-faced egg toast beauties are much more than your average egg salad sandwich—the flavors, textures, and even look are elegant and original. Folded into the egg salad mixture is a mustardy vinaigrette, briny capers, fresh parsley, and just-bitter-enough radicchio leaves. Heaped on top of toasted sourdough, the result is both fresh and hearty, a win-win! This mixture would also be delicious piled on a whole grain like brown rice or quinoa, or even served as a salad for a lighter meal. Get the recipe: Egg Salad Toast with Fresh Herbs and Capers. Greg DuPree get the recipe If you've got extra eggs in the fridge, give this egg salad toast recipe a try. Sliced hard-boiled eggs are joined by biter radicchio, briny capers, and a spicy vinaigrette to create a protein-rich meal you'll love. 05 of 05 Pomegranate-Almond Toast Caitlin Bensel get the recipe Peanut butter and jelly fans will be happy to know that this jewel-toned toast is basically an elevated take on the childhood favorite, with pepitas and maple syrup also along for the ride. The best part is, this toast only takes five minutes to make. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit