Let’s be honest—is there anything that avocado doesn’t taste good on? (Answer: no.) Since we’re all in agreement on this, you probably experienced the same sinking feeling we did when you took a stroll through the produce aisle only to find that the world’s most amazing fatty fruit was either nowhere to be found or was in low supply at majorly hiked prices.
So what’s the cause of this avocadopocalypse? A recent grower’s strike in Mexico over worker wages has disrupted the transportation of avocado’s from our friends down south in a major way. That, combined with California’s drought (we grow 80% of American avocados) means that this “green gold” is crazy hard to come by right now. Translation: our beloved routine of avocado toast in the morning may not be happening for a while.
Not to fret! We’ve found a few tasty and healthy alternatives to tide you over, and—dare we say it—these might just become your new favorite go-to toast toppers even after we get our beloved avos back. Best part of all is that these require little to no prep, so you’ll be out the door in no time after fueling up.
The Topper: Hummus
As much as we love this as our tried and true afternoon snack, hummus is just as delicious served for the first meal of the day. Smear some roasted eggplant hummus on a fresh piece of toast, top with your choice of veggies (perhaps any grilled leftovers from dinner), drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with chili flakes for the final touch. Yum.
Healthy perks: Hummus (and chickpeas) are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.
The Topper: Fig
If you’re hankering for something a little sweeter in the morning, we’re thinking fig will be your jam—literally. Slather up that toast with some fig jam, layer it with raspberries and cashews (roasted or raw—totally your call), and top it off with a little honey-lemon drizzle. For that something extra, try a thin spread of goat cheese beneath the fig jam.
Healthy perks: Figs are a great source of potassium, fiber, copper and vitamin B6.
The Topper: Asparagus
If you’re grilling asparagus for dinner, keep this recipe in mind and make sure to save some green goodness for the morning’s toast. Whole or shaved, these taste amazing as a breakfast veggie when prepared with a little lemon juice, pecorino, and drizzled olive oil beneath a poached egg. Finish off with some black pepper and smoked sea salt and it won’t be long before you notice a little extra spring in your step.
Healthy perks: Asparagus is a great source of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.
The Topper: Cottage Cheese
You can seriously do so much with cottage cheese when it comes to breakfast, and adding it to your toast is no exception. Follow your desired amount of cottage cheese with fresh pineapple slices, coconut flakes, and some chopped pistachios if you’re craving that crunch. Season with sea salt and Aleppo pepper to bring it on home. If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, you can always swap it out for a dollop of organic Greek yogurt.
Healthy perks: Cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium.
Avocados will always remain near and dear to our hearts, but we don’t mind seeing what else is out there when these delicious breakfast toasts are also options on the table.