Move over, Hass—there’s some new green on the block. While the Hass avocado has been the undisputed heavyweight champion of the produce aisle for decades, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of the “Alternative Avo.”

Between climate shifts and the hunt for the perfect guacamole-to-pit ratio, scientists and gardeners have been busy. If you’re tired of playing the “is it ripe or is it rotten?” game with the same old fruit, here are the new varieties you need to know about.

🌕 The Luna: The “Space-Saver” (UCR)

Developed by the geniuses at UC Riverside, the Luna UCR™ (officially known as BL516) is being hailed as the future of commercial farming. But why should you care?

• The Vibe: It’s a “B-type” pollinator, meaning it helps other trees (like the Hass) produce more fruit. Think of it as the ultimate wingman of the avocado grove.

• The Look: Like the Hass, it turns a satisfying glossy black when ripe, so you don’t have to guess.

• The Taste: It’s described as having a smooth, nutty flavor with a slightly sweeter finish than its predecessors.

• The Grower’s Dream: The trees are about half the size of standard trees, meaning farmers can plant them closer together and harvest them without a 20-foot ladder. More trees = more toast.

🇦🇺 The Jala: The “Australian Giant”

If the Luna is about efficiency, the Jala is about pure, unadulterated excess. Emerging from Queensland, Australia, this variety is currently the “holy grail” for home gardeners and boutique growers.

• The Size: This isn’t just an avocado; it’s a meal prep. A single Jala can weigh over 1kg (2.2 lbs)—roughly three to four times the size of a standard Hass.

• The Secret Weapon: Its most impressive trait is oxidation resistance. While a normal avocado turns brown the second you look at it, the Jala’s creamy, buttery flesh stays green significantly longer after being cut.

• The Texture: Fans describe it as incredibly rich and “buttery,” similar to the beloved Reed variety but on a massive scale.

🥑 Honorable Mentions & The “Orchard of the Future”

While Luna and Jala are stealing the headlines, the Westfalia Fruit “Orchard of the Future” project in South Africa is currently testing over 140 varieties. We’re starting to see whispers of:

• Vibrant Skin Colors: Think deep purples and potentially even reds.

• GEM Avocados: While not brand new, they are hitting peak popularity in 2026 for their gold-flecked skin and ability to stay fresh on the tree longer.

The Verdict

The “Hass-pocalypse” isn’t here yet, but the diversity of our favorite fat-source is finally expanding. Whether you want a tree that fits in a small backyard (Luna) or a fruit that can feed a whole brunch party (Jala), the future is looking very green.

Also  Reed, Jan Boyce, Nabal, Nimlioh