National Avocado Day is an annual food holiday celebrated every July 31, marking the height of summer and the peak season for avocados and guacamole. Since its inception in 2017, the holiday has become a significant promotional event for restaurants and retailers across the United States, featuring a variety of freebies, discounts, and limited-time menu items centered around the popular fruit. For consumers, this day presents an opportunity to enjoy avocado-based offerings, often at a reduced cost or even for free, through specific promotional structures.
The holiday is consistently observed on July 31 each year, with the date in 2026 falling on a Friday. While the date itself holds no historical significance beyond its alignment with the summer avocado season, it serves as a fixed annual event for brands to engage customers. Participating establishments typically structure their promotions around guacamole, avocado slices, or avocado-infused dishes, often requiring a purchase to redeem the free offer.
How National Avocado Day Promotions Are Structured
Promotions for National Avocado Day are primarily restaurant-based, focusing on in-store and digital ordering. The core model for most deals involves a "free with purchase" structure. Consumers are generally required to buy a regularly priced entrée or main item to receive a complimentary side of guacamole, avocado topping, or a similar avocado product. These offers are frequently tied to a brand's loyalty program or mobile app, requiring members to use a specific promo code at checkout.
Some brands have also incorporated sweepstakes and digital engagement into their promotions. For example, a prior year's promotion included an augmented reality lens on social media platforms that allowed users to scan real avocados for a chance to win prizes. However, it is important to note that the specific details of these digital components can vary annually and are often limited-time offers.
Participation and availability are not guaranteed at every location. The provided documentation consistently advises consumers to call ahead and confirm with their local establishment before visiting, as promotions may vary by location. Deals are also subject to change or expiration without notice.
Anticipated National Avocado Day 2026 Deals
Based on promotional patterns from previous years, several restaurant chains are predicted to offer deals on National Avocado Day in 2026. The following anticipated offers are derived from historical participation and promotional trends. It is critical to understand that these are predictions, not confirmed offers for 2026, and should be verified with official brand communications closer to the date.
Predicted Restaurant Offers
Chipotle * Anticipated Offer: Free guacamole side or topping. * Eligibility: For Chipotle Rewards members. * Requirements: Must purchase a regular-priced entrée and use a specific promo code (e.g., AVO2025) when ordering via the Chipotle app or website. * Additional Notes: Chipotle has historically run sweepstakes in conjunction with the holiday, such as an AR lens for a chance to win free guacamole for a year.
Barberitos * Anticipated Offer: Free small guacamole. * Requirements: In-store entree purchase.
Bubbakoo's Burritos * Anticipated Offer: Free guacamole topping. * Eligibility: Rewards members. * Requirements: Any regular-priced entree purchase.
Del Taco * Anticipated Offer: Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deal on Grilled Chicken Fresh Guacamole Burritos. * Eligibility: Del Yeah members. * Requirements: In-app offer.
Meijer * Anticipated Offer: Sale on extra large avocados. * Context: This is a retail grocery promotion, distinct from the restaurant-focused freebies.
Moe's Southwest Grill * Anticipated Offer: Free side of guacamole. * Requirements: Purchase of an entree (burritos, bowls, Moe Value Meal, nachos, stacks, quesadillas, or a Three Tacos Entree).
Pokeworks * Anticipated Offer: Free scoop of avocado. * Requirements: Purchase of any entree and use of a promo code at checkout online or in-app.
Potbelly * Anticipated Offer: Free hand-sliced avocado on any sandwich. * Requirements: Use of a promo code at checkout online or in-app.
Qdoba * Anticipated Offer: Free guacamole (first portion) with any entree purchase. * Context: This offer is noted as being available every day, including National Avocado Day.
Tocaya * Anticipated Offer: Free chips and guacamole. * Eligibility: Loyalty members. * Requirements: Order placed on July 31.
Taco Cabana * Anticipated Offer: Free small chips and guacamole. * Eligibility: Rewards members. * Requirements: Online or in-app purchase using a promo code at checkout.
Eligibility and Participation Rules
The primary eligibility requirement across most National Avocado Day promotions is a purchase. Free avocado items are almost universally tied to the purchase of another menu item, typically a regularly priced entrée. This structure incentivizes a visit to the restaurant while providing a value-added bonus.
Loyalty program membership is another common requirement. Many brands restrict their best deals to members of their rewards or loyalty programs, which often necessitate creating an account and downloading the mobile app. For these members, the redemption process frequently involves applying a unique promo code during digital ordering (via app or website) or presenting the offer at the point of sale.
Geographic participation is not universal. While national chains may announce a promotion, individual franchise locations or company-owned stores may choose not to participate. The documentation repeatedly emphasizes that offers, prices, and local participation may vary. Therefore, the most reliable action for consumers is to contact their specific local restaurant to confirm participation and any additional terms before making a trip.
Historical Context and Significance
National Avocado Day was established in 2017 by the brand Model Meals to celebrate the fruit's growing popularity. The holiday has since been embraced by the food industry as a key promotional date. The timing in late July capitalizes on the natural peak of avocado season, ensuring the fruit is at its most abundant and flavorful. This seasonal alignment makes it an ideal period for restaurants to feature avocado and guacamole prominently on their menus.
The celebration extends beyond just restaurant deals. The holiday is also a time for consumers to engage with the fruit in various ways, from preparing homemade guacamole to exploring avocado's health benefits. The fruit is celebrated for its creamy texture and nutritional value, being rich in vitamins and healthy fats. National Avocado Day serves as a focal point for both commercial promotions and cultural appreciation of this versatile food.
Maximizing the Experience
To make the most of National Avocado Day, consumers should prepare in advance. Monitoring official brand channels—such as company websites, social media accounts, and email newsletters—is the most effective way to receive confirmed offer details as the date approaches. Signing up for loyalty programs for favorite restaurants ahead of time ensures access to member-exclusive deals.
When planning to redeem an offer, having the necessary tools ready is key. This includes having the restaurant's mobile app downloaded, being logged into a rewards account, and having any required promo codes noted. For in-store purchases, it may be helpful to have the digital offer available on a smartphone. As always, verifying participation with the local outlet is the final and most important step to avoid disappointment.
Conclusion
National Avocado Day on July 31, 2026, will likely feature a familiar array of promotions from participating restaurant chains, centered on free guacamole, avocado toppings, or similar items with a purchase. While specific offers for 2026 remain predictions based on past trends, the consistent structure of these promotions provides a reliable framework for consumers. The key to success lies in staying informed through official brand sources, understanding the common eligibility requirements—primarily a purchase and often loyalty membership—and confirming local participation. By approaching the day with preparation and verification, consumers can effectively take advantage of the complimentary avocado offerings and celebrate the holiday.