Healthy avo snacks for match day munching

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially on, and once again South Africa and Mexico will face off in the opening match, just like they did back in 2010… this also means it’s time to get your match-day snacks sorted.

This year, skip the usual greasy chips and heavy finger foods and add an avo to the line-up instead. South African avocados are the perfect halftime hero: fresh, delicious and packed with goodness, without feeling over-the-top indulgent.

The best part? Avos are incredibly versatile. From loaded guac and crunchy avo toast bites to biltong-and-avo skewers or spicy avo salsa with jalapeños, there are endless ways to serve up snacks Mzansi style.

And speaking of kick-offs, there’s no better football food than guacamole. Originally made famous in Mexico centuries ago, this creamy avo favourite feels especially fitting as South Africa and Mexico meet again on football’s biggest stage. Keep it classic with tomato, onion, chilli and lime, or give it a local twist with sweetcorn, biltong or piquanté peppers for extra gees.

If chips are still part of your game-day tradition, no problem – guac remains the ultimate dip upgrade.

Not only are avos delicious, they’re also rich in naturally good fats and fibre, making them a smart snack choice while you settle in for 90 minutes (plus extra time). They contain nutrients that support overall wellness, and they’re a satisfying way to keep hungry fans happy from kick-off to the final whistle.

With avos in peak season during football season, there’s never been a better excuse to add an avo to your TV-side treats.

Because when the football tension kicks in, at least the snacks can still be a winner.

And once the final whistle blows, why not keep the Mexican-inspired flavours going with a hearty Mexican Burrito Soup topped with fresh avo? It’s the perfect way to warm up a cold winter evening after all the match-day excitement.

For further information and avo recipes, visit www.avocado.co.za , like them on Facebook @iloveavocadoSA and follow them on Instagram @iloveavossa

Quick Avocado Guacamole

Serves 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe avocados, peeled and stoned
• 2 medium tomatoes, seeds removed and roughly chopped
• 5 ml (1 tsp.) ground cumin
• 1 red chilli, finely chopped (optional)
• 4 spring onions, sliced
• 30 ml (2 tbsp.) lemon juice
• 30 ml (2 tbsp.) finely chopped fresh coriander
• 2,5 ml (1/2 tsp.) smoked paprika
• Lemon wedges, to serve
• Corn chips, to serve
• Fresh coriander, to garnish

Method:

1. Place all the ingredients in a bowl and stir well to combine.
2. Cover and allow to stand for 10 minutes for the flavours to develop.
3. Garnish and serve.

Mexican Burrito Soup

Serves 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• Avocado or olive oil for cooking
• 2 small wraps, cut into 1 cm strips
• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 5 ml (1 tsp) smoked paprika
• 5 ml (1 tsp) ground cumin
• Salt and pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• ½ yellow pepper, diced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 410 g tin Mexican style chopped tomatoes
• 750 ml (3 cups) chicken stock
• 2 limes, cheeks cut off
• 1 avocado, sliced and/or diced
• Handful coriander
• 1 red chilli, thinly sliced (optional)

Method:

1. Heat a splash of oil in a saucepan on medium-high and fry the wrap strips, in batches, for about 2 minutes, turning, until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towel.
2. Combine the chicken, paprika and cumin. Add another splash of oil to the same pan and fry for about 5 minutes or until golden. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
3. To the same pan add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes or until golden. Add peppers and garlic and fry for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add tomatoes and stock, bring to a boil. Return the chicken and cook for 8 minutes. Add a squeeze of lime juice (from the centres, not the cheeks) and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve topped with avocado, remaining lime cheeks, crispy wrap strips, coriander and chilli (optional).