Is Mayo Dairy Free: Mayo is a popular condiment that is commonly used in sandwiches, salads, and various other dishes. But an important question surrounding mayo is – is it dairy or dairy-free? The ingredients and nutritional profile of mayo provide the answers.
What is Mayo?
Mayo, also known as mayonnaise, is a thick, creamy sauce or dressing that is made with emulsifying oil and egg yolks. Some of the main ingredients used to make mayo include:
- Oil– Vegetable oils like canola, soybean, etc. Olive oil may also be used in some recipes. The oil forms the bulk of mayo.
- Eggs– Egg yolks are used to emulsify the oil and give mayo its thick, creamy texture.
- Vinegar– Distilled white vinegar or lemon juice is added for sourness and tanginess.
- Salt– Added for flavor.
- Sugar– Small amounts of sugar are added to balance flavors.
- Spices and herbs– Garlic, mustard powder, etc. may be used for flavor.
- Thickeners– Small amounts of starch or guar gum may be used.
So the two key ingredients that make mayo mayo are oil and eggs. The eggs make it creamy and thick. Without eggs, you cannot make real mayo.
Is Mayo Dairy?
Given that real mayo contains egg yolks, mayo is considered a dairy product.
Eggs are an animal product and a type of dairy. While milk and products made from milk like cheese, cream, butter, etc. are pure dairy, eggs are considered ‘dairy’ too.
So if you see mayo made with eggs, it can be classified as a dairy-based condiment. It is not vegan or plant-based.
People with milk allergies or vegans need to avoid mayo-containing egg yolks.
Is All Mayo Dairy?
While standard mayo recipes call for egg yolk, some types or brands of mayo are made without eggs, making them dairy-free.
Egg-free or vegan mayo varieties use substitutes for eggs like:
- Tofu
- Soy milk
- Almond milk
- Pea protein
- Starches
- Gums
These ingredients help create a thick texture without eggs.
So you can find dairy-free mayo options which will be labeled as:
- Eggless mayo
- Vegan mayo
- Plant-based mayo
- Dairy-free mayo
Check the ingredients list for any mayo to see if it contains egg yolks or egg ingredients like egg whites, dried eggs, etc. Avoid those with eggs.
Nutritional Profile: Mayo vs Vegan Mayo
Let’s compare the nutrition facts of regular egg-containing mayo and vegan eggless mayo:
<table> <thead> <tr> <th>Nutrient (per 100g)</th> <th>Regular Mayo</th> <th>Vegan Mayo</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>Calories</td> <td>699</td> <td>472</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Total Fat</td> <td>74g</td> <td>47g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Saturated Fat</td> <td>6g</td> <td>3g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Cholesterol</td> <td>94mg</td> <td>0mg</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Sodium</td> <td>740mg</td> <td>473mg</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Total Carbohydrate</td> <td>3g</td> <td>3g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Protein</td> <td>1g</td> <td>1g</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
As seen above:
- Regular mayo is high in cholesterol due to egg yolks. It provides 94mg of cholesterol per 100g.
- Vegan may contain 0mg cholesterol as it has no egg yolks.
- Both have similar amounts of fat, carbs, and protein. But regular mayo is higher in saturated fat.
- Vegan mayo contains less sodium compared to regular.
So if you want to avoid dietary cholesterol or lower saturated fats, vegan eggless mayo is a better choice. Those with heart disease or diabetes may benefit from using eggless mayo varieties.
Popular Brands of Vegan Mayo
Many brands now offer eggless and dairy-free mayo options:
- Just Mayo
Just Mayo is one of the most popular vegan mayo brands. It’s made without eggs, dairy, or soy. Sunflower oil is used to give it a creamy texture. It comes in original, chipotle, truffle, sriracha, garlic, and other flavors.
- Vegenaise
From Follow Your Heart company, Vegenaise is cholesterol-free and made with pea protein instead of eggs. It’s soy-free and nut-free.
- Nayonaise
This eggless mayo by Nasoya contains tofu and is also soy-free. It comes in classic, chipotle, garlic, and creamy dill options.
- Whole Foods 365 Eggless Mayo
Sold at Whole Foods stores, this affordable option uses sunflower oil and vegan ingredients like modified food starch, pea protein, etc.
- Hellmann’s Vegan Mayo
Hellmann’s, known for their regular mayo, also offers an eggless vegan version made with soy milk and canola oil.
- Kraft Real Mayo Vegan
From the popular brand Kraft, this product uses soybean oil and contains no egg, dairy, or cholesterol.
Homemade Eggless Mayo Recipe
You can also easily make vegan mayo at home:
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened soy milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp maple syrup
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine all ingredients except oil. Blend for 30 seconds.
- With blender running, slowly drizzle in oil and blend until thick and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
This easy 5-minute eggless mayo recipe can be customized by adding garlic, herbs, chipotle, etc. You can control the ingredients used.
Is Mayo Suitable for a Dairy-Free Diet?
Mayo made with eggs would not be dairy-free. But eggless vegan mayo can be included in a dairy-free diet.
Those with milk/dairy allergy, lactose intolerance, or following a vegan diet can consume eggless mayo without worries. It provides creaminess without the dairy.
Always check the label to ensure the mayo is made without egg yolks or any other dairy ingredient like milk, cream, whey, etc.
Is Mayo Gluten-Free?
Regular mayo and eggless vegan mayo are typically gluten-free. Mayo is generally made without gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye.
However, certain thickeners like modified food starch could potentially be a source of gluten. So if avoiding gluten, choose brands that specifically say ‘gluten-free’ on the label.
Can Mayo be Frozen?
You can freeze both dairy-based and eggless mayo. To freeze mayo:
- Transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container leaving headspace to allow for expansion.
- Seal and label the container with the date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw frozen mayo overnight in the fridge before using. Whisk gently to reincorporate if any separation occurs.
Freezing prevents eggs in regular mayo from spoiling quickly. For eggless mayo, freezing extends the shelf life.
Does Mayo Need to be Refrigerated?
Both regular and eggless mayo must be refrigerated after opening. The USDA and FDA food code states that mayo is a potentially hazardous food that requires refrigeration at 40°F or below.
At room temperature, bacteria can multiply quickly in the creamy egg-oil emulsion of mayo. Refrigeration inhibits bacterial growth and preserves freshness.
Unopened mayo can be stored in the pantry. But once opened, keep it in the fridge in a closed container.
Mayo FAQs
Is eggless mayo as tasty as regular mayo?
Eggless mayo has come a long way! Brands like Just Mayo and Vegenaise taste extremely close to regular mayo with rich, creamy, eggy flavor. They can fool even mayo lovers. The secret is using ingredients like soy milk and pea protein to replicate egg flavors.
Is vegan mayo healthy?
Vegan mayo has no cholesterol and less saturated fat compared to regular mayo since it contains no eggs. However, both versions are still high in total fat from the oil content. Enjoy eggless mayo in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet. The overall nutrition profile is similar to regular mayo.
Does vegan mayo have eggs?
Read labels carefully! Some brands label their product ‘vegan’ mayo but still contain egg ingredients. True vegan mayo is 100% egg-free and dairy-free. Common egg substitutes are soy products, pea protein, tapioca starch, etc.
Can I make my mayo at home?
Yes! Making eggless mayo at home is easy and uses basic ingredients like oil, lemon juice, soy milk, vinegar, etc. Homemade allows you to control the quality of ingredients. Store-bought vegan mayo can also cost more.
Does eggless mayo taste as good in recipes?
Eggless mayo works great in recipes! Its rich creaminess provides similar flavor, moisture, and binding properties as regular mayo. Use vegan mayo in pasta salads, sandwiches, dressings, dips, etc. Adjust any other seasonings in the recipe if needed.
Conclusion
Mayo made with eggs is a dairy-based product and not suitable for vegans or those avoiding dairy. However, eggless and dairy-free mayo options are widely available for plant-based diets. Read labels and look for “eggless” or “vegan” mayo without egg ingredients.
Eggless vegan mayo has a similar taste and texture to regular mayo by utilizing substitutes like soy products and starches. Nutritionally, it contains no cholesterol and less saturated fat. Both regular and vegan mayo must be refrigerated after opening.
When shopping for mayo, check if it meets your dietary needs whether you avoid dairy, eggs, gluten, or want plant-based. With many brands offering vegan mayonnaise today, you can enjoy the creamy flavor of mayo on sandwiches and in recipes, without the eggs.
Mustafa Al Mahmud is a passionate medical writer and health enthusiast. He is excited to share his knowledge and make reliable health information more accessible through Quick Medico. Mustafa aims to write about common diseases, medications, wellness topics, and the latest health research in easy-to-understand language. He believes clear and accurate health communication empowers readers to take charge of their well-being. In his free time, Mustafa enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.