Fact-Checking the Healthiest and Cleanest Mayonnaise Brands

Mayonnaise often gets a bad rap in the world of nutrition, but the story is changing as we learn more about how certain ingredients affect the human body - for better or worse. At WISEcode, we believe that making informed choices, powered by knowledge and technology, can transform even the simplest kitchen staples into building blocks for a healthier tomorrow.

What Makes a Mayo Brand Healthy?

Not all mayonnaise is created equal. The healthiest brands focus on clean, simple ingredients: high-quality oils (like avocado or olive oil), organic eggs, and natural acids such as lemon juice or vinegar. These versions of mayo skip the artificial flavors, unnecessary preservatives, seed oils (vegetable oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, soybean oil), added sugar, and excess salt.

Top Health-Conscious Mayonnaise Brands

According to popular health and food publications, most of these mayonnaise brands were the most commonly selected as the healthiest and cleanest in town. We certainly saw some of our favorites, but we went to the store to make sure the rest of these brands practice what they preach. The list highlights the healthiest and cleanest brands, including varieties for vegan mayonnaise, and budget-friendly options. Here’s our clean mayonnaise ranking based on our AI-powered food database.

Primal Kitchen Real Mayonnaise

Leading the pack, Primal Kitchen uses only avocado oil, organic eggs, and a short, transparent ingredient list. They include just a few other ingredients, such as mustard, lemon oil, and, in some varieties, mustard flour as a flavor enhancer, to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor. It’s a favorite for those seeking heart-healthy fats and minimal processing.

Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayo

Another standout, this mayo swaps vegetable oils for avocado oil, providing a boost of monounsaturated fats and a clean, flavorful profile. Sir Kensington's Avocado Oil Mayonnaise is made with whole eggs for a richer flavor and is soy-free, making it suitable for those with soy allergies. The inclusion of rosemary extract acts as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer, further elevating its taste and stability.

Chosen Foods Mayo

Stands out as a healthier brand primarily because it avoids common oils like sunflower oil and canola oil, which are often high in omega-6 fatty acids. Instead, it uses avocado oil, known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, providing a cleaner, more nutritious option without compromising on creamy texture and flavor.

Their mayo is thickened with xanthan gum and seasoned with both black pepper and white pepper for added depth. The flavor profile typically features only a hint of garlic or spice, depending on the specific sauce.

Follow Your Heart Vegenaise

For plant-based eaters, Vegenaise uses expeller-pressed canola oil and is free from eggs and dairy, making it a heart-healthy, vegan-friendly spread that is perfect for those who avoid milk and dairy products. Follow Your Heart Vegenaise is often considered one of the best vegan mayonnaise options, thanks to its flavorful taste and quality ingredients like pea protein and other ingredients that set it apart from traditional mayo.

Expeller-pressed canola oil is considered better than most seed oils because it is mechanically extracted without chemical solvents, preserving more natural nutrients and having a healthier fatty acid profile with lower omega-6 content.

Whole Foods 365

Whole Foods 365 is one of the top store brands for mayo, featuring a clean and straightforward ingredient label that emphasizes organic eggs and high-quality oils, although it still contains expeller pressed canola oil. The ingredient list is free from unnecessary ingredients often found in conventional mayos, such as high fructose corn syrup and modified food starch. This mayonnaise can also be used as a base for homemade sauces and dressings, like spicy mayo or blue cheese dressing.

Duke’s

Known for its simple, sugar-free recipe and low sodium, Duke’s delivers on both taste and nutrition. Unlike regular mayo, which is typically made with egg yolks and can be higher in certain fats, Duke’s offers a unique tangy flavor and a creamier texture. Their plant-based and olive oil varieties offer alternatives for different dietary needs. Still, if you’re trying to avoid soybean oil or unknown concoctions labeled “natural flavors”, there are better options elsewhere.

Why Ingredient Transparency Matters

The best mayo keeps their ingredient lists short and familiar, but some brands include other ingredients like pea protein, avocado oil, vinegar, spices, or thickeners to enhance flavor or texture. Look for products with organic certification, glass jars (to avoid plastic leaching), and real flavorings like herbs and spices. Oils like avocado oil and olive oil are preferred for their healthy fat profiles, while organic eggs support both nutrition and animal welfare. If you’re going to choose a brand with vegetable oils, seek out brands that use a safer extraction method that doesn’t use chemicals.

Why Choosing Healthier Mayo Brands Matters

Paying attention to the ingredients in your mayonnaise and opting for healthier brands could help you avoid potential allergens and reduce exposure to additives that some people find concerning. For example, certain seed oils and artificial ingredients might contribute to feelings of unease or inflammation in sensitive individuals. Choosing options made with high-quality oils like avocado or olive oil, and organic eggs, may support a more balanced diet. While selecting clean mayonnaise alone is not a cure or guaranteed prevention, the practice of selecting cleaner products can contribute to overall well-being and help you manage dietary sensitivities or reduce intake of unwanted additives.

Empowering Your Choices with WISEcode

With the WISEcode scanner app, you can quickly uncover the ingredients and health profile of any mayonnaise brand on the shelf - just like we did above. Our mission is to help you make informed choices based on the decisions you want to make for yourself and your family. Whether you’re building a sandwich, mixing up a salad, or grabbing a quick and healthy snack, every ingredient matters.

The Path Forward

At WISEcode, we’re dedicated to nurturing well-being through knowledge and innovation. Healthy eating isn’t about restriction—it’s about making smarter, more resilient choices. Next time you reach for mayonnaise, scan with confidence and know you’re choosing the best for yourself and those you care about.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Mayo Brands

Q1: What should I look for in a healthy mayo brand?
A: Choose mayo brands that use high-quality oils like avocado or olive oil, organic eggs, and natural acids such as organic lemon juice or vinegar. Avoid added sugars, artificial flavors, seed oils high in omega-6 fatty acids, and unnecessary preservatives.

Q2: Are there good vegan mayo options available?
A: Yes, brands like Follow Your Heart Vegenaise and Vegenaise offer plant-based mayo made without eggs or dairy. These often use ingredients like pea protein and chickpea broth to achieve a creamy texture and flavorful taste.

Q3: How does avocado oil mayo compare to classic mayonnaise?
A: Avocado oil mayo provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and usually has a clean, rich flavor. It is often preferred over classic mayonnaise made with vegetable or soybean oils, which can contain higher levels of omega-6 fats.

Q4: Can store bought mayo be healthy?
A: Yes, many store bought mayo brands now offer healthier options with simple, organic ingredients and no added sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Look for brands like Primal Kitchen, Sir Kensington’s, and Whole Foods 365.

Q5: Is organic mayo better than regular mayo?
A: Organic mayo typically uses organic eggs, oils, and natural flavorings, which can be better for health and the environment. It also avoids synthetic pesticides and genetically modified ingredients often found in conventional mayo.

Q6: What is the role of egg yolks in mayonnaise?
A: Egg yolks act as a key ingredient that helps emulsify the oil and water components in mayonnaise, creating its creamy texture and rich flavor.

Q7: How can I use mayonnaise beyond sandwiches?
A: Mayo is a versatile condiment. It can be used as a base for sauces, dressings (like chipotle mayo or spicy mayo), dips, and even in baking to add moisture and richness.

Q8: Are there low-fat or light mayonnaise options that are healthy?
A: Light mayonnaise options often contain fillers and added sugars to compensate for reduced fat. It’s best to check ingredient lists carefully and opt for brands that maintain a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition without excessive additives.

Q9: How important is ingredient transparency in mayo brands?
A: Very important. Brands with short, familiar ingredient lists and clear labeling help you make informed, healthier choices. Transparency also ensures no hidden unhealthy additives like modified food starch or high fructose corn syrup.

Q10: Can I make my own healthy mayonnaise at home?
A: Absolutely! Homemade mayo allows you to control ingredients, using fresh organic eggs, avocado or olive oil, and organic lemon juice. Using a food processor running slowly to add oil helps achieve a thick, creamy texture.