Can you eat mayonnaise on Whole30? Your Complete Guide to Compliant Options

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Whole30 program rules, most conventional store-bought condiments are non-compliant due to added sugars and forbidden oils. So, when it comes to the question, 'can you eat mayonnaise on Whole30?', the answer is both yes and no, depending entirely on the ingredients list.

Quick Summary

Standard mayonnaise is prohibited during a Whole30 because it contains non-compliant ingredients like soybean oil and sugar. However, compliant versions are available, either by carefully selecting specific store-bought brands made with avocado or light olive oil, or by making a simple homemade version.

Key Points

No Conventional Mayo: Standard mayonnaise contains sugar and unhealthy oils like soybean and canola, making it non-compliant on Whole30.
Homemade is Compliant: You can easily make your own Whole30-approved mayonnaise at home using ingredients like avocado oil, eggs, lemon juice, and compliant mustard.
Look for Approved Brands: Specific brands like Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods offer store-bought avocado oil mayonnaise that is Whole30 Approved.
Read the Labels: Always check ingredient lists to ensure no non-compliant ingredients like soybean oil, sugar, or canola oil have been added.
Avocado Oil is Key: Compliant mayonnaises almost always use avocado or light olive oil, avoiding the inflammatory oils found in standard versions.
Boost Your Meals: Whole30 mayonnaise serves as a versatile base for dressings, sauces, and salads, preventing bland meals and enhancing flavor.
Use an Immersion Blender: For homemade mayo, an immersion blender is a highly effective tool that helps ensure a foolproof, creamy result.

Navigating Whole30 Rules for Condiments

For many, mayonnaise is a kitchen staple, but the Whole30 program has strict guidelines on what can and cannot be consumed. The challenge lies in the ingredients commonly found in conventional mayonnaise. The Whole30 is a 30-day elimination program designed to reset your health, habits, and relationship with food. It requires removing grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and added sugars, among other things. This last rule is the primary reason why typical store-bought mayonnaise is a no-go.

The Problem with Conventional Mayonnaise

Brands like Hellmann's or Best Foods are not Whole30 compliant. These mass-produced products contain ingredients that violate the program's rules. A closer look at the typical ingredient list reveals the following common non-compliant culprits:

Soybean and Canola Oil: These vegetable oils are derived from legumes and grains, respectively, and are not allowed. Whole30 encourages the use of healthier, less processed fats like avocado oil, olive oil, and coconut oil.
Added Sugars: Many mayonnaise brands contain added sweeteners, even if only in small amounts, which are strictly prohibited during the Whole30 program.
Preservatives and Additives: The program is built on the philosophy of consuming whole, unprocessed foods, so any artificial additives or preservatives often found in condiments are a red flag.

Making Your Own Whole30 Compliant Mayonnaise

For those who love the creamy texture of mayo, making your own at home is the safest and most compliant option. It’s surprisingly simple and quick, especially with an immersion blender. The beauty of homemade mayo is that you control every single ingredient, ensuring it meets all Whole30 standards.

A Simple Homemade Whole30 Mayo Recipe

Here's a basic recipe using an immersion blender:

1 large egg (preferably pasteurized for safety)
1 cup light-tasting oil (avocado oil is highly recommended for its neutral flavor)
1 Tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard (make sure it has no added sugar)
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a jar just wide enough for the immersion blender head.
Place the blender head at the bottom of the jar and turn it on high.
Keep the blender still for about 30 seconds, or until a creamy white emulsion forms at the bottom.
Slowly lift the blender up and down to incorporate the remaining oil.
Once everything is emulsified and thick, season with salt to your liking.

Navigating Store-Bought Options

If you don't have the time or tools to make your own, there are compliant store-bought mayonnaises available. The key is to check for the "Whole30 Approved" label or meticulously read the ingredient list yourself.

Approved Brands:

Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayonnaise: This is a widely available and popular choice, explicitly designed to be compliant with Whole30 and Paleo guidelines.
Chosen Foods Classic Mayo: Another brand made with 100% avocado oil and featuring simple, compliant ingredients.
Tessemae's Organic Classic Mayo: A compliant option that also meets Whole30 standards.
365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Mayo: Depending on the specific variety, some 365 brand mayos are compliant, but a careful label check is necessary.

Comparing Compliant Mayonnaise Options


Feature	Homemade Whole30 Mayo	Store-Bought Whole30 Mayo
Cost	Generally more budget-friendly	More expensive due to compliant ingredients
Ingredients	100% control over every ingredient	Rely on brand transparency; must check labels
Flavor	Can be customized to your taste; fresh flavor	Consistent flavor profile; some love it, others don't
Effort	Requires a few minutes and some kitchen equipment	Ready-to-use convenience
Shelf Life	Shorter shelf life (around 1-2 weeks)	Longer shelf life, sealed in a jar

Creative Uses for Whole30 Mayonnaise

Compliant mayo is a versatile ingredient that can elevate many Whole30 dishes, adding creaminess and flavor where you might otherwise miss it. This helps prevent meal boredom and makes the program more enjoyable.

Here are some ideas:

Protein Salads: Use it as the binder for chicken, tuna, or egg salad served on lettuce wraps.
Aioli: Add some crushed garlic, herbs, or smoked paprika to the homemade version for a delicious aioli.
Dressings: Use compliant mayo as a base for creamy salad dressings, like a Whole30 ranch.
Dips: Create a creamy dip for compliant raw vegetables by mixing in herbs and spices.
Sandwich Substitute: Spread it on sliced sweet potato "toast" or use it in a lettuce-wrapped burger or sandwich.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Mayo for You

Successfully navigating the Whole30 program while still enjoying rich and creamy condiments like mayonnaise is completely possible. The crucial takeaway is that while you can eat mayonnaise on Whole30, it must be either a homemade version crafted with compliant ingredients or a specifically formulated Whole30 Approved brand. Conventional mayonnaise, packed with sugar and prohibited oils, is strictly off-limits and will derail your progress. By taking the time to make your own or carefully selecting an approved product, you can continue to enjoy your favorite creamy foods, all while adhering to the program's guidelines and focusing on whole, nutritious foods. For more tips and recipes, the official Whole30 website is a great resource.

The Whole30 Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Regular mayonnaise is not Whole30 compliant because it often contains ingredients that are forbidden on the program, such as soybean oil, canola oil, and added sugars.

Light-tasting olive oil, avocado oil, and expeller-pressed coconut oil are recommended for their neutral flavor and Whole30 compliance. Avoid extra virgin olive oil, as its strong flavor can make the mayonnaise taste bitter.

Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo is a popular and approved choice. Others include Chosen Foods and Tessemae's, but it is always crucial to check the label for the Whole30 Approved seal or ingredient compliance.

While traditional recipes use raw eggs, it is safer to use pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Pasteurized eggs can be found in most grocery stores and are safe to consume uncooked.

Homemade mayo should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and is typically good for about one to two weeks, as it lacks the preservatives of store-bought versions.

To fix a separated or runny mayo, you can add a fresh egg yolk to a clean bowl and slowly whisk in the broken mixture, or add a teaspoon of boiling water and whisk vigorously to help it re-emulsify.

Besides salads and sandwiches, Whole30 mayo can be used as a base for creamy dressings like ranch, flavorful aiolis by adding garlic or herbs, and a binder for meatloaves or crab cakes.