Can You Get Dairy Free Mayonnaise? A Comprehensive Guide to Plant-Based Options

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

While traditional mayonnaise typically uses egg yolks as an emulsifier, it's a misconception that this process always involves dairy. So, can you get dairy free mayonnaise that still offers that familiar creamy texture and tangy flavor? The answer is an absolute yes, with numerous market options and simple homemade recipes now available.

Quick Summary

Dairy-free mayonnaise is readily available, featuring plant-based ingredients like soy milk or aquafaba for emulsification. It comes in various commercial brands and can be made at home, providing a creamy, delicious condiment for vegan or dairy-restricted diets.

Key Points

Availability: Dairy-free mayonnaise is widely available in supermarkets, with major brands offering vegan and egg-free versions.
Emulsifiers: Plant-based alternatives use ingredients like aquafaba, soy milk, or cashews to create a creamy, emulsified texture instead of eggs.
Homemade Options: Recipes using aquafaba (chickpea liquid) or soy milk are simple to make at home with an immersion blender, offering full control over ingredients.
Soy-Free Alternatives: Those avoiding soy can find excellent dairy-free options based on aquafaba or cashew cream, both in stores and as DIY recipes.
Versatility: Dairy-free mayonnaise can be used interchangeably with traditional mayo in sandwiches, dressings, dips, and salads without compromising taste or consistency.
Texture Differences: Depending on the base ingredient, dairy-free mayonnaise can range in texture from light and fluffy (aquafaba) to rich and dense (cashew cream).

The Rise of Dairy-Free Mayonnaise

In recent years, the market for dairy-free and vegan food products has expanded dramatically, and mayonnaise is no exception. This shift is driven by a growing number of consumers following plant-based diets, managing food allergies, or simply seeking healthier alternatives. While traditional mayonnaise relies on egg yolks to bind oil and water, dairy-free versions expertly replicate this creamy consistency using alternative emulsifiers derived from plant sources. This means you no longer have to compromise on taste or texture to enjoy your favorite sandwiches, dressings, and dips without dairy or egg products.

How Dairy-Free Mayonnaise Is Made

The secret to dairy-free mayonnaise lies in its ability to replicate the emulsifying properties of egg yolks using plant-based ingredients. The most common substitutions include:

Aquafaba: The starchy liquid from canned chickpeas is an incredible, often-overlooked emulsifier. When whipped vigorously, it traps oil, creating a fluffy and stable emulsion remarkably similar to egg-based mayo.
Soy Milk: Unsweetened soy milk contains natural emulsifiers (soy lecithin) that work effectively to bind oil and other ingredients into a creamy texture. It's a key ingredient in many store-bought vegan mayonnaise products.
Silken Tofu: This soft tofu variety is another excellent option. Its high protein and water content allow it to blend into a smooth, creamy base, though it can have a more subtle flavor.
Cashew Cream: For those avoiding soy, soaked and blended cashews create a rich, creamy base that functions beautifully in a mayonnaise-style spread.

Navigating the Supermarket Aisle: Top Dairy-Free Mayo Brands

Finding dairy-free mayonnaise at the store is easier than ever, with many major brands offering vegan and egg-free versions. Always check the label for certification or specific ingredients if you have allergies. Popular brands include:

Follow Your Heart Vegenaise: One of the pioneers in the vegan condiment space, Vegenaise is available in original, soy-free, and avocado oil versions. It has a classic, reliable flavor and is widely available.
Hellmann's Vegan Dressing & Spread: A widely recognized brand offering a vegan counterpart to its traditional mayonnaise. Many find its flavor to be very close to the original.
Chosen Foods Vegan Avocado Oil Mayo: This option uses avocado oil as its base and is free from both dairy and soy. It provides a cleaner flavor profile than versions made with other oils.
Sir Kensington's Vegan Mayo: Known for its gourmet flavor, this brand provides a high-quality vegan alternative using sunflower oil and simple ingredients.
Primal Kitchen Vegan Mayo: Based on avocado oil, this brand is popular for its high-quality, plant-based ingredients and clean-label approach.

DIY Dairy-Free Mayo: Simple Recipes

Making your own dairy-free mayonnaise at home offers complete control over ingredients, flavor, and texture. Here are two popular methods:

Aquafaba Mayonnaise (Soy-Free, Nut-Free)

Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup neutral oil (like sunflower or canola)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine aquafaba, mustard, and lemon juice in a tall, narrow container suitable for an immersion blender.
- Blend on high speed until it becomes foamy.
- Slowly drizzle in the oil while blending continuously. The mixture will emulsify and thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper. Store in the fridge.

Soy Milk Mayonnaise

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk (at room temperature)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup neutral oil
Instructions:
- In an immersion blender container, combine soy milk, vinegar, and mustard. Mix briefly.
- With the blender running at the bottom of the container, pour in the oil slowly and steadily.
- As the mixture begins to thicken, move the blender up and down to incorporate all the oil until a creamy consistency is achieved.

Comparison of Dairy-Free Mayonnaise Bases

This table provides a quick comparison of the most common plant-based ingredients used to create dairy-free mayonnaise:


Feature	Aquafaba-Based	Soy Milk-Based	Cashew-Based
Emulsifier	Chickpea protein and starch	Soy lecithin	Soaked & blended nuts
Allergies	Soy-free, nut-free	Contains soy	Contains nuts
Flavor Profile	Very neutral; depends on seasoning	Mildly tangy, clean flavor	Rich and slightly nutty
Texture	Fluffy and light	Thick and creamy	Extra creamy, dense
DIY Effort	Easy with an immersion blender	Very easy, fast emulsification	Requires overnight soaking	Use Case	Excellent for dressings and dips	All-purpose replacement	Best for richer, thicker spreads

Cooking with Dairy-Free Mayonnaise

Dairy-free mayonnaise can be used in almost all the same applications as its traditional counterpart. It works perfectly as a spread for sandwiches and wraps, a base for creamy salad dressings, or a key ingredient in potato salad. For sauces, it can be customized with various additions like sriracha, garlic, or herbs to create flavored aiolis.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Dairy-Free Mayonnaise

Yes, you absolutely can get dairy-free mayonnaise, and the options are extensive, from readily available store brands to customizable homemade recipes. The key is to find the base that suits your dietary restrictions and flavor preferences, whether it's aquafaba for a soy-free option or cashew cream for a rich, nutty texture. With so many delicious alternatives, embracing a dairy-free diet doesn't mean sacrificing the creamy, tangy condiment you love. It opens up a whole new world of culinary possibilities, making it a simple and satisfying part of a healthy, balanced diet.

If you want to read more about specific vegan and plant-based foods, check out this comprehensive list from Vegan.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dairy-free mayonnaise is typically made from plant-based ingredients like vegetable oil, water, and an emulsifier such as soy milk, aquafaba (chickpea brine), or cashew cream. It also includes seasonings like vinegar or lemon juice, mustard, and salt.

No, not all mayonnaise is dairy-free. While traditional mayonnaise does not contain dairy ingredients like milk or cream, it does contain eggs, making it unsuitable for vegans. Always check the label to ensure it is explicitly labeled "dairy-free" or "vegan".

Yes, vegan mayonnaise is always dairy-free because a vegan diet excludes all animal products, including eggs and dairy. However, not all dairy-free mayo is strictly vegan, as some specialty products might still contain egg-based ingredients while being milk-free.

Yes, dairy-free mayonnaise can be used as a direct substitute for traditional mayo in most recipes. It works well as a spread, in dressings, and for binding salads. It is not suitable for recipes where the egg's specific properties, like leavening, are required.

If your homemade dairy-free mayonnaise is too thin, the emulsification may have broken. You can try adding a tablespoon of additional oil or an acidic agent like lemon juice or vinegar while blending slowly. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Several well-known brands produce dairy-free and vegan mayonnaise options. Examples include Follow Your Heart (Vegenaise), Hellmann's Vegan, Sir Kensington's Vegan Mayo, and Chosen Foods Vegan Avocado Oil Mayo.

You can find dairy-free mayonnaise in most major supermarkets, health food stores, and online. It is typically located in the condiment aisle alongside traditional mayonnaise or in the refrigerated health food section.

Homemade dairy-free mayonnaise can be healthier as it allows you to control the oil type, sodium content, and additives. While store-bought options are convenient, some may contain higher levels of processed ingredients or added sugars compared to a simple homemade recipe.