Does all mayonnaise contain soybean oil?

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

While most commercial mayonnaise brands sold in the United States formulate their product predominantly with soybean oil, it is not a universal rule. Many alternatives exist for those avoiding soy, with some premium brands and homemade recipes utilizing different types of vegetable oils instead.

Quick Summary

It is a common misconception that all mayonnaise contains soybean oil, but many alternatives are available. Some specialty brands use oils like avocado or olive oil, while many vegan options also avoid soy ingredients, making it important for consumers to check product labels carefully.

Key Points

Soybean Oil is Common: The majority of commercially produced mayonnaise in the US uses soybean oil due to its low cost and neutral taste, following FDA standards.
Not All Mayonnaise Contains It: Many specialty and organic brands explicitly state they are soy-free and use alternative oils like avocado or expeller-pressed safflower oil.
Watch for Blends: Products labeled "olive oil mayonnaise" often contain a mixture of olive oil and cheaper vegetable oils, including soybean oil, so always check the ingredients list.
Make It Yourself: For guaranteed soy-free mayonnaise and control over ingredients, an easy homemade recipe using your preferred oil is the best solution.
Vegan Options Vary: Not all vegan mayonnaise is soy-free, as some are made with soy ingredients. Look for products specifically labeled as 'soy-free'.
Taste Differs with Oil: The flavor profile of mayonnaise is highly dependent on the oil used, from the neutral flavor of soybean oil to the richer taste of olive oil.
Reading Labels is Essential: To confirm the presence of soybean oil, consumers must actively read and scrutinize the product's ingredient label.

The Dominance of Soybean Oil in Commercial Mayonnaise

In the U.S., soybean oil is the most common oil used in the mass production of mayonnaise for several key reasons. Primarily, it is an incredibly cost-effective and abundant ingredient, which keeps manufacturing costs low for major brands. It also possesses a clean, neutral flavor that doesn't overpower the other components of the mayonnaise, making it ideal for a versatile condiment. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standard of identity for mayonnaise, a product must contain at least 65% vegetable oil by weight. For most conventional brands, that vegetable oil is soybean oil.

This widespread use can be misleading, as some commercial products marketing themselves as "olive oil mayonnaise" or similar alternatives often still contain a significant amount of less expensive soybean or canola oil mixed in. It is crucial for consumers to look beyond the marketing on the front label and read the full ingredient list to understand exactly what is in their jar.

Exploring Mayonnaise Alternatives without Soybean Oil

Fortunately for those with soy allergies, sensitivities, or personal preferences, there is a growing market for alternatives that do not contain soybean oil. These products cater to consumers looking for specific dietary options or simply different flavor profiles. When seeking a soy-free alternative, you can consider the following types of products:

Avocado Oil Mayonnaise: Brands like Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods offer mayonnaise made exclusively with avocado oil. Avocado oil provides a mild, clean flavor and is often favored for its higher monounsaturated fat content.
Olive Oil Mayonnaise: While many blended products exist, some specialty brands offer mayonnaise made with olive oil as the primary or sole fat source. However, be vigilant and check the label, as mentioned before, many are blended.
Vegan Mayonnaise: Many vegan options are also soy-free, though not all. Some, like Soy-Free Vegenaise from Follow Your Heart, use a base of expeller-pressed high-oleic safflower oil instead of soybean oil. Other plant-based options use ingredients like chickpea flour or aquafaba.
Homemade Mayonnaise: For complete control over ingredients, making your own mayonnaise at home is the best approach. You can use your oil of choice and avoid any fillers or unwanted ingredients. This process is surprisingly simple and only requires a few basic ingredients like eggs, an acid (vinegar or lemon juice), and oil.

Comparison: Soybean Oil vs. Alternative Oils in Mayonnaise


Feature	Soybean Oil	Avocado Oil	Olive Oil
Cost	Very low, which contributes to its prevalence in mass-market products.	Higher than soybean oil, contributing to a higher retail price for the end product.	Varies widely based on grade, with extra virgin being the most expensive and flavor-intense.
Flavor Profile	Very neutral, allowing other flavors from eggs and spices to dominate.	Mild and buttery, with a neutral undertone that complements most dishes.	Rich and fruity, with a more pronounced flavor that can be too strong for some applications if using extra virgin.
Health Reputation	Debated among nutritionists, though high in polyunsaturated fats that can lower LDL cholesterol.	Often perceived as a healthier option due to its monounsaturated fat content and lack of genetically modified sources.	Mediterranean diet staple, prized for heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Availability	Widely available in virtually all grocery stores in standard mayonnaise products.	Increasingly common in natural food stores and specialty grocery sections.	Can be found in many grocery stores, but requires careful label reading to ensure it's not a blend.

Why Opt for a Soybean Oil-Free Mayonnaise?

For many, the choice to avoid soybean oil comes down to dietary restrictions or personal health preferences. Individuals with a soy allergy or sensitivity must avoid it entirely. Others are concerned about the prevalence of genetically modified (GMO) ingredients in conventionally produced oils, though organic soybean oil is non-GMO. Some health-focused consumers also follow dietary philosophies that avoid heavily processed seed oils, preferring to stick to more traditional fat sources. For the food adventurer, using different oils can completely change the flavor dynamic of a dish, offering a new culinary experience with a familiar condiment.

Making Your Own Soy-Free Mayonnaise at Home

Creating your own batch of delicious, homemade mayonnaise without soybean oil is straightforward. This simple recipe provides a fresh, flavorful, and customizable result in just minutes using an immersion blender.

Ingredients:

1 large egg
1 cup of neutral-flavored oil (avocado, light olive oil, or safflower are good choices)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
1/2 tsp mustard (Dijon or powder)
Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Combine Ingredients: Add the egg, lemon juice, mustard, and salt to the bottom of a wide-mouth jar that is just wide enough for your immersion blender head.
Add Oil: Pour the cup of oil on top of the other ingredients, being careful not to disturb the egg yolk at the bottom.
Blend: Place the immersion blender head at the bottom of the jar, completely covering the egg yolk. Turn it on high and let it run for about 15-20 seconds without moving it. The mixture will begin to emulsify from the bottom up.
Finish Emulsifying: Slowly lift the blender head up and down to incorporate all the oil, continuing to blend until a thick, creamy mayonnaise forms.

Conclusion: Reading the Label is Key

In summary, the assumption that all mayonnaise contains soybean oil is incorrect. While it is a primary ingredient in most conventional, mass-market products in the U.S., a wide variety of alternatives exist for those seeking soy-free options. Whether you choose to seek out specialty brands using oils like avocado or olive oil, opt for a soy-free vegan variety, or take the simple and rewarding route of making your own, a little label vigilance can help you find the perfect jar for your dietary needs and taste preferences. The best way to ensure your mayo is soy-free is to read the ingredient list carefully every time you purchase a new product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, several brands offer mayonnaise made without soybean oil. Some popular examples include Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods, which use avocado oil, and some versions of Vegenaise, which use safflower oil.

Soybean oil is widely used in commercial mayonnaise because it is inexpensive, readily available, and has a neutral flavor that doesn't overpower the final product's taste.

The only way to be certain is by reading the ingredient list on the product label. Many brands will blend olive oil with other, less expensive oils like soybean or canola, so the front label can be deceiving.

Absolutely. Making homemade mayonnaise allows for complete control over the ingredients. You can use alternatives like avocado oil, light olive oil, or safflower oil to create a soy-free version.

No, not all vegan mayonnaise is soy-free. Some plant-based versions use soy protein or other soy-derived ingredients. Always check the label for specific details or look for products explicitly marked as 'soy-free'.

Soybean oil has a very neutral flavor, which is why it's popular in commercial products. When using alternatives like olive oil, the mayonnaise will take on a richer, more distinct flavor profile.

The healthiness of soybean oil is a topic of debate. However, it is high in polyunsaturated fats, which can lower LDL cholesterol. For specific health concerns, it is best to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian.