Does Best Foods Mayo Have Gluten in It? The Definitive Answer

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, Best Foods is listed as a top brand for gluten-free mayonnaise. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this is crucial information when stocking the pantry and preparing meals. The good news is that Best Foods mayo is officially considered safe for a gluten-free diet.

Quick Summary

Best Foods Real Mayonnaise is gluten-free, a status confirmed by the manufacturer and product labeling. The recipe relies on naturally gluten-free ingredients, though cautious consumers should always verify labels and be mindful of cross-contamination.

Key Points

Officially Gluten-Free: Best Foods Real Mayonnaise and many other products from the brand are confirmed gluten-free, a stance explicitly stated by the manufacturer.
Safe Ingredients: The classic recipe relies on naturally gluten-free ingredients like oil, eggs, and distilled vinegar, with no gluten-containing additives.
Watch for Varieties: It is wise to always check the label on flavored versions or new products, though most standard Best Foods variations are safe.
Prevent Cross-Contamination: In a shared kitchen, use separate utensils or opt for a squeeze bottle to prevent gluten from transferring to the mayonnaise.
Know the Sister Brand: Best Foods is marketed as Hellmann's east of the Rocky Mountains, and their gluten-free status applies to both brands under the parent company, Unilever.
Look for Certification: For those with severe celiac disease, looking for a 'certified gluten-free' logo offers the highest level of assurance against cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Is Best Foods Mayo Gluten-Free? A Closer Look

For anyone managing celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, reading ingredient labels is a daily necessity. Condiments like mayonnaise often raise questions because while the core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, some processed versions may contain hidden gluten sources or face cross-contamination risks. Fortunately, Best Foods has a clear and reassuring policy regarding their mayonnaise products.

The Official Verdict from Best Foods

The Best Foods website explicitly states that Best Foods Real Mayonnaise is gluten-free. This declaration covers their classic Real Mayonnaise and extends to other product variations. For consumers, this is the most reliable source of information. The company's commitment to labeling their products accurately helps provide peace of mind to those with dietary restrictions. Best Foods is a well-established brand, and its careful attention to detail in ingredient sourcing and manufacturing is a major advantage for the gluten-free community.

Ingredients in Best Foods Real Mayonnaise

A quick review of the standard ingredient list for Best Foods Real Mayonnaise reveals why it is considered gluten-free. The core components are soybean oil, water, whole eggs and egg yolks, distilled vinegar, salt, sugar, lemon juice concentrate, and natural flavors. None of these standard ingredients contain gluten. The distilled vinegar is also a safe choice, as the distillation process removes any gluten proteins that may have been present in the original source grain.

Understanding Cross-Contamination Risks

While the product itself is free of gluten, the most significant risk for people with celiac disease or severe sensitivity often comes from cross-contamination. This can occur in two main scenarios:

Manufacturing Facility: Best Foods produces its mayonnaise in facilities where other products might be made. However, reputable brands like Best Foods have strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination for their labeled products. For example, a certified gluten-free logo ensures the product has less than 20 parts per million of gluten, as per FDA guidelines.
Home/Restaurant Kitchens: This is the most common and difficult risk to control. If someone uses a knife to spread regular bread with mayo and then dips that same knife back into the jar, gluten crumbs can contaminate the entire container. The easiest ways to avoid this include: keeping a separate jar for the gluten-free individual, using a clean utensil every time, or purchasing a squeeze bottle version of the mayonnaise.

Best Foods vs. Other Gluten-Free Mayonnaise Brands

For those who prefer to have a choice, many brands offer confirmed gluten-free options. Here is a comparison of some popular gluten-free mayonnaise brands:


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Key Differentiator	Other Notes
Best Foods	Certified/Labeled Gluten-Free	Classic, creamy taste; uses cage-free eggs	Known as Hellmann's East of the Rockies. Offers vegan options.
Duke's Mayonnaise	Labeled Gluten-Free	No added sugar. Known for a tangy flavor.	All products are gluten-free and kosher.
Sir Kensington's	Labeled Gluten-Free	Uses high-quality ingredients like sunflower oil and free-range eggs	Known for premium, flavorful mayos.
Chosen Foods	Certified Gluten-Free	Made with avocado oil	Offers a healthy-fat alternative. Certified GF.
Follow Your Heart	Labeled Gluten-Free	Vegan alternative (Vegenaise)	Egg-free, suitable for plant-based diets.

Navigating the Mayonnaise Aisle

Shopping for mayonnaise on a gluten-free diet is relatively straightforward, but vigilance is key. Here are some tips for making the right choice:

Always Check the Label: Even with a brand you trust, always double-check the label for new varieties, flavored options, or a change in ingredients. Best Foods may introduce a new flavor that could contain a gluten-based additive.
Look for the Symbol: For the most severe cases of celiac disease, always look for an official 'certified gluten-free' symbol on the packaging, which indicates third-party testing and verification.
Identify Potential Hidden Sources: While not in Best Foods, be aware that other store brands might use malt vinegar, modified food starch, or natural flavors that could be derived from gluten. When in doubt, call the manufacturer.
Know Your Brand: Best Foods is marketed as Hellmann's in different parts of the United States. Rest assured, the gluten-free status applies to both brand names under the Unilever umbrella.

Conclusion

The simple and reassuring answer is yes, Best Foods Real Mayonnaise does not have gluten in it. The brand's commitment to using naturally gluten-free ingredients and clear labeling makes it a reliable choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. By understanding the ingredients, being mindful of potential cross-contamination, and checking labels for new products, you can confidently enjoy your favorite creamy condiment without worry.

For more information on gluten-free living and dietary guidelines, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Foods Real Mayonnaise is made from soybean oil, water, whole eggs and egg yolks, distilled vinegar, salt, sugar, lemon juice concentrate, calcium disodium EDTA, and natural flavors. All of these ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Best Foods explicitly labels its Real Mayonnaise as 'gluten-free,' and the brand is recognized by celiac organizations. While not all products may carry the third-party 'certified' logo, the company's clear labeling and policy provide confidence in their product safety.

Yes, Best Foods is the sister brand of Hellmann's, primarily sold west of the Rockies. Both brands, owned by Unilever, produce mayonnaise with the same gluten-free recipe and labeling.

Yes, Best Foods offers vegan and other variations, which are clearly labeled gluten-free. As always, checking the label on any specific product version is the best practice.

The most common risk is from using a shared jar in a household. If a knife used for spreading gluten-containing bread is dipped into the mayonnaise, it can introduce gluten crumbs. Opting for a squeeze bottle can eliminate this risk.

No, while the basic components of traditional mayonnaise are gluten-free, some commercial brands might add gluten-containing ingredients or thickeners. Additionally, there is a risk of cross-contamination in facilities. Always check the label to be sure.

Yes, it is considered safe. Best Foods labels its product as gluten-free, indicating it adheres to regulatory standards for gluten content. However, those with severe sensitivities should remain vigilant about cross-contamination in shared kitchens.