Does Mayonnaise Have Any Sugar in It?: A Complete Nutrition Diet Guide

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

While many assume mayonnaise is a sugar-free condiment, some commercial brands can contain small amounts, sometimes less than a gram per serving, which allows them to list '0g' on the nutrition label. The question of whether does mayonnaise have any sugar in it? depends largely on whether it's homemade or store-bought.

Quick Summary

Standard commercial mayonnaise contains minimal, if any, sugar, but reduced-fat, light, and flavored versions often include added sugars. Homemade mayonnaise is naturally sugar-free, making it the ideal choice for low-carb, keto, and paleo diets. Always check the ingredients and nutrition label for the most accurate information.

Key Points

Check the Label: Many commercial mayonnaises contain minimal or no sugar, but always verify the nutrition facts, especially for non-traditional varieties.
Be Wary of Light Mayo: Reduced-fat and fat-free versions often add sugar and thickeners to maintain texture and flavor, increasing their carbohydrate content.
Choose Full-Fat Over Reduced-Fat: In many cases, full-fat mayonnaise is a better low-carb or keto option than its lower-fat counterparts, which may contain more sugar.
Make Your Own: Homemade mayonnaise is naturally sugar-free, uses higher-quality oils, and avoids preservatives, offering complete control over ingredients.
Know Your Brands: Some commercial brands like Duke's and Primal Kitchen are known for offering genuinely sugar-free mayonnaise options.
Explore Alternatives: For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt, avocado, or mustard as healthy, low-sugar substitutes.

The Composition of Mayonnaise

To understand the sugar content, it's essential to know the basic components of mayonnaise. At its core, traditional mayonnaise is a simple emulsion of a few key ingredients: oil, egg yolk, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice. This fundamental recipe contains no added sugar. The process of emulsification, where the egg yolk binds the oil and acid together, creates its characteristic creamy texture.

However, commercially produced mayonnaises often deviate from this simple formula. Manufacturers add various ingredients to enhance flavor, extend shelf life, and alter texture. It is in these added ingredients that you may find hidden sugars.

The Role of Sugar in Store-Bought Mayo

For commercial brands, a small amount of sugar is sometimes added to balance the tanginess of the vinegar or lemon juice. This creates a more rounded, palatable flavor for the general public. For regular, full-fat mayonnaise, this amount is typically minimal. Many brands add so little that the sugar content per tablespoon is rounded down to zero grams on the nutrition facts label.

Labels and the '0g Sugar' Confusion

Food labeling regulations allow products to list '0g' of sugar per serving if they contain less than 1 gram. This is a crucial detail for anyone monitoring their sugar intake. A product that states it has 0g of sugar might still contain some, and consuming multiple servings could add up over time. It is vital to check the ingredient list for any mention of sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, brown rice syrup, or other sweeteners.

The Added Sugar Problem in Light and Fat-Free Mayonnaise

One of the most significant sources of hidden sugar in mayonnaise comes from reduced-fat or fat-free versions. When fat is removed from a recipe, it often compromises the texture and flavor. To compensate, manufacturers commonly add sugar and thickeners like modified corn starch. This is a key reason why these 'healthier' alternatives can sometimes be a less desirable choice from a nutritional standpoint, especially for those on low-sugar or low-carb diets.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Mayonnaise: Sugar and Additives

To illustrate the difference in ingredients and sugar content, consider the following comparison between a typical commercial mayonnaise and a homemade version. The contrast highlights why making your own can offer better control over your diet.


Feature	Homemade Mayonnaise	Typical Commercial Mayonnaise
Ingredients	Whole egg or egg yolk, oil (avocado, olive, or canola), vinegar or lemon juice, salt, mustard (optional).	Oil (often soybean or canola), egg yolk, vinegar, water, salt, sugar, preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate, EDTA), and other additives.
Sugar Content	Naturally sugar-free unless deliberately added to taste.	Varies, but often contains less than 1g per serving for full-fat, and more in light/fat-free varieties.
Additives	None	Preservatives, stabilizers (e.g., gums), and flavorings.
Control	Complete control over ingredients and quality of oil.	Dependent on the manufacturer; often includes lower-quality oils and fillers.
Diet Suitability	Excellent for keto, paleo, and low-carb diets.	Must check labels carefully; many versions are not suitable for strict diets.

Choosing a Low-Sugar Mayonnaise

For those who prefer not to make their own, a growing number of commercial brands cater to health-conscious consumers by offering genuinely low-sugar or sugar-free options. Here's what to look for when shopping:

Read the Ingredient List: Scrutinize the ingredient list for sugar or other sweeteners. Some excellent brands specifically advertise their sugar-free status.
Check the Nutrition Label: Even if the front of the jar says 'real mayo,' check the back for the sugar content per serving. For best results, look for a brand with 0g of sugar per serving that also has a clean ingredient list.
Consider Oil Quality: Healthier mayonnaises often use avocado or olive oil instead of standard vegetable oils like soybean or canola, which are typically found in cheaper options.
Beware of Flavored Mayos: Varieties like chipotle lime or honey mustard will almost certainly contain added sugar, as their flavor profile relies on it.

Examples of Low-Sugar Brands

Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo: This brand is known for using clean ingredients and being zero-carb.
Duke's Real Mayonnaise: A long-standing brand known for not adding sugar to its recipe, relying on a distinctive cider vinegar tang.
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Mayo: Offers a range of sugar-free mayos using avocado oil.

Healthier Mayonnaise Alternatives

For those seeking a lighter or entirely different option, several healthy alternatives can replace mayonnaise in many recipes:

Greek Yogurt: A popular alternative that adds a creamy texture with a protein boost and far fewer calories and fat. It works well in chicken or tuna salad.
Avocado: Mashed avocado offers a rich, creamy consistency and provides healthy fats. It can replace mayo in sandwiches or dips.
Hummus: A flavorful, plant-based dip that adds protein and fiber to sandwiches and wraps.
Pesto: Adds a vibrant, herby flavor to sandwiches or pasta salads, offering healthy fats from olive oil and nuts.
Mustard: Dijon or spicy mustard can provide a sharp, flavorful kick without the added fat or sugar found in some mayos.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

The answer to the question "Does mayonnaise have any sugar in it?" is not a simple yes or no. While the most traditional recipes are sugar-free, the reality of the commercial market means consumers must be diligent in checking labels. Full-fat, regular mayonnaises typically contain very little, if any, sugar, but reduced-fat and flavored versions are often loaded with it to compensate for lost flavor and texture. For those seeking the healthiest option, making mayonnaise at home or choosing a high-quality, explicitly sugar-free commercial brand provides the best control over your diet. By understanding the ingredients and reading labels carefully, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your nutritional goals.

Outbound Link

For more information on decoding food labels and making healthier choices, consult a resource like the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Food labeling regulations permit manufacturers to round down the sugar content to '0g' per serving if it is less than one gram. This is common in regular, full-fat mayonnaise, so it is best to check the ingredient list for added sweeteners.

Not necessarily. When manufacturers remove fat, they often add sugar, modified corn starch, and other fillers to replicate the texture and flavor. Light or reduced-fat mayos can contain more sugar and carbohydrates than their full-fat counterparts.

Yes, traditional homemade mayonnaise is made from oil, egg yolk, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice, and contains no sugar unless you deliberately add it to taste. This makes it an excellent choice for low-carb or keto diets.

Always check the ingredient list for terms such as 'sugar,' 'corn syrup,' 'high-fructose corn syrup,' 'brown rice syrup,' or 'honey.' The order of ingredients indicates the quantity, so be particularly cautious if sugar is listed early.

Look for brands that explicitly advertise as sugar-free or keto-friendly, such as Primal Kitchen, Duke's, or Chosen Foods. Still, it's wise to double-check the nutrition facts and ingredients to be certain.

Most full-fat mayonnaise is keto-friendly due to its high fat and very low carb content. However, it is crucial to avoid light, fat-free, or flavored versions that may contain added sugars. Homemade mayonnaise or a certified keto brand is the safest option.

Excellent low-sugar alternatives include mashed avocado, plain Greek yogurt, hummus, or pesto. These options add creaminess and flavor without relying on added sugars.