The Core Components of Classic Mayonnaise
At its most fundamental, traditional mayonnaise is an emulsion created with just a few core ingredients. A classic homemade recipe for mayonnaise is inherently free of added sugar. The primary components are:
- Oil: Typically a mild-flavored vegetable oil, though olive oil can also be used for a more robust flavor profile.
- Egg Yolk: The key emulsifying agent. The lecithin in the yolk helps bind the oil and acid, preventing separation.
- Acid: Either vinegar or lemon juice is used to add the characteristic tangy flavor.
- Seasoning: Salt and, in some cases, a pinch of mustard (which also aids emulsification) are added for flavor.
This simple list of ingredients is why homemade mayonnaise is a popular choice for those following a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet.
The Commercial Mayonnaise Conundrum
When you move from the kitchen to the grocery store aisle, the ingredient list becomes a bit longer and more complex. Most commercially manufactured "real mayonnaise" does contain added sugar. However, the quantity is generally quite small, often registering as less than one gram per serving.
Why Do Manufacturers Add Sugar?
The addition of sugar in commercial mayonnaise serves a few key purposes for food manufacturers:
- Flavor Balance: The small amount of sweetness helps to temper the sharp, acidic notes from the vinegar or lemon juice, creating a more balanced and palatable flavor profile for the mass market.
- Enhanced Stability: Sugar can contribute to the overall stability of the emulsion and the shelf life of the product.
- Preservation: In conjunction with other ingredients, sugar helps create a less hospitable environment for certain types of spoilage microorganisms, extending the product's lifespan.
"Real Mayonnaise" vs. "Salad Dressing"
An important distinction exists between "real mayonnaise" and products like "mayonnaise-style salad dressing" (e.g., Miracle Whip). The latter is a different product entirely, often containing significantly more sugar, water, and other additives to reduce cost. While "real mayonnaise" has a standard of identity in the U.S. that requires a minimum oil content and only egg as an emulsifier, reduced-fat and fat-free versions are exempt and often contain more sugar and other thickeners to compensate for the lower fat content.
Reading Labels for Added Sugar
The best way to know for sure if your favorite brand of mayo has sugar is to read the ingredient list. Sugar can be listed under many names, including simply "sugar" or more specifically as "corn syrup".
When examining a nutrition label, consider the following:
- The Ingredients List: Look for any type of sugar or sweetener listed. Ingredients are listed in order of predominance, so if sugar is near the top, there's more of it.
- The Nutrition Facts Panel: Check the "Added Sugars" line under Total Carbohydrates. As noted, for full-fat mayonnaise, this may show as 0g or <1g, but it's still present.
- Dietary Restrictions: If you are on a strict keto or no-sugar diet, these trace amounts may matter. For others, they might be negligible. A truly zero-sugar product will explicitly state it.
Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Commercial Mayonnaise
| Feature | Homemade Mayonnaise | Commercial Mayonnaise |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Oil, egg yolk, acid (vinegar/lemon juice), seasoning | Oil, egg yolk, acid, sugar, stabilizers, preservatives |
| Sugar Content | Typically zero | Small amount of added sugar (often <1g/serving) |
| Additives | None | Preservatives, emulsifiers (like calcium disodium EDTA) |
| Flavor | Customizable, can be very rich and tangy | Standardized, balanced flavor profile |
| Shelf Life | Short (3–4 days refrigerated) | Long (up to 6 months unopened) |
| Emulsifier | Egg yolk | Egg yolk and often other stabilizers |
Truly Sugar-Free and Keto-Friendly Options
For those who prefer a condiment with absolutely no sugar, there are excellent options available. Many brands now cater specifically to the ketogenic and low-carb markets by eliminating sugar entirely. These typically use high-quality oils like avocado oil and simple, clean ingredients.
Brands such as Primal Kitchen's Avocado Oil Mayo are often cited as excellent sugar-free alternatives. Always double-check the label, as formulations can change. Making your own mayonnaise at home is another guaranteed way to control the ingredients and ensure it's completely sugar-free.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
So, does real mayonnaise have sugar in it? The definitive answer is: it depends. Traditional, homemade mayonnaise does not contain sugar. However, the vast majority of commercial "real mayonnaise" products found on store shelves include a very small, often negligible, amount of added sugar to create a balanced flavor. Products explicitly labeled "salad dressing" will almost certainly have more. For those on a strict no-sugar diet, reading the label is non-negotiable, and opting for a specialty sugar-free brand or making your own at home is the safest bet. For most, the trace amount in commercial versions is not a major dietary concern.
Center for Science in the Public Interest: Is mayo healthy? You might be surprised
