How many calories are in 1 tablespoon of Hellmann's light mayo?

October 31, 2025 •

2 min read

At just 35 calories per serving, Hellmann's light mayonnaise offers a significantly lower-calorie option compared to its regular counterpart.

Quick Summary

A single tablespoon of Hellmann's light mayonnaise contains 35 calories, providing a low-fat alternative to regular mayo for sandwiches, dressings, and dips.

Key Points

35 Calories Per Tablespoon: Hellmann's light mayo contains just 35 calories per standard serving, a significant reduction from regular mayo.
Reduced Fat Content: The calorie decrease is primarily achieved by lowering the oil content and adding water or thickeners.
Omega 3 Source: The product provides a modest amount of Omega 3-ALA, with 220-230mg per serving.
Versatile Use: Despite its lower calorie count, it maintains a creamy texture suitable for sandwiches, salads, and dressings.
Not Calorie-Free: While a good lower-calorie alternative, portion control is still important for managing overall intake.
60% Fewer Calories Than Regular: Hellmann's light mayo offers 60% less fat and calories compared to the brand's Real Mayonnaise.

Hellmann's Light Mayo: A Detailed Nutritional Profile

A one-tablespoon serving of Hellmann's Light Mayonnaise contains 35 calories. Its reduced calorie count comes from replacing oil with ingredients like water and modified food starch. It also contains 220-230mg of Omega-3 ALA per serving.

Macronutrient Breakdown per Tablespoon (US)

Total Fat: 3.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 3mg
Sodium: 110-130mg
Total Carbohydrate: 0.5g-1g
Protein: 0g

Comparison: Hellmann's Light vs. Regular Mayonnaise

The main difference is in caloric and fat content. Comparing Hellmann's Light to Regular Mayo:


Nutritional Aspect	Hellmann's Light Mayo (1 tbsp)	Hellmann's Real/Regular Mayo (1 tbsp)	Savings (Light vs. Regular)
Calories	35 kcal	90-100 kcal	60-65 kcal
Total Fat	3.5 g	~10 g	~6.5 g
Saturated Fat	0.5 g	~1.5 g (approx)	~1 g
Sodium	110 mg	~90 mg (approx)	-20 mg (but varies by formula)

Choosing the light version helps save calories and fat.

Healthier Alternatives to Mayonnaise

Alternatives offer different nutritional benefits:

Greek Yogurt: High protein, low fat, creamy.
Mashed Avocado: Healthy monounsaturated fat, rich texture.
Hummus: Fiber and protein-rich, low-fat.
Mustard: Bold flavor, virtually no calories.
Cottage Cheese: High-protein, low-calorie spread when blended.

How to Incorporate Hellmann's Light Mayo into Your Diet

Use light mayo as a direct swap for regular mayo in:

Sandwiches and Wraps
Dips and Dressings
Tuna and Chicken Salad
Potato Salad

Conclusion

A tablespoon of Hellmann's light mayo has 35 calories, a significant reduction from regular mayo's 90-100 calories. It achieves this with lower oil content. Alternatives like Greek yogurt or hummus are also options. Using light mayo or other smart alternatives can support dietary goals.

[Hellmann's Light Mayonnaise Official Nutrition Info]({Link: Hellmann's US https://www.hellmanns.com/us/en/p/light-mayonnaise.html/00048001213586})

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Hellmann's Light Mayonnaise is certified gluten-free, making it a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

While it is designed to taste very similar to regular mayo, some individuals may notice a slight difference in richness or creaminess due to the lower fat content.

Light mayo replaces some of the oil with water and modified food starch to reduce calories and fat while maintaining a creamy texture.

Yes, but be aware that light mayo may not perform exactly like regular mayo in recipes that rely on full-fat content for moisture and richness, particularly in high-heat baking scenarios.

One tablespoon contains approximately 3.5 grams of total fat, which is significantly less than the ~10 grams found in regular mayonnaise.

No, a single serving of Hellmann's light mayonnaise contains 0 grams of protein.

Healthier alternatives include Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, hummus, and mustard, all of which offer different nutritional benefits and can be used in a variety of dishes.

The shelf life is comparable, but like regular mayonnaise, it must be refrigerated after opening to maintain freshness and safety.