How many net carbs are in 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise?

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to reputable nutrition sources like the USDA, a standard 2-tablespoon serving of regular, full-fat mayonnaise contains a negligible amount of total carbohydrates, often listed as 0g. This excellent news for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, as it means the number of net carbs in 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise is also typically zero.

Quick Summary

Regular, full-fat mayonnaise is virtually free of net carbohydrates in a standard serving, making it an ideal choice for low-carb and ketogenic lifestyles. Lower-fat versions, however, often contain added sugars and starches that increase the net carb count.

Key Points

Zero Net Carbs: A standard 2-tablespoon serving of regular, full-fat mayonnaise typically contains zero net carbs.
Fat vs. Carb Swap: Light and fat-free mayonnaises often swap fat for sugar and thickeners, increasing their net carb content.
Check Ingredients: For low-carb diets, always read the label to avoid hidden sugars and starches in processed mayonnaise products.
Keto-Friendly Options: Brands explicitly labeled for keto or those using avocado oil often have zero net carbs and are safer choices.
Homemade is Safest: The simplest way to guarantee a zero-carb mayo is to make it at home using eggs, oil, and vinegar.
Portion Control Still Matters: Despite being low-carb, mayonnaise is high in calories due to its fat content, so monitor your serving sizes.

Understanding Net Carbs and Mayonnaise

Net carbs are the carbohydrates that your body can digest and use for energy. They are calculated by taking a food's total carbohydrates and subtracting any fiber and certain sugar alcohols. Since traditional mayonnaise is primarily composed of fat from eggs and oil, it naturally contains very few carbohydrates to begin with. In a typical two-tablespoon serving, the total carbohydrate count is so low that it is often rounded down to zero on the nutrition label. Since there is also no significant dietary fiber in mayonnaise, the total carb count is essentially equal to the net carb count. This makes traditional mayonnaise a staple in many low-carb and ketogenic diets.

The Anatomy of Low-Carb Mayonnaise

To understand why traditional mayo is low-carb, it helps to examine its basic ingredients:

Oil: This is the primary ingredient and source of fat. Common oils used include soybean, canola, or avocado oil. Oil contains zero carbohydrates.
Egg Yolk: Acts as the emulsifier, binding the oil and vinegar together. Eggs contain trace amounts of carbs, but not enough to affect the carb count in a small serving.
Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Provides acidity and flavor. The amount used is too small to contribute significantly to the total carb count.
Salt and Seasonings: Used for flavor and have no carbohydrate content.

Because of this simple, high-fat ingredient list, classic homemade mayonnaise is also a zero-carb option for those who prefer to make their own condiments.

Why You Must Read Labels: The Pitfall of Light and Fat-Free Mayos

While regular full-fat mayonnaise is a safe bet for low-carb eating, the same cannot be said for all products. Manufacturers often replace fat with other ingredients to create light, reduced-fat, or fat-free versions. These ingredients typically include added sugars, corn syrup solids, and starches to maintain a palatable texture and flavor. The addition of these carb-dense ingredients significantly increases the net carb count. A quick glance at the nutritional information is vital to avoid these hidden carbs.

For example, a 2-tablespoon serving of a light mayonnaise can contain 3-4 grams of net carbs, while a fat-free dressing might have even more. This is a crucial distinction for anyone strictly counting their daily carb intake.

Mayo Comparison Table: Regular vs. Light vs. Keto-Friendly


Feature	Regular Mayo (2 Tbsp)	Light Mayo (2 Tbsp)	Avocado Oil Mayo (2 Tbsp)
Net Carbs (approx.)	0g	3-4g	0-1g
Calories (approx.)	180-200	70-100	90-200
Primary Oil Source	Soybean, Canola	Soybean, Water	Avocado Oil
Added Sugars/Thickeners?	Usually none or minimal	Common	Typically none in keto versions
Keto-Friendly?	Yes	No	Yes

Choosing the Right Mayonnaise for Your Diet

When navigating the grocery store aisles, follow these tips to ensure you are selecting the best mayo for your low-carb lifestyle:

Stick to Full-Fat: The original, full-fat version is your safest bet for a minimal carb count. The fat content is high, so be mindful of portion sizes, but the carbs are not a concern.
Read the Ingredients List: Scan the ingredient list for hidden sugars and starches. Common names for added sugars include corn syrup, dextrose, and maltodextrin. Some brands may also use thickening agents with carb content.
Consider Specialty Brands: Many brands specifically cater to the keto market and list '0 net carbs' prominently on their labels. These often use healthier oils like avocado oil and avoid questionable additives.
Make Your Own: The easiest way to control ingredients and ensure zero net carbs is to make mayonnaise at home with a food processor. You only need eggs, oil, acid (lemon juice or vinegar), and salt.

Conclusion

When it comes to the question of how many net carbs are in 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, the answer depends entirely on the type you choose. For classic, full-fat mayonnaise, the net carb count is effectively zero, making it a fantastic and versatile condiment for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. However, it is essential to exercise caution and always check the nutrition label, as reduced-fat and fat-free versions often contain added sugars and starches that increase the carbohydrate load. By being label-savvy, you can enjoy the creamy texture and rich flavor of mayonnaise without compromising your dietary goals. For further information on the keto diet, you may want to consult authoritative sources like Verywell Health on how to calculate net carbs effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, light or reduced-fat mayonnaise typically contains more carbohydrates than regular, full-fat mayonnaise because manufacturers often add sugar and starches to replace the fat and improve texture and flavor.

Yes, regular, full-fat mayonnaise is highly keto-friendly due to its high fat and virtually zero-carb content. It is a popular condiment in ketogenic diets.

Food labeling regulations allow a product to be listed as 0g of total carbohydrates per serving if it contains less than 0.5 grams. This means a product can have a small amount of sugar, but if it falls below this threshold in a single serving, it can legally be rounded down.

The most effective method is to read the nutrition label and ingredient list. Look for words like sugar, corn syrup, maltodextrin, or other starches and sweeteners. If they appear on the ingredient list, the product likely has more carbs than traditional mayo.

Homemade mayonnaise, made from standard ingredients like oil, eggs, and vinegar, will have virtually no net carbs. This is a reliable zero-carb option as you control all ingredients.

Most high-quality avocado oil mayonnaises marketed as keto or clean-ingredient will have zero net carbs per serving. It is always best to check the label, as some brands might contain minimal carbs.

Yes, regular full-fat mayonnaise is a great choice for a low-carb diet. It is important to avoid light or fat-free versions, which often contain added sugars, and to be mindful of portion sizes due to the high-calorie content.