How Much is a Serving Size of Mayonnaise?

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states a typical serving of mayonnaise is 15 grams, equivalent to approximately one tablespoon. This serving has a high concentration of calories and fat, making awareness of portion size important.

Quick Summary

A standard serving size of mayonnaise is one tablespoon. However, calorie and fat content vary by type. Portion control and understanding nutritional information are essential for moderate consumption of this condiment.

Key Points

Standard Serving Size: Roughly 1 tablespoon, or about 15 grams.
Calorie Content: One tablespoon of regular mayonnaise has around 90-100 calories, primarily from fat.
Varieties: Light or reduced-fat mayonnaises have fewer calories and fat per serving.
Portion Control: Measuring spoons, visual cues, and single-serving packets help manage portions effectively.
Read Labels: Check labels for precise nutritional details, especially fat, calories, and sodium.
Dietary Balance: Enjoy mayonnaise in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Understanding the Standard Mayonnaise Serving

Most nutrition labels list a single tablespoon of mayonnaise as the standard serving size. This small amount is the basis for all nutritional data, including calories, total fat, and sodium. Since mayonnaise is oil-based, even a small serving contributes significantly to daily fat intake.

Why Serving Size Matters for Your Health

Ignoring serving sizes can lead to overconsumption of calories and fat. A typical tablespoon of regular mayonnaise contains around 90 to 100 calories, almost all from fat. Understanding and sticking to the portion is key for those watching their weight or improving heart health. Use a measuring spoon instead of guessing to avoid extra calories.

A Quick Guide to Mayonnaise Types and Their Serving Sizes

Serving sizes are especially important when comparing different mayonnaise varieties. Light or reduced-fat options provide a similar taste with fewer calories. Vegan mayonnaise, made from vegetable oils and plant-based emulsifiers, has its own nutritional profile.

Regular Mayonnaise: One tablespoon (13-15 grams) has about 90-100 calories.
Light Mayonnaise: A serving is one tablespoon, with about 35-50 calories.
Reduced-Fat Mayonnaise: Similar serving sizes as light versions, with calorie counts between regular and light options.
Vegan Mayonnaise: Varies by brand, but often similar to regular mayonnaise in calorie and fat content; check the product label.

Measuring Your Mayonnaise Serving

Follow these tips to measure mayonnaise accurately:

Use a Measuring Spoon: This is the most accurate method.
Visual Cues: A single serving of regular mayonnaise is about the size of a dice.
Use Packets: Single-serving packets are perfect for portion control, typically containing 10-15 grams.
Spread Thinly: A thin layer can provide flavor without a full tablespoon.

Comparison Table: Mayonnaise Nutrition at a Glance


Mayonnaise Type	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Total Fat (approx.)	Sodium (approx.)
Regular	1 Tbsp (13-15g)	90-100 kcal	10g	90-105mg
Light	1 Tbsp (15g)	35-50 kcal	3.5-5g	110-140mg
Vegan	1 Tbsp (varies)	80-90 kcal	8-9g	80-100mg
Avocado Oil	1 Tbsp (varies)	90-100 kcal	10g	80-95mg

Note: Nutritional information can vary by brand. Always check the product label for the most accurate details.

The Importance of Label Reading

Read the full nutrition label, not just the serving size. Pay attention to sodium, as some light versions add it to compensate for reduced fat. The oil source also matters; avocado and olive oils provide different fat profiles than soybean or canola oil versions.

Integrating Mayonnaise into a Balanced Diet

Enjoy mayonnaise in moderation. Incorporate it as part of a balanced diet; pair it with vegetables or lean proteins to maximize nutrition without excess fat and calories. Try mixing a teaspoon with lemon juice and herbs for a lighter spread. Experiment with homemade versions using healthy oils. For more information, the FDA provides a useful overview of food labeling concepts on their website.

Conclusion

While a typical serving size of mayonnaise is one tablespoon, it's important to remember that this contains a significant amount of calories and fat. You can enjoy mayonnaise as part of a balanced diet by being mindful of this standard measurement and exploring different varieties. Use measuring tools and read nutrition labels to help use this condiment in a healthier way.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy adults, 1 tablespoon is not an excessive amount of mayonnaise. However, because it is high in calories and fat, it's recommended to stick to this portion to avoid overconsumption, especially if you are monitoring your calorie intake.

One standard 1-tablespoon serving of regular mayonnaise contains approximately 90-100 calories. This can vary slightly by brand, so checking the nutrition label is always a good practice.

You can estimate the serving size using a visual comparison. A single serving of regular mayonnaise is roughly the size of a dice, and a smaller amount is typically sufficient for most sandwiches.

The standard serving size is typically 1 tablespoon for all varieties, including regular, light, and vegan mayo. However, the nutritional content, such as calories and fat, will differ significantly between these types.

There is no official recommended daily intake specifically for mayonnaise. Health experts generally suggest consuming it in moderation, perhaps 1-2 tablespoons per day, as part of a balanced diet, due to its high fat content.

Light mayonnaise typically contains fewer calories and less fat per tablespoon than regular mayonnaise, making it a potentially healthier choice for those watching their intake. However, some light versions may contain higher sodium or other additives.

The serving size for homemade mayonnaise is also generally 1 tablespoon, but the exact nutritional content can vary based on the specific oil used. Using healthier oils allows for more control over the fat content.