The Core Difference: Eggs vs. Aquafaba
The fundamental distinction between Chosen Foods' classic and vegan mayonnaises lies in a single, defining ingredient: eggs. Traditional mayonnaise relies on eggs to achieve its creamy, emulsified texture. For vegans, this makes the standard version off-limits. Chosen Foods directly addresses this market by creating a separate product that uses an egg substitute derived from plants. This dedicated vegan product is a perfect example of how food manufacturers can innovate to meet diverse dietary needs without compromising on flavor or texture.
Chosen Foods Classic Mayo: What Makes it Not Vegan?
If you pick up a jar of Chosen Foods' Classic Avocado Oil Mayo, you'll find a familiar list of ingredients that includes animal products. The creamy texture of this traditional recipe comes from cage-free eggs. Specifically, the ingredients list features cage-free egg yolks and whole eggs. For this reason, anyone following a strict vegan diet must avoid the classic version. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a healthier, soy and canola-free option, but it is not plant-based.
Chosen Foods Classic Vegan Mayo: The Plant-Based Alternative
For those who need or prefer an egg-free spread, Chosen Foods provides the Classic Vegan Avocado Oil Mayo. Instead of eggs, this product achieves its rich, creamy consistency by incorporating chickpea broth, also known as aquafaba, and faba bean protein. Aquafaba is the liquid left over from cooking chickpeas, and it has remarkable emulsifying properties that mimic the function of eggs in many recipes, including mayonnaise. This innovative use of plant-based ingredients ensures the vegan version delivers a satisfying texture and flavor without any animal products.
Spotting the Vegan Chosen Mayo on the Shelf
To ensure you are purchasing the correct product, it's crucial to check the label carefully. The packaging for Chosen Foods' mayo is consistent across its line, so looking only at the brand or general style is not enough. Here's how to make sure you get the vegan version:
- Look for the word 'Vegan': The plant-based product is explicitly labeled 'Vegan Avocado Oil Mayo' on the front of the jar. The classic version simply states 'Classic Avocado Oil Mayo'.
- Check the Ingredients List: The most foolproof method is to read the ingredients. The classic mayo will list 'egg yolks' and 'whole eggs'. The vegan version will list 'chickpea broth' (aquafaba) and 'faba bean protein powder' instead.
- Look for the 'Plant-Based' Logo: The vegan mayo often features a 'Plant-Based' symbol or checkmark to make it even easier to identify at a glance.
Ingredient Breakdown: What's in Vegan Chosen Mayo?
Understanding the components of the vegan product can help you appreciate what goes into this plant-based condiment. A typical ingredients list for Chosen Foods Vegan Avocado Oil Mayo includes:
- Avocado Oil: This is the base of the product, providing healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Filtered Water: Used to create the correct consistency.
- Chickpea Broth (Aquafaba): The egg replacement that acts as an emulsifier, binding the oil and water together.
- Distilled Vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor similar to traditional mayo.
- Organic Sugar: Used in a small quantity for balanced flavor.
- Faba Bean Protein Powder: A supplementary emulsifier and thickener.
- Salt & Mustard: Essential seasonings for the classic mayonnaise flavor profile.
- Stabilizers: Ingredients like acacia gum and xanthan gum are used to maintain a smooth texture and prevent separation.
Comparison Table: Classic vs. Vegan Chosen Mayo
| Feature | Classic Avocado Oil Mayo | Vegan Avocado Oil Mayo |
|---|---|---|
| Key Emulsifier | Cage-free eggs | Chickpea broth (Aquafaba) & faba bean protein |
| Vegan | No | Yes |
| Dairy-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Soy-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Primary Oil | 100% Pure Avocado Oil | 100% Pure Avocado Oil |
| Keto-Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Allergen Info | Contains eggs | Egg-free, dairy-free |
Why Chosen Foods Offers Both Versions
Chosen Foods serves a wide range of customers with varying dietary preferences and needs. By providing both a classic and a vegan mayo, the brand caters to individuals following ketogenic, paleo, and traditional diets with the egg-based version, while also providing a delicious and suitable option for vegans and those with egg allergies. This dual-product strategy maximizes their reach and allows customers to select the best option for their personal health and dietary choices. This commitment to versatility is a hallmark of the company's approach to clean, wholesome ingredients. For those looking for more information, the Chosen Foods website is an excellent resource: https://chosenfoods.com.
Conclusion: Always Read the Label
In summary, the answer to the question "Is Chosen mayo vegan?" is a definitive "no" for the classic version and a "yes" for their designated vegan product. The presence of cage-free eggs in the classic recipe makes it unsuitable for a vegan diet, while the plant-based alternative utilizes chickpea broth and faba bean protein to achieve its creamy consistency. As with all packaged foods, the most reliable way to confirm an item's suitability for a specific diet is to carefully examine the product label and ingredients list before purchase. Chosen Foods makes this easy by clearly labeling their plant-based option.
