Is Hellmann's mayonnaise a processed food? Understanding its ingredients and processing level

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, any food that has been altered from its natural state is considered processed, and based on this broad definition, the answer to 'Is Hellmann's mayonnaise a processed food?' is yes. However, the real question for a nutrition-conscious diet is the degree of processing, which reveals a more complex picture than a simple 'yes' or 'no'.

Quick Summary

Hellmann's mayonnaise is considered a processed food due to its manufacturing methods and added ingredients for shelf life and texture. It falls into the ultra-processed category according to some classification systems, unlike simple homemade mayonnaise. Factors like pasteurization, added preservatives, and refined oils contribute to its processed nature.

Key Points

Categorized as Ultra-Processed: Hellmann's mayonnaise is an ultra-processed food due to its manufacturing process and industrial additives.
Differs from Homemade Mayo: Unlike a simple homemade emulsion, Hellmann's contains extra ingredients like refined oil, preservatives, and 'natural flavors' for consistency and shelf life.
Additives Extend Shelf Life: Ingredients such as calcium disodium EDTA and various thickeners are added to increase stability and product longevity.
Potential Health Risks: High consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Better Alternatives Exist: Healthier alternatives include Greek yogurt, hummus, mashed avocado, mustard, or homemade mayonnaise, which offer similar creaminess with better nutritional profiles.
Read the Ingredients: For a nutrition-conscious diet, reading the ingredient list is crucial to identifying highly processed foods.

Defining Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods

To understand where a product like Hellmann's mayonnaise fits, it is important to distinguish between different levels of food processing. Not all processed foods are created equal. The NOVA food classification system, for instance, categorizes foods into four groups based on their manufacturing intensity. At one end are unprocessed or minimally processed foods, like fresh vegetables or roasted nuts. At the other end are ultra-processed foods, which are intensive industrial formulations that often contain additives not typically found in a home kitchen.

The Spectrum of Food Processing

Minimally processed: Foods that are simply cleaned, frozen, or packaged for convenience, such as bagged spinach or frozen vegetables.
Processed culinary ingredients: Substances derived from natural foods, like oils, sugar, and salt, which are not meant to be eaten alone but used in cooking.
Processed foods: These are made by combining minimally processed foods with culinary ingredients, such as canned vegetables with added salt.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs): Products manufactured with intensive processes and industrial additives to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life. Examples include sugary cereals, soda, and many pre-made meals.

Is Hellmann's mayonnaise an ultra-processed food?

Based on its ingredient list and manufacturing, Hellmann's mayonnaise is classified as an ultra-processed food (UPF). While homemade mayonnaise is a simple emulsion of eggs, oil, and vinegar, Hellmann's includes a longer list of ingredients designed for commercial stability, consistency, and shelf life. The pasteurization of eggs is a processing step, and the use of refined oils, as opposed to cold-pressed ones, is another. The inclusion of preservatives like calcium disodium EDTA and added 'natural flavors' places it firmly in the ultra-processed category. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has even flagged Hellmann's products as unhealthy ultra-processed foods.

The modern-day ingredient list

Let's compare the ingredients of a homemade mayonnaise with that of Hellmann's to see the difference in processing level.


Ingredient	Homemade Mayonnaise	Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise	Explanation
Oil	Neutral oil (e.g., sunflower or canola)	Soybean or Canola Oil, often refined	Refined oils are industrially processed for cost and stability.
Eggs	Fresh, pasteurized or raw	Pasteurized whole eggs and yolks	Pasteurization is a heat treatment that adds a level of processing.
Acid	Lemon juice or vinegar	Distilled vinegar, lemon juice concentrate	Lemon juice concentrate and distilled vinegar are processed ingredients.
Added Preservatives	None	Calcium Disodium EDTA	A synthetic antioxidant used to significantly extend shelf life.
Added Flavors	Salt, mustard	Natural Flavors	These are industrial formulations used for consistent taste.
Added Sugars	Often none, or a small amount of sugar	Contains sugar	Used to balance the flavor profile for mass production.

Implications for a nutrition diet

For a nutrition-focused diet, the ultra-processed nature of Hellmann's mayonnaise is significant for several reasons. Ultra-processed foods are often high in added sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, while being low in essential nutrients like fiber. The extensive processing can strip away natural nutrients, and while some products may be fortified, it's difficult to replace all the healthful value of a whole food. Studies have also linked the consumption of UPFs to a higher risk of health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. The higher-calorie density and lower satiety of UPFs can also lead to overconsumption.

Healthy alternatives to processed mayonnaise

If you're following a nutrition-conscious diet, there are many healthy and delicious alternatives to store-bought mayonnaise that can be used for sandwiches, dressings, and dips.

Greek Yogurt: Plain, low-fat Greek yogurt offers a creamy, tangy base with a significant protein boost and fewer calories.
Hummus: This chickpea-based spread is a powerhouse of protein and fiber, making it a great addition to sandwiches.
Mashed Avocado: Offering a rich, creamy texture and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, mashed avocado is an excellent swap.
Mustard: For a low-calorie, fat-free option, mustard provides a punch of flavor without the added fat and calories.
Homemade Mayonnaise: For complete control over ingredients, making mayonnaise at home with a quality oil, fresh eggs, and lemon juice is a simple and rewarding process.
Avocado Oil Mayonnaise: Some commercial brands offer mayonnaise made with less-processed, expeller-pressed oils like avocado oil, without the same additives as Hellmann's.

Conclusion: Making an informed choice

Ultimately, whether Hellmann's mayonnaise fits into your diet depends on your personal health goals and nutritional priorities. It is undoubtedly a processed food, and according to some classification systems, it is categorized as ultra-processed due to its additives and manufacturing intensity. For those seeking to minimize intake of heavily processed ingredients like refined oils, preservatives, and added sugars, it is beneficial to explore the healthier, less-processed alternatives available. By understanding the processing level and ingredient list, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your overall nutrition diet. The good news is that there are many ways to achieve creamy, flavorful dishes without relying on ultra-processed condiments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hellmann's mayonnaise is high in calories and fat and lacks significant nutrients like protein and fiber, making it less healthy compared to whole food alternatives. Its ultra-processed nature, due to refined oils and additives, makes it a less desirable choice for a healthy diet, especially when healthier options like Greek yogurt or avocado are available.

Homemade mayonnaise is a simple blend of fresh eggs, oil, and vinegar or lemon juice, while Hellmann's is an industrial product that uses pasteurized eggs, refined oils (like soybean or canola), stabilizers, preservatives (like calcium disodium EDTA), and 'natural flavors' to ensure consistency and a long shelf life.

Hellmann's is classified as ultra-processed because it is an industrial formulation containing additives and substances not used in home cooking, such as preservatives, stabilizers, and "natural flavors," which are added to improve taste, texture, and shelf stability.

Consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods has been linked to increased health risks, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. This is often attributed to their high levels of added sugars, salts, unhealthy fats, and additives.

No, not all processed foods are unhealthy. Processed foods exist on a spectrum. Minimally processed foods, like frozen vegetables or canned beans, can be nutritious. However, ultra-processed foods, which undergo extensive manufacturing and contain numerous additives, are generally the less healthy options.

Occasional consumption of Hellmann's mayonnaise as part of an overall balanced diet is unlikely to cause significant harm. The key is moderation and prioritizing minimally processed, whole foods in your daily routine. For regular use, healthier alternatives are a better choice.

Excellent healthy substitutes for mayonnaise include Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, hummus, or pesto. You can also make your own mayonnaise at home using healthier oils like avocado oil for full control over the ingredients.