Is Hellmann's Mayonnaise Bioengineered in the USA?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 90% of US soybeans are genetically modified, which is a key ingredient in many products, including mayonnaise. This brings into question the status of popular condiments like Hellmann's: is Hellmann's mayonnaise bioengineered in the USA? The answer requires a look at both the ingredients and labeling regulations.

Quick Summary

An analysis of Hellmann's mayonnaise ingredients in the USA shows that some are derived from bioengineered crops. The brand offers non-GMO alternatives, and mandatory labeling for qualifying products started in 2022.

Key Points

Contains Bioengineered Ingredients: Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise in the USA contains ingredients derived from bioengineered crops, most notably soybean oil and sugar from beets.
Disclosure is Mandatory: The product carries a mandatory disclosure on its label, following the USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard enacted in 2022.
Non-GMO Alternatives Available: For consumers seeking to avoid bioengineered ingredients, Hellmann's offers non-GMO product lines, including its Organic Mayonnaise and "Carefully Crafted" spreads.
Ingredients vs. Processed Products: Highly refined ingredients, such as certain oils, may not require a bioengineered label if the modified DNA is no longer detectable in the final product.
Eggs from GMO-Fed Chickens: The eggs used in the mayonnaise are sourced from chickens that are likely fed bioengineered corn and soy, a detail not required on the bioengineered food label.
EU vs. USA Regulation: Regulations regarding bioengineered ingredients differ between the USA and other regions like the EU, where Hellmann's products often use different oils (e.g., rapeseed).
Company Provides Options: Hellmann's parent company, Unilever, explicitly states its position on bioengineered foods and offers choices to meet varied consumer preferences.

Decoding the 'Bioengineered' Label

To answer the question, "Is Hellmann's mayonnaise bioengineered in the USA?", it's crucial to understand what the term "bioengineered" means under US law. As of January 1, 2022, the USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard requires that food manufacturers label products containing ingredients from bioengineered crops. The key element is the presence of detectable modified genetic material in the final product. Unilever, Hellmann's parent company, openly discloses that its classic Real Mayonnaise in the US contains ingredients from bioengineered sources, while also offering non-GMO options.

The Ingredients in Question

The primary ingredients of concern for Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise are soybean oil and sugar. The US has a high prevalence of genetically modified versions of both soybeans and sugar beets. While the process of turning soybeans into oil can remove detectable modified DNA, many consumers are still concerned about the source. Unilever includes a disclosure on its packaging for products that contain a bioengineered ingredient with detectable material.

Soybean oil: This is the first ingredient listed in Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise in the US. A significant majority of US soy is bioengineered.
Sugar: A large percentage of the sugar sold in the US comes from genetically modified sugar beets.
Eggs: The eggs used are from chickens likely fed GMO corn and soy, though the eggs themselves do not require a bioengineered label.
Other Ingredients: These include water, vinegar, salt, lemon juice, calcium disodium EDTA, and natural flavors. These are not typically bioengineered ingredients themselves, though some, like vinegar (derived from corn), can be.

Comparison Table: Classic Hellmann's vs. Non-GMO Options


Feature	Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise (USA)	Hellmann's Organic Mayonnaise	Hellmann's Carefully Crafted Dressing
Bioengineered Disclosure	Contains a bioengineered food ingredient.	No bioengineered ingredients.	Made with non-GMO sourced ingredients.
Ingredients	Soybean oil, water, eggs, vinegar, salt, sugar, lemon juice, EDTA.	All USDA certified organic ingredients, including organic/non-GMO eggs.	Non-GMO sourced ingredients, egg-free.
Eggs	Cage-free, but from chickens likely fed GMO grains.	USDA certified organic, non-GMO eggs.	Egg-free.
Oil Source	Soybean oil (majority of US soy is bioengineered).	Organic expeller-pressed soybean oil.	Canola oil and soybean oil, non-GMO sourced.

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

In the past, identifying genetically modified (GMO) products in the US was challenging for consumers. However, the USDA standard provides clarity, albeit with certain nuances. The law mandates that large food manufacturers label products if they contain ingredients with detectable modified genetic material. The labeling can be done in several ways: with text, a specific symbol, or a QR code. This is different from the European Union's stricter labeling requirements, which use different terminology and regulatory standards. For example, a European Hellmann's product might use rapeseed oil instead of soybean oil, reflecting different sourcing. It is important to note that highly refined ingredients like some oils and sugars, where the genetic material is no longer detectable, do not require a bioengineered disclosure, though manufacturers can voluntarily include a "derived from bioengineering" statement.

Hellmann's Response and Product Lines

Amid consumer pressure and growing demand for transparency, Hellmann's parent company, Unilever, has taken steps to offer more choices. They introduced new product lines designed specifically for consumers who wish to avoid bioengineered ingredients. This includes the Organic Mayonnaise and the "Carefully Crafted" eggless spread, which explicitly use non-GMO sourced ingredients. This strategy allows Hellmann's to cater to different consumer preferences while continuing to produce its classic recipe for those who are not concerned with bioengineered ingredients. Unilever's commitment, according to its website, is to provide sustainably sourced ingredients, regardless of their bioengineered status.

Conclusion

Yes, Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise in the USA is bioengineered because it is made with ingredients like soybean oil and sugar derived from bioengineered crops. Under USDA regulations, manufacturers must disclose the presence of bioengineered ingredients with detectable modified DNA. For consumers who prefer to avoid bioengineered foods, Hellmann's offers alternative products like its Organic and "Carefully Crafted" lines. This provides a clear choice for shoppers, empowering them to select the product that aligns with their dietary preferences and values. The implementation of mandatory bioengineered food labeling has increased transparency, but understanding the intricacies of the law is key for making an informed purchase. More information can be found at the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service's resource pages for consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bioengineered label is mandatory under the USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, which took full effect in 2022. The label indicates that the product contains ingredients, such as soybean oil or sugar, derived from crops that have been genetically modified and contain detectable genetic material.

Bioengineered (BE) is the official term used by the USDA for labeling food containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While the terms are often used interchangeably by the public, the BE label is the specific disclosure required by US law.

No, the eggs themselves are not bioengineered. However, the chickens that lay the eggs are often fed genetically modified corn and soy. Current regulations do not require labeling for meat, poultry, or eggs from animals fed GMO feed.

No. The USDA explicitly states that the bioengineered label does not convey any information about the health, safety, or environmental attributes of the food. Numerous scientific organizations, including the World Health Organization, have found no evidence that currently available GM foods are unsafe.

No. While the classic Real Mayonnaise contains bioengineered ingredients, Hellmann's also offers a line of products that are explicitly non-GMO. These include their Organic Mayonnaise and "Carefully Crafted" eggless dressing.

Hellmann's recipes can vary by country due to different regulations and sourcing. For example, the UK version may use rapeseed oil instead of the soybean oil typically used in the US product.

To avoid bioengineered ingredients, you can look for products with a USDA Organic seal, as organic standards prohibit the use of GMOs. Alternatively, look for products certified by the Non-GMO Project, or choose Hellmann's Organic or "Carefully Crafted" lines which are made with non-GMO sourced ingredients.