Is Hellmann's mayonnaise low in FODMAP? Navigating nutrition for a sensitive diet

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 10% of the world's population suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), with many managing symptoms through a low FODMAP diet. This makes questioning common condiments, especially a staple like mayonnaise, essential. So, is Hellmann's mayonnaise low in FODMAP? The answer depends entirely on the specific product and its ingredients.

Quick Summary

The FODMAP suitability of Hellmann's mayonnaise varies by product, making label scrutiny essential. While traditional mayonnaise is generally low FODMAP, additives like garlic, onion, or unspecified 'natural flavors' can introduce high FODMAP ingredients. Safe alternatives, including homemade mayo or vetted brands, are available for a strict low FODMAP diet.

Key Points

Ingredient Scrutiny is Key: Standard mayonnaise is low FODMAP, but Hellmann's products often contain unspecified 'natural flavors' or added garlic/onion, making them potentially high FODMAP.
Serving Size Matters: For plain, low FODMAP mayonnaise, the Monash University-recommended serving size is 2 tablespoons (40g).
Not All Hellmann's Products are Equal: Specific versions like the Low-Fat dressing and some flavored vegan options are known to contain high FODMAP ingredients, so do not assume all Hellmann's is safe.
Look for Certifications: The safest option is to choose mayonnaise with a certified low FODMAP label or consult a FODMAP-checking app before purchasing.
DIY is the Safest Option: Making your own mayonnaise at home gives you complete control over ingredients, guaranteeing a low FODMAP condiment.

The FODMAP Profile of Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise, at its most basic, consists of a few simple ingredients: egg yolks, oil, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice. Since these primary components are naturally low in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), traditional, unflavored mayonnaise is generally considered safe for a low FODMAP diet in typical serving sizes. However, the FODMAP-friendliness hinges entirely on what manufacturers add for flavor, preservation, or texture. The universally recommended low FODMAP serving size for plain mayonnaise is two tablespoons, according to research from Monash University.

Why Hellmann's Isn't a Universal “Yes”

While traditional mayo is safe, the complexity arises when dealing with specific commercial brands, including Hellmann's. A simple search reveals that the FODMAP status of Hellmann's products can vary greatly. The core issue lies with additional ingredients like 'natural flavors' or added onion and garlic, which are common high-FODMAP culprits. The term "natural flavors" is particularly ambiguous, as it can be used to hide high-FODMAP components. For a person with IBS, this means relying on a blanket assumption that Hellmann's is safe is risky and can lead to triggering symptoms.

Scrutinizing Hellmann's Products: A Closer Look

Let's break down some common Hellmann's products to highlight why reading labels is non-negotiable:

Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise (USA): The ingredients often list 'natural flavors'. Since the source of these flavors is not specified, they could contain onion or garlic compounds, making them a potential risk for those sensitive to fructans. Some apps, like Fig, flag this product as potentially high FODMAP for this reason.
Hellmann's Vegan Dressing/Mayonnaise: For a vegan option, some products are labeled by Fig as likely low FODMAP. However, flavored versions, such as a garlic-infused vegan mayo, have been explicitly labeled as not low FODMAP due to high FODMAP ingredients.
Hellmann's Low-Fat Mayonnaise Dressing: This product has been identified as not low FODMAP by reputable sources, citing multiple ingredients that could be high in FODMAPs, depending on the source.
Hellmann's Mayonnaise with Olive Oil: Like the regular version, this product may contain ingredients flagged as potentially high FODMAP.

Comparison: Hellmann's vs. Low FODMAP Alternatives

This table provides a quick reference for evaluating Hellmann's and comparing it with vetted low FODMAP alternatives.


Feature	Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise	Certified Low FODMAP Mayonnaise	Homemade Low FODMAP Mayonnaise
FODMAP Status	Potentially high FODMAP due to 'natural flavors' or other additives.	Certified low FODMAP. Ingredients are explicitly low FODMAP.	Guaranteed low FODMAP as you control all ingredients.
Label Reading	Essential. The term "natural flavors" is a major concern.	Minimal. Trust the certification. Check for other non-FODMAP intolerances.	Minimal. You know exactly what went in.
Ingredients	Soybean Oil, water, eggs, vinegar, sugar, salt, lemon juice concentrate, 'natural flavors'.	Simple, low FODMAP ingredients (oil, egg yolks, vinegar, Dijon mustard).	Oil (olive or canola), egg yolks, lemon juice/vinegar, mustard (no high FODMAP ingredients).
Availability	Widely available in most grocery stores.	May require searching online or in specialty health food stores.	Requires gathering ingredients and making it yourself.

How to Choose a Safe Mayonnaise

For individuals on a low FODMAP diet, navigating the condiment aisle requires vigilance. Here are key steps to ensure your choice is safe:

Check for Certification: The easiest and most reliable method is to look for products with a certification from Monash University or another trusted low FODMAP program. This removes all guesswork.
Read the Ingredients List: If a product is not certified, carefully read the ingredients. Avoid any mention of garlic, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, or 'natural flavors' unless you can verify with the manufacturer that these flavors are free of alliums.
Consider a Low FODMAP App: Apps like Fig can help scan barcodes and identify potential high FODMAP ingredients in real-time.
Look for Vetted Brands: Some brands specifically cater to the low FODMAP market. Brands like Sir Kensington's and Chosen Foods are often cited as having low FODMAP options, but always check the specific product label.
Make Your Own: The safest bet is to create your own mayonnaise at home. It's surprisingly simple and ensures complete control over the ingredients, guaranteeing a FODMAP-free result.

The Art of Homemade Low FODMAP Mayonnaise

Making your own mayonnaise is an empowering step on a restricted diet, providing a fresh, flavor-packed condiment without any risk. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

1 cup light olive oil or canola oil
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
1 tbsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard (ensure it has no high FODMAP ingredients)
Salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions:

Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl or food processor, whisk the egg yolk, lemon juice (or vinegar), mustard, salt, and pepper until well-combined.
Slowly add oil: While continuously whisking or blending, add the oil in a very slow and steady stream. The mixture should begin to emulsify and thicken. If it breaks, stop and add a teaspoon of hot water to try to bring it back together.
Adjust seasoning: Once all the oil is incorporated and the mayonnaise is thick and creamy, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
Storage: Store your homemade mayonnaise in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Conclusion

While traditional mayonnaise is considered low FODMAP, assuming a commercial product like Hellmann's is safe can be problematic due to added high FODMAP ingredients like 'natural flavors,' garlic, and onion. The definitive answer to "Is Hellmann's mayonnaise low in FODMAP?" is not a simple yes, but requires careful label reading and product-specific verification. For those managing IBS, the most reliable strategy is to choose a brand explicitly certified as low FODMAP or, for ultimate control, to make your own at home.

For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on FODMAPs and food suitability, consult the official Monash University Low FODMAP Diet website or app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hellmann's Low-Fat Mayonnaise Dressing and Hellmann's Organic Spicy Chipotle Mayonnaise have been flagged as not low FODMAP by diet-checking apps like Spoonful and Fig due to high FODMAP ingredients or potentially high-FODMAP additives.

Using Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise is risky. The ingredient list includes "natural flavors," which can be a hidden source of high-FODMAP ingredients like garlic or onion. For a strict low FODMAP diet, it is better to avoid it or seek a certified product.

The most important ingredients to check for are garlic powder, onion powder, and the ambiguous term "natural flavors." These are common high-FODMAP additives used for seasoning in many commercial mayonnaises.

No, not all store-bought mayonnaises are high FODMAP. Some brands specifically produce low FODMAP versions, and many traditional, unflavored mayonnaises are fine in moderation, provided you check the label for high FODMAP ingredients.

No, it is not recommended to use low-fat mayonnaise. Ingredients used to substitute fat, such as emulsifiers and additives in Hellmann's Low-Fat Mayonnaise Dressing, often contain moderate or high FODMAP ingredients.

Safe low FODMAP alternatives include mayonnaise with a certified label from Monash University, brands like Sir Kensington's Classic Mayonnaise (verify ingredients), or simply making your own mayonnaise at home where you control all the ingredients.

To make low FODMAP mayonnaise, you will need egg yolks, low FODMAP oil (like light olive or canola), lemon juice or vinegar, and a small amount of Dijon mustard without high FODMAP additives. Simply combine the ingredients and slowly emulsify the oil.