Is Kraft mayonnaise low carb? A comprehensive guide for keto diets

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

The standard Kraft Real Mayonnaise contains 0g of total carbohydrates per serving, making Kraft mayonnaise low carb and suitable for those following a ketogenic diet. However, navigating the world of condiments on a low-carb diet requires careful attention to product labels, as not all varieties are created equal. This guide provides a full breakdown of the nutritional facts and ingredient considerations for making an informed choice.

Quick Summary

Kraft Real Mayonnaise is a low-carb, keto-friendly condiment with zero carbohydrates per serving, though ingredient quality should be considered. This information explores its nutritional profile and compares it to other brands, highlighting what to look for when choosing mayonnaise.

Key Points

Standard is Low Carb: Classic Kraft Real Mayonnaise contains 0g of carbs per tablespoon, making it suitable for low-carb and keto diets.
Check Product Varieties: Always read the label, as reduced-fat or light versions, as well as Miracle Whip, can contain hidden sugars and higher carb counts.
Ingredient Quality Matters: While low in carbs, standard commercial mayos like Kraft often use lower-quality soybean/canola oils and preservatives compared to premium brands.
Better Alternatives Exist: Healthier, zero-carb options are available from brands like Primal Kitchen or Chosen Foods, which use avocado oil and fewer additives.
Homemade Offers Control: For total control over ingredients and quality, making your own mayonnaise with healthy oils is the best low-carb option.

The Low-Carb Verdict on Kraft Mayonnaise

For those adhering to a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet, the good news is that traditional, full-fat Kraft Real Mayonnaise is indeed low carb and keto-friendly. The nutrition label for a standard 1-tablespoon serving clearly lists 0g of total carbohydrates. This zero-carb status applies to its Real Mayonnaise, making it a safe condiment for those counting their net carbs. The low-carb status comes from the primary ingredients: oil and eggs, which are both naturally high in fat and contain no carbohydrates. While the standard product is safe, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the specific variety of Kraft mayonnaise you choose, as not all are nutritionally identical.

Why Ingredients Matter for a Low-Carb Mayonnaise

Many commercial mayonnaise brands, especially those labeled as 'light,' 'reduced-fat,' or containing added flavors, use fillers or sweeteners that can increase the carbohydrate count. These additives help compensate for the flavor and texture lost when fat is reduced. To ensure your mayonnaise aligns with your low-carb goals, always check the ingredient list for hidden sugars (like corn syrup) and starches. The basic recipe for a ketogenic mayonnaise is simple—eggs, oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings—so a product with a short, simple ingredient list is often a good sign.

A Detailed Look at Kraft's Nutritional Information

Let's break down the nutritional facts for one serving (1 tbsp or 13g) of Kraft Real Mayonnaise to see how it fits into a low-carb diet:

Total Carbohydrates: 0g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Total Fat: 10g (13% DV)
Saturated Fat: 1.5g (8% DV)
Protein: 0g
Calories: 90

This breakdown confirms that Kraft Real Mayonnaise is an excellent source of fat with no carbs, perfectly suited for increasing fat macros on a keto diet. For those monitoring sodium, it contains 70mg (3% DV) per serving.

The Spectrum of Mayonnaise: From Standard to Specialty

When choosing a low-carb mayonnaise, you can compare a few key options. Below is a comparison table to help you decide:


Feature	Kraft Real Mayo	Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise	Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo	Homemade Keto Mayo
Carbs (per tbsp)	0g	0g	0g	~0g
Primary Oil	Soybean/Canola Oil	Soybean/Canola Oil	Avocado Oil	User's choice (e.g., Avocado, Olive)
Added Sugar	Trace amounts, but 0g on label	Trace amounts, but 0g on label	No added sugar	None
Preservatives	Yes (e.g., Calcium Disodium EDTA)	Yes	No	None
Cost	Budget-Friendly	Mid-Range	Premium	Depends on ingredients

Choosing the Best Option for You

For Budget-Conscious Dieters: If cost is your main concern and you need a reliable low-carb condiment, Kraft Real Mayonnaise is a perfectly acceptable choice. Its carb count is zero per serving, and it's widely available. The trace amounts of sugar are negligible for most. However, keep in mind the potential for lower-quality oils and preservatives.
For Clean Eaters: If you prioritize ingredient quality and wish to avoid industrial seed oils and artificial preservatives, a premium brand like Primal Kitchen or Chosen Foods is the better option. These typically use high-quality fats like avocado oil and contain no added sugars.
For Complete Control: The most health-conscious option is to make your own low-carb mayonnaise at home. This gives you full control over the type and quality of oil used, ensuring there are no hidden sugars or preservatives. An immersion blender makes this process quick and easy.

Understanding Different Kraft Mayo Products

To avoid accidentally consuming extra carbs, be mindful of the different Kraft mayonnaise products on the shelf. While Kraft Real Mayo is low carb, other variations are not:

Kraft Mayo with Avocado Oil: Often a reduced-fat product, it may contain a blend of oils and possibly added sugars. Check the label carefully, as some are marketed as keto-friendly while others are not.
Kraft Light Mayonnaise: Reduced-fat varieties frequently add sugar to maintain flavor and texture, which increases the carb count.
Kraft Miracle Whip: This is not mayonnaise but a salad dressing that is significantly higher in carbs and sugar, making it unsuitable for a keto or low-carb diet.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Low-Carb Lifestyle

When it comes to the question, "Is Kraft mayonnaise low carb?" the answer is a resounding yes, for the traditional Real Mayonnaise product. Its zero-carb profile per serving makes it a functional and tasty addition to any low-carb meal. However, for those concerned with ingredient quality and overall health, exploring options made with healthier oils or making your own homemade version may be preferable. The best practice is always to read the nutrition label and ingredient list carefully, and remember that full-fat mayonnaise is generally safest for keto diets. By being a savvy shopper, you can enjoy this versatile condiment without compromising your low-carb goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should only consume Kraft Real Mayonnaise, as it has 0g of net carbs per serving. Avoid light, reduced-fat, and Miracle Whip varieties, which typically contain added sugars and higher carbs.

The nutrition label states 0g of sugar per tablespoon. While some sources suggest trace amounts might exist, they are negligible for most people on a low-carb diet. For optimal health, some prefer brands with no added sweeteners at all.

No, Kraft Miracle Whip is a salad dressing, not a true mayonnaise, and it contains significant amounts of sugar and carbs, making it unsuitable for a keto or low-carb diet.

Brands like Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods offer avocado oil-based mayonnaise with no added sugars and cleaner ingredients. Making homemade mayo with avocado or light olive oil is another excellent alternative.

To compensate for the loss of flavor and creamy texture when fat is removed, manufacturers often add sugar and starches, increasing the carbohydrate content.

First, check the nutrition label for 0g total carbohydrates and zero sugar per serving. Second, review the ingredient list for hidden sugars like corn syrup or dextrose, and be cautious of starches used as thickeners.

Yes, homemade mayo offers complete control over ingredients, allowing you to use healthier fats like avocado oil and avoid all preservatives and hidden sugars.