Is Mayonnaise a Soy Product? Understanding the Ingredients

December 29, 2025 •

3 min read

Most commercial mayonnaise contains soybean oil, which is a key ingredient and a source of soy. This can be a significant concern for those with allergies or specific dietary preferences. So, is mayonnaise a soy product? The answer requires a closer look at the label, as it is not a universally soy-free product.

Quick Summary

Many store-bought mayonnaises contain soybean oil, a soy derivative, while others are soy-free. Checking the ingredient list is crucial for identifying soy for dietary needs and allergies.

Key Points

Depends on the Brand: Most commercial mayonnaises, including popular brands like Hellmann's, contain soybean oil and are therefore soy products.
Read the Label: The only way to know for sure is to check the ingredient list for 'soybean oil,' 'soy lecithin,' or other soy derivatives.
Vegan Does Not Mean Soy-Free: Some vegan mayonnaises use soy milk as an emulsifier, while others use soy-free alternatives like aquafaba.
Don't Trust Marketing: Products labeled with alternative oils (e.g., olive, avocado) might still be blended with cheaper soybean or canola oil.
Make Your Own: Creating homemade mayonnaise is the best way to ensure complete control over ingredients and guarantee a soy-free condiment.
Crucial for Allergies: Those with a soy allergy must carefully check the ingredients of all mayonnaise products to avoid a reaction.

The Basics: What is Mayonnaise Made From?

Traditional mayonnaise is an emulsion, meaning it is a combination of two liquids that normally wouldn't mix, held together by an emulsifier. The core ingredients typically include vegetable oil, egg yolks, an acidic liquid like vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings. The egg yolk contains lecithin, which acts as the natural emulsifier, binding the oil and water-based ingredients to create its signature creamy texture.

The Role of Oil in Commercial Mayonnaise

For commercially produced mayonnaise, the choice of oil is critical and often determines if the final product contains soy. A significant number of the most popular brands in the United States and other regions use soybean oil as the primary and most abundant ingredient. The reasons for this widespread use include its neutral flavor profile and cost-effectiveness, which allows for larger-scale production at a lower price point. Because soybean oil is derived directly from soybeans, any product containing it is considered to be a soy product.

How to Identify Soy in Your Mayonnaise

Reading the ingredient label is the most reliable way to determine if a specific mayonnaise is a soy product. Here are the key things to look for:

Soybean Oil: This is the most common soy ingredient in commercial mayo. It will typically be listed as one of the first ingredients, indicating it is present in a high percentage.
Soy Lecithin: Some brands may use soy lecithin as an additional emulsifier, which is also a soy derivative.
Allergen Statement: In many countries, food products containing major allergens, including soy, must explicitly state it. Look for a bolded 'Contains: Soy' statement near the ingredient list.

Different Kinds of Mayonnaise and Their Soy Content

Vegan Mayonnaise

Vegan mayonnaise, by definition, does not contain egg. However, this does not automatically mean it is soy-free. Many vegan versions use soy milk or soy protein as a plant-based emulsifier to achieve a similar creamy consistency. Alternatively, other vegan mayo brands use ingredients like aquafaba (chickpea water) or pea protein, which are soy-free. It is crucial for those with soy allergies to check the label on vegan products as well.

Avocado and Olive Oil Mayonnaise

Brands that market their mayonnaise as being made with more health-conscious oils, such as avocado or olive oil, can be misleading. While some premium brands like Primal Kitchen or Chosen Foods use only these alternative oils, others may use a blend that still includes soybean or canola oil. Always examine the ingredients list to ensure the product is truly free of soybean oil.

The Appeal of Homemade Mayonnaise

For those who need to avoid soy completely, making mayonnaise at home is a simple and effective solution. It gives you full control over the ingredients, ensuring no hidden soy products are included. You can use any neutral-flavored oil you prefer, such as avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, or light olive oil, combined with egg yolks, vinegar, and seasonings. An immersion blender makes the process quick and foolproof. Making homemade mayo is a great way to guarantee a delicious and soy-free condiment. Recipe for homemade mayo using avocado oil

Mayonnaise Comparison Table


Brand Example	Contains Soy?	Oil Type	Notes
Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise	Yes	Soybean Oil	Standard, widely available commercial product.
Best Foods Real Mayonnaise	Yes	Soybean Oil	The same company as Hellmann's (west of the Rockies).
Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo	No	Avocado Oil	Explicitly soy-free, marketed towards paleo and clean-eating diets.
Vegan Mayonnaise (Some Brands)	Varies	Soy Milk/Protein or Other	Depends on the specific vegan emulsifier used. Must read the label.
Homemade Mayo (Avocado Oil)	No	Avocado Oil	Complete control over ingredients, guaranteeing no soy.

Conclusion

While traditional mayonnaise itself isn't a soy product, most mass-produced, commercial versions contain soybean oil and are therefore not soy-free. The assumption that all mayonnaise is a simple emulsion of oil and egg can be dangerous for individuals with a soy allergy. The key to navigating the condiment aisle is diligent label reading, as ingredients can vary widely between brands and product lines. For a guaranteed soy-free option, premium brands and homemade recipes provide reliable alternatives for ensuring your condiments align with your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, standard Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise is not soy-free because its main ingredient is soybean oil. Best Foods mayonnaise, made by the same company, also contains soybean oil.

Yes, soybean oil is derived from soybeans and is a soy product. Individuals with a soy allergy should avoid any product listing soybean oil in its ingredients.

Yes, many specialty brands offer mayonnaise made with alternative oils like avocado or olive oil and explicitly market them as soy-free. Examples include Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods.

No, some vegan mayonnaises use soy milk or soy protein as a plant-based emulsifier. It is important to read the ingredients list to verify if a vegan product is also soy-free.

Good substitutes include hummus, mashed avocado, or a homemade mayonnaise using an oil like avocado or light olive oil.

Manufacturers often use soybean oil because it has a neutral flavor and is more cost-effective than other oils, which helps keep production costs low.

Yes, making mayonnaise at home is straightforward and allows you to choose your oil, ensuring it is completely free of soy. A neutral-flavored oil like avocado or light olive oil is recommended.