Is mayonnaise ok for a carnivore diet? A guide to making compliant mayo

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, regular mayonnaise contains about 61% polyunsaturated fat, primarily from vegetable or seed oils that are forbidden on a carnivore diet. So, when asking, "is mayonnaise ok for a carnivore diet?" the simple answer is that store-bought versions are a definite no, but a homemade alternative is entirely possible.

Quick Summary

Store-bought mayonnaise is not compliant with the carnivore diet because it contains plant-based seed oils, sugar, and other additives. However, it is possible to make a diet-friendly version at home using only animal-based fats and compliant ingredients like egg yolks and salt.

Key Points

Store-bought mayo is non-compliant: Most commercial mayonnaise contains plant-based seed oils, sugar, and other additives that are strictly forbidden on a carnivore diet.
Homemade carnivore mayo is compliant: A version made at home using only animal-based fats, egg yolks, and salt is a perfect carnivore-friendly condiment.
Animal fats are key: Use rendered beef tallow, lard, or bacon grease instead of vegetable oils to make a rich, flavorful, and compliant mayonnaise.
Be cautious with optional ingredients: For the strictest form of the diet, omit plant-derived flavorings like lemon juice or mustard. A more flexible approach may include these in minimal amounts.
Homemade is additive-free: Making your own ensures you avoid the preservatives, stabilizers, and potentially inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids found in commercial products.
Easy to make with an immersion blender: The process is quick and simple, involving blending egg yolks and salt while slowly adding melted animal fat until emulsified.

Why Store-Bought Mayonnaise is Not Carnivore-Compliant

For anyone following a strict carnivore diet, the guiding principle is to consume only animal products. Store-bought mayonnaise, despite containing eggs, is off-limits for several key reasons related to its non-animal ingredients. The primary issue is the type of fat used in its production.

The Problem with Seed Oils

Most commercial mayonnaise is made with highly processed vegetable and seed oils, such as soybean, canola, or sunflower oil. These oils are plant-derived and contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which can be inflammatory when consumed in excess. The carnivore diet emphasizes eliminating these industrial seed oils completely.

Hidden Sugars and Additives

Many store-bought brands include added sugar, vinegar, and other preservatives to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. These ingredients are all non-animal-based and therefore violate the strict rules of the carnivore diet. Even versions marketed as "keto-friendly" often use vegetable oils that are not aligned with a true animal-based approach.

Creating a Carnivore-Compliant Mayonnaise

The good news for condiment lovers is that mayonnaise is surprisingly simple to make at home using only carnivore-approved ingredients. This gives you complete control over the fat source and eliminates all problematic additives. The foundation of a carnivore mayo is the combination of egg yolks and a high-quality animal fat.

The Essential Ingredients

Animal Fat: This replaces the industrial seed oils. Excellent options include rendered beef tallow, bacon grease, lard, or ghee. For a richer, more neutral flavor, beef tallow is a popular choice, while bacon grease offers a smokier profile.
Egg Yolks: Eggs are a staple of the carnivore diet and are the key to emulsifying the fat and creating the creamy texture.
Acid (Optional): For those on a less strict version of the diet, a small amount of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can be used for a tangy flavor. For strict purists, this is omitted.
Salt: A compliant seasoning that enhances the flavor.

Basic Carnivore Mayo Recipe

Making your own mayonnaise is a simple process that requires just a few minutes and an immersion blender.

Prepare your ingredients: Ensure the egg yolks are at room temperature. Melt your chosen animal fat (tallow, lard, etc.) but let it cool slightly so it doesn't cook the egg yolks.
Combine the base: In a tall, narrow jar, combine the egg yolks and a pinch of salt. If you're including it, add the optional acid now.
Emulsify: Place the immersion blender at the bottom of the jar and blend for about 10-15 seconds. While still blending, slowly drizzle the melted animal fat into the jar. Continue blending until the mixture is thick and creamy.
Chill: Refrigerate the mayonnaise. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Creative Carnivore Mayo Variations

For those who want to add a bit more flavor without breaking the rules, you can experiment with different animal fat combinations. Mixing beef tallow and bacon grease provides a complex, savory flavor. Some moderate carnivores might also include a very small amount of mustard, as it is a powerful emulsifier and flavor agent, provided the specific brand contains no sugars or seed oils.

Comparison: Store-Bought vs. Homemade Carnivore Mayo


Feature	Store-Bought Mayonnaise	Homemade Carnivore Mayonnaise
Fat Source	Industrial seed oils (soybean, canola)	Animal-based fats (tallow, lard, bacon grease)
Ingredients	Eggs, seed oils, sugar, vinegar, spices, preservatives	Eggs, animal fat, salt (optional acid)
Compliance	Non-compliant with carnivore diet	Fully compliant (depending on optional ingredients)
Processing	Highly processed with chemical additives	Minimal processing, whole ingredients
Additives	Contains preservatives, stabilizers, and flavorings	Free of all additives and preservatives
Health Impact	Associated with inflammation due to omega-6 fatty acids	Promotes healthy fat intake, free of inflammatory oils

Conclusion

In summary, the question of "is mayonnaise ok for a carnivore diet?" is best answered by differentiating between the commercial product and a homemade version. Store-bought mayonnaise is not compliant with the carnivore diet due to its reliance on plant-based seed oils, added sugars, and preservatives. However, by simply swapping out the non-compliant vegetable oil for a high-quality animal fat like tallow or lard, you can create a creamy, flavorful, and completely diet-compliant mayonnaise at home. This allows you to enjoy a classic condiment without sacrificing your nutritional goals or consuming inflammatory ingredients. Making your own is the only way to ensure your mayo truly aligns with a carnivore lifestyle.

For more information on compliant products and making your carnivore diet successful, explore resources from knowledgeable communities like Carnivore Style.(https://carnivorestyle.com/carnivore-diet-condiments/)

Frequently Asked Questions

While avocado oil is often considered a healthier plant-based oil, it is still derived from a plant and therefore not compliant with a strict carnivore diet, which eliminates all plant-based foods.

Yes, nearly all store-bought brands use vegetable or seed oils, added sugars, and preservatives, all of which are non-compliant. To stay strict, commercial mayonnaise should be avoided completely.

A pure carnivore mayo will lack the tangy flavor. For flavor variety, some carnivores use seasonings like compliant salt or mix it with compliant sauces, or incorporate dairy (if tolerated) like sour cream.

Homemade mayonnaise, without the industrial preservatives, has a much shorter shelf life. It should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and is best used within 5 to 10 days, depending on the recipe.

Beef tallow is a great choice for a neutral flavor, while rendered bacon grease provides a smoky, salty taste. Duck fat and lard are also excellent options. All should be high-quality and rendered from clean animal sources.

This depends on how strict you are. Mustard is plant-based, but some on a modified carnivore diet use a tiny amount of mustard (checking labels for no added sugar or seed oils) as an emulsifier and for flavor. Strict carnivores would avoid it.

The most important steps are to ensure your egg yolks are at room temperature and to add the melted animal fat very slowly while the immersion blender is running. If the fat is added too quickly, the emulsion will break.