Is Mayonnaise Ok to Eat on a Carnivore Diet?

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

Most store-bought mayonnaise is not compliant with a strict carnivore diet due to the inclusion of inflammatory seed oils like canola or soybean oil. While eggs, a core component, are animal-based, the vegetable oil and other plant-derived additives make commercial mayonnaise unsuitable. The good news is that with a simple recipe and compliant fats, you can easily make carnivore-friendly mayonnaise at home.

Quick Summary

This article explains why most commercial mayonnaise is not carnivore-compliant due to inflammatory seed oils and plant additives. It provides a detailed comparison between store-bought and homemade versions, outlines approved animal fats, and offers simple recipes to create a compliant, zero-carb alternative.

Key Points

Store-bought mayo is not carnivore-compliant: Commercial versions contain inflammatory seed oils (canola, soy) and non-compliant plant additives.
Homemade mayo is the solution: You can easily make a carnivore-approved mayonnaise using eggs and animal fats.
Use animal fats, not seed oils: Approved fats include beef tallow, bacon grease, and duck fat, which are stable and nutrient-dense.
Zero-carb options are possible: For strict zero-carb, omit any vinegar or lemon juice, and use only egg yolks and rendered fat.
Control your ingredients: Making mayo at home ensures you avoid hidden sugars, fillers, and other non-compliant ingredients found in commercial products.
Homemade mayo is versatile: Use your compliant mayonnaise as a dip, a binding agent for meat salads, or a rich topping for other carnivore meals.

Why Store-Bought Mayonnaise is Off-Limits

For anyone following a strict carnivore or zero-carb eating plan, the ingredients list of commercial mayonnaise is a clear red flag. The fundamental issue lies not in the eggs—a staple animal product—but in the other components used to create the creamy emulsion.

The Problem with Seed Oils

The biggest dietary concern for carnivores regarding store-bought mayo is the use of industrial seed oils. These include:

Canola oil
Soybean oil
Sunflower oil
Safflower oil

These oils are high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which can lead to inflammation and metabolic issues when consumed in excess. The carnivore diet aims to eliminate such inflammatory agents from the diet, and these oils directly contradict that goal.

Other Non-Compliant Ingredients

Beyond the oils, many commercial mayonnaise products contain other plant-based ingredients and additives that are not allowed on a strict carnivore diet:

Sugar and sweeteners: Often added to balance the flavor, these are off-limits on a zero-carb diet.
Vinegar or lemon juice: While used in small quantities, these are still plant-derived ingredients. For a true zero-carb version, they should be eliminated, or a compliant alternative can be sought for flavor.
Natural flavors and spices: Manufacturers can use broad terms to hide plant-based ingredients.
Emulsifiers and preservatives: Ingredients like gums and preservatives are not animal-based and are designed for shelf-stability, not for nutrient density.

The Solution: Homemade Carnivore Mayonnaise

The great news is that creating a delicious, compliant mayonnaise at home is straightforward and only requires a few animal-based ingredients. This allows you complete control over the quality of fats and other components.

Approved Animal-Based Fats

The key to a successful carnivore mayonnaise is using the right fat. Here are some of the best options:

Beef Tallow: Rendered beef fat with a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it an excellent base.
Bacon Grease: Rendered pork fat that adds a rich, smoky flavor profile.
Duck Fat: A flavorful alternative for cooking and sauces.
Ghee or Grass-Fed Butter: For those who include dairy in their plan, these offer a rich, creamy texture and flavor.

Recipe for Simple Carnivore Mayo

Ingredients: 2 large, pasture-raised egg yolks, 1/2 cup melted beef tallow (cooled to lukewarm), 1/4 tsp sea salt.
Instructions:
1. Combine the egg yolks and salt in a tall, narrow jar.
2. Using an immersion blender, start blending at the bottom of the jar.
3. Slowly drizzle the lukewarm beef tallow into the jar while the blender is running.
4. As the mixture emulsifies and thickens, slowly lift the blender up and down until fully combined.
5. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow it to firm up.

Comparison: Store-Bought vs. Homemade Mayo


Feature	Store-Bought Mayonnaise	Homemade Carnivore Mayonnaise
Fat Source	Industrial seed oils (soybean, canola)	Animal fats (tallow, lard, duck fat)
Additives	Preservatives, stabilizers, sugars	None; ingredients are pure and controlled by you
Flavor	Can be one-dimensional or contain non-compliant flavors	Varies based on fat and optional additives (e.g., spices)
Health Impact	Associated with inflammation due to high omega-6 content	Supports metabolic health with stable, animal-based fats
Compliance	Non-compliant with strict carnivore diet	100% compliant with proper ingredients
Shelf Life	Long, due to preservatives	Shorter (1-2 weeks), without preservatives

Incorporating Homemade Mayo into Your Carnivore Diet

Homemade carnivore mayonnaise is a versatile condiment that can add fat and flavor to your meals. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

As a dip: Use it as a dipping sauce for cooked meats, including steak, chicken, or bacon. Mixed into dishes: Stir it into cooked ground beef or shred meat with it to make a carnivore version of egg or tuna salad. Topping: Add a dollop to burgers or steak for a rich, creamy finish.

Conclusion

While a jar of standard, store-bought mayonnaise is a definite 'no' for the carnivore diet due to its plant-based, inflammatory seed oils and additives, a compliant, delicious alternative is simple to make at home. By substituting seed oils with healthy animal fats like beef tallow or bacon grease, you can create a rich, creamy, and nutrient-dense condiment that perfectly aligns with your dietary goals. Taking control of your ingredients ensures purity and adherence, allowing you to enjoy your favorite flavors without compromise. The homemade approach ensures that mayonnaise can indeed be okay to eat on a carnivore diet, as long as it's made with the right, animal-based components. For more information on ancestral eating and healthy fats, consult resources such as the American Diabetes Society.

Frequently Asked Questions

Avocado oil is plant-based, so it is not strictly carnivore-compliant. However, some more relaxed versions of the diet might permit it. For a pure carnivore mayo, animal fats like tallow or bacon grease are the only appropriate choice.

To ensure proper emulsification, make sure all your ingredients, especially the egg yolks and fat, are at room temperature. Also, add the melted fat very slowly in a thin, steady stream while continuously blending with an immersion blender.

No, even sugar-free commercial mayonnaise typically still uses non-compliant seed oils like canola or soybean oil and may contain other plant-based additives or preservatives. The oil source is the primary problem.

Since homemade mayo lacks chemical preservatives, it has a much shorter shelf life. It should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and is best consumed within one to two weeks.

For those on a strict zero-carb plan, flavorings must be animal-based, such as rendered bacon fat for a smoky taste or bone broth. If following a more relaxed plan, some individuals might tolerate minimal amounts of seasonings, but this is a personal choice.

The main reason is the use of industrial seed oils, which are plant-based and high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. The carnivore diet's core principle is to eliminate all plant-derived foods, including these oils.

Yes, some recipes specifically use hard-boiled eggs instead of raw egg yolks, which can also produce a creamy result. This is a matter of recipe preference and can be a safe alternative.