Is There a Mayo That Doesn't Use Soybean Oil?

According to a 2023 study, soybean oil accounts for 66% of the top eight consumable oils in the US, making it a ubiquitous ingredient in commercial condiments like mayonnaise. For those with allergies, dietary restrictions, or health concerns, finding a store-bought option can be a challenge, prompting the question: is there a mayo that doesn't use soybean oil?

Quick Summary

This guide explores several high-quality store-bought mayonnaise brands that do not use soybean oil, focusing on alternatives made with avocado, olive, and other non-seed oils. It also details how to create homemade mayonnaise from scratch and compares different products to help consumers find the best option for their needs.

Key Points

• Soybean Oil is Avoidable: Yes, many mayonnaise brands and recipes exist that do not use soybean oil, opting for healthier alternatives like avocado or olive oil.

• Avocado Oil is a Top Substitute: Brands such as Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods offer high-quality, soy-free mayonnaise made with 100% avocado oil.

• Homemade Offers Full Control: Making your own mayonnaise allows for complete control over ingredients, ensuring it is completely soy-free and uses your preferred oil.

• Vegan Options Are Available: For those seeking both soy-free and egg-free mayo, brands like Follow Your Heart produce versions using other oils like high-oleic safflower oil.

• Check Labels Carefully: Many products labeled "olive oil mayo" still contain soybean oil as a primary ingredient, so reading the full ingredient list is essential.

• Healthier Fatty Acid Profile: Avoiding soybean oil in favor of avocado or olive oil can lead to a more balanced intake of omega fatty acids, which is a key reason for many people to switch.

• Consider Processing Methods: Concerns about heavily processed and potentially rancid soybean oils prompt many to choose brands that use cold-pressed or cleaner alternatives.

A Guide to Soy-Free Mayonnaise

For many, mayonnaise is a kitchen staple, but with increasing awareness of food sensitivities and a preference for cleaner ingredients, many consumers are seeking alternatives to conventional products made with soybean oil. Fortunately, the market has expanded significantly, offering excellent soy-free options. The two most common alternatives are those made with avocado oil and those made with olive oil, though homemade recipes provide even more control over ingredients.

Leading Brands with Soy-Free Mayonnaise Options

Several health-conscious brands have carved out a niche by producing high-quality mayonnaise without soybean oil. These products are often found in the health food aisle, at specialty stores, or online.

Avocado Oil Mayonnaise Brands

Avocado oil is a popular choice for soy-free mayo due to its mild flavor and health profile. Brands like Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods are well-known for their commitment to using pure avocado oil as the base for their products.

• Primal Kitchen: A leader in the market, Primal Kitchen's original mayonnaise is made with avocado oil, organic eggs, and organic vinegar. It is Whole30-approved and free of sugar, gluten, soy, and canola oil.
• Chosen Foods: Offering a 100% pure avocado oil mayonnaise, Chosen Foods provides a clean and delicious option for those avoiding soy and other seed oils. It is widely available at Costco, Whole Foods, and online.
• Sir Kensington's: While not all of their products are soy-free, their Avocado Oil Mayo is made exclusively with avocado oil and Certified Humane free-range egg yolks.

Olive Oil Mayonnaise Brands

Using olive oil in mayonnaise can create a richer flavor profile. However, many mainstream "olive oil" mayos still contain soybean or canola oil, so it is crucial to read the ingredients list carefully. Some dedicated brands, or specific product lines, avoid seed oils entirely.

• Wildly Organic: This company offers a certified organic, soy-free mayonnaise that uses a blend of MCT oil from coconuts and extra virgin olive oil for a unique and healthy combination.
• Emile Noël: This European brand offers a natural mayonnaise with organic olive oil. It is a good choice for those who prefer the distinctive taste of olive oil.

Vegan Options

For those who also avoid eggs, some vegan mayos are formulated without soybean oil. Brands like Follow Your Heart offer a 'Soy-Free Vegenaise' which uses expeller-pressed, high-oleic safflower oil instead of soy. This is a valuable option for both soy-averse and vegan consumers.

The DIY Alternative: Making Your Own Mayo

For ultimate control over ingredients, making homemade mayonnaise is a simple and rewarding process. The basic recipe requires only a few ingredients and an immersion blender.

Ingredients:

• 1 large, room-temperature egg
• 1 cup of a soy-free oil (avocado, light olive, or high-oleic sunflower)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the egg, mustard, lemon juice or vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a wide-mouth jar that fits your immersion blender.
2. Pour the full cup of oil on top of the other ingredients.
3. Place the head of the immersion blender all the way down to the bottom of the jar, covering the egg yolk.
4. Turn the blender on high and hold it in place for about 15-20 seconds until a thick, creamy mixture forms at the bottom.
5. Slowly lift the blender head up through the oil to incorporate the rest of the mixture.
6. Continue to blend for a few more seconds until the mayonnaise is uniformly thick and emulsified. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Homemade mayo is free of preservatives and is a great way to ensure a completely soy-free product. It should be stored in the refrigerator and will keep for about one to two weeks.

Comparative Table of Soy-Free Mayo Options

Brand/Type	Primary Oil	Key Features	Pros	Cons	Availability
Primal Kitchen	Avocado Oil	Organic eggs, no added sugar, Paleo/Keto certified, Whole30 approved	Very clean ingredients, rich flavor	Can be expensive	Health food stores, online
Chosen Foods	Avocado Oil	100% pure avocado oil, cage-free eggs, gluten-free	Good value for the quality, widely available	Some may find the flavor more neutral than traditional mayo	Costco, Whole Foods, grocery stores, online
Wildly Organic	MCT/Olive Oil Blend	Organic, soy-free, seasonal product	Unique healthy oil blend, high-quality ingredients	Can separate in extreme temperatures, limited availability	Online via their website
Follow Your Heart	High-Oleic Safflower Oil	Vegan, egg-free, soy-free Vegenaise	Great for vegan and egg-free diets, mimics traditional mayo taste	May contain pea protein, which imparts a subtle flavor	Health food stores, grocery stores
Homemade Mayo	Your choice (Avocado, Olive)	Custom ingredients, ultimate control, fresh	Freshest taste, complete ingredient control, cost-effective	Shorter shelf life, requires prep time	Your kitchen

The Motivation Behind Avoiding Soybean Oil

For many, the push to find a mayonnaise without soybean oil is driven by legitimate health and dietary considerations.

• Allergies and Sensitivities: Soybean is a common allergen, and its presence in most commercial mayos makes them unsuitable for affected individuals. Even refined soybean oil is an issue for some with severe soy allergies.
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Conventional soybean oil is very high in omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6s are essential, the standard Western diet often has an imbalanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which some health experts link to inflammation. Opting for mayonnaise with avocado or olive oil can help improve this balance.
• Processing Methods: Many commercial soybean oils are heavily processed using chemical solvents like hexane and are often partially or fully hydrogenated. Concerns about these refining processes and their potential health impacts lead many to seek out cleaner alternatives.
• GMO Concerns: The vast majority of soybeans grown in the US are genetically modified. For consumers who prefer to avoid GMOs, choosing mayonnaise with organic or non-GMO-certified oils is a priority.

Conclusion

Yes, finding a mayonnaise that doesn't use soybean oil is entirely possible and increasingly easy. The rise of health-conscious brands has created a variety of store-bought options using alternative fats like avocado and olive oil. Brands such as Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods offer readily available, high-quality choices. For those who want maximum control over their diet, the simple process of making homemade mayonnaise provides the freshest, most customizable solution. Whether you have an allergy, are reducing your omega-6 intake, or simply prefer cleaner ingredients, a delicious soy-free mayonnaise is well within reach.

Sources

• Follow Your Heart. (n.d.). Soy-Free Vegenaise® Vegan Mayo. Retrieved from https://followyourheart.com/vegan-foods/dairy-free-mayo/soy-free-vegenaise/
• The Kitchn. (2021, August 23). The Best Mayonnaise Brands. Retrieved from https://www.thekitchn.com/best-mayonnaise-brands-23124019
• The Harvest Market. (n.d.). Primal Kitchen Mayo Avocado Oil Real Mayonnaise. Retrieved from https://www.theharvestfl.com/product/primal-kitchen-mayo-avocado-oil-real-mayonnaise/1288
• Planet-Bake. (2023, August 10). Why to avoid Soybean Oil. Retrieved from https://planet-bake.com/blogs/blog/why-to-avoid-soybean-oil

More Information

For more detailed information on specific brands or additional recipes, consider exploring dedicated health food blogs or manufacturers' websites.

Outbound Link

For further reading on the effects of different types of oils, a reliable resource is the Center for Science in the Public Interest: Is mayo healthy? You might be surprised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Primal Kitchen mayonnaise made with soybean oil?

No, Primal Kitchen mayonnaise is famously made with avocado oil and explicitly states that it does not contain soy or canola oil.

Which brands offer a 100% avocado oil mayonnaise?

Chosen Foods is a leading brand that offers a mayonnaise made with 100% pure avocado oil, with Primal Kitchen also being a popular choice.

Why do most commercial mayos use soybean oil?

Most commercial mayonnaise uses soybean oil because it is a cheap and widely available ingredient for mass production.

Do all olive oil mayos avoid soybean oil?

No, you must check the ingredient list. Many mass-market brands label their product as 'olive oil mayonnaise' but still use soybean or canola oil as the primary ingredient, with a small amount of olive oil for flavor.

How long does homemade mayonnaise without soybean oil last?

Because it lacks commercial preservatives, homemade mayonnaise has a shorter shelf life and should be stored in the refrigerator for about one to two weeks.

Are there egg-free, soy-free mayo options?

Yes, some vegan mayos are also soy-free. For example, Follow Your Heart offers a 'Soy-Free Vegenaise' that uses high-oleic safflower oil as its base.

What is the health concern with soybean oil in mayonnaise?

Concerns include the high concentration of omega-6 fatty acids, potential for oxidation and inflammation, and the heavy processing methods involved in creating conventional soybean oil.