Finding a Mayonnaise That Does Not Have High Fructose Corn Syrup

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, high fructose corn syrup consumption has declined since its peak in 1999, yet it remains a common ingredient in many packaged foods, including some mayonnaise brands. Finding a mayonnaise that does not have high fructose corn syrup requires careful label reading, but several high-quality, readily available brands meet this criterion.

Quick Summary

This article lists specific mayonnaise brands that do not contain high fructose corn syrup and explains how to identify healthier options. It details what to look for on ingredient labels and compares different types of mayo, including organic and avocado oil-based versions. The content provides a practical shopping guide for consumers seeking HFCS-free condiments.

Key Points

HFCS-Free Brands: Look for specific brands like Duke's, Chosen Foods, and Primal Kitchen that guarantee no high fructose corn syrup in their mayonnaise products.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredient list for 'high fructose corn syrup' and be cautious with 'light' or 'fat-free' versions, which may add sugar.
Consider Oil Quality: Healthier mayos often use avocado or expeller-pressed oils instead of heavily processed vegetable oils.
Check Mainstream Brands: Some classic brands like Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise do not use HFCS in their standard formulas, but it's best to verify the specific product's label.
Explore Alternatives: For a healthier swap, consider mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, or mustard, all of which are excellent HFCS-free spreads.
Make Your Own: For complete ingredient control, homemade mayonnaise is a simple process using egg yolks, oil, and vinegar, with no added sweeteners.

For many health-conscious consumers, avoiding high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a priority. This is because excessive consumption of added sugars, including HFCS, is linked to various health concerns. When it comes to condiments like mayonnaise, the ingredient list can be surprising, but fortunately, several brands offer healthier, HFCS-free alternatives. This guide will help you navigate the options and make an informed choice.

Leading Brands Without High Fructose Corn Syrup

Many mainstream and specialty brands have recognized the demand for cleaner ingredient lists and have removed HFCS from their mayonnaise. Here are some of the most popular and respected options:

Duke's Real Mayonnaise: A cult favorite in the South, Duke's is known for its tangy, rich flavor derived from a higher proportion of egg yolks. Crucially, it has always been sugar-free and contains no HFCS or artificial flavors.
Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise: While some Hellmann's products might contain sugar, the classic Real Mayonnaise recipe does not include high fructose corn syrup. Always check the label, as formulations can vary by region and product line.
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Mayo: Made with avocado oil, this brand explicitly states that its products are free of high fructose corn syrup, and they focus on simple, clean ingredients.
Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo: This brand specializes in clean, paleo-friendly condiments and is a guaranteed HFCS-free option. Their recipe is made with avocado oil and organic eggs.
Sir Kensington's Avocado Oil Mayo: Sir Kensington's offers a premium line of condiments, including an avocado oil mayonnaise that is free from high fructose corn syrup.
Trader Joe's Organic Mayonnaise: For shoppers at Trader Joe's, their organic mayonnaise is a reliable option for an HFCS-free spread.
Kewpie Mayonnaise (Japanese Style): Made with egg yolks, rice vinegar, and often no added sugars, traditional Kewpie mayonnaise is a savory, rich alternative to American-style mayo.

What to Look for on the Label

To ensure you're getting a mayonnaise that does not have high fructose corn syrup, follow these steps while in the grocery store:

Check the Ingredient List: This is the most crucial step. High fructose corn syrup will be listed clearly if it's present. Other terms for added sugars might also appear, so scrutinize the list carefully.
Opt for Organic and Expeller-Pressed Oils: Many healthier, HFCS-free mayonnaise brands use higher-quality oils, such as organic or expeller-pressed avocado or safflower oil, rather than heavily processed soybean or canola oil.
Beware of "Light" or "Fat-Free" Versions: Removing fat from mayonnaise often means adding sugar or other thickeners to compensate for taste and texture. Read these labels with extra scrutiny, as they are more likely to contain HFCS or other sweeteners.
Simple is Better: A shorter, more recognizable list of ingredients typically indicates a healthier product. Classic mayonnaise should primarily contain oil, egg yolk, vinegar, and seasonings.

Comparison Table: HFCS-Free Mayonnaise Brands


Brand	Key Ingredient	Sugar-Free?	Notes
Duke's	Soybean Oil, Egg Yolks	Yes	Naturally tangy, no sugar or HFCS ever.
Hellmann's Real Mayo	Soybean Oil, Eggs	No HFCS	Check the 'Real' version; ingredient list can vary.
Chosen Foods	Avocado Oil	No Added Sugar	Uses avocado oil for healthy fats; clean ingredients.
Primal Kitchen	Avocado Oil, Organic Eggs	Sugar-Free	Paleo and Keto friendly; often made with cleaner ingredients.
Sir Kensington's	Avocado or Sunflower Oil	No HFCS	Uses high-quality oils and focuses on better ingredients.
Trader Joe's Organic	Canola Oil, Organic Eggs	No HFCS	Reliably HFCS-free; organic certified.

Why Avoiding High Fructose Corn Syrup Matters

The choice to avoid HFCS in mayonnaise is part of a larger trend toward consuming less processed, more natural foods. While some sources, like the FDA, state that HFCS is not inherently less safe than other sweeteners like sucrose, the primary concern for many health experts is the excessive amount of added sugar in the modern diet. By opting for condiments without HFCS and other unnecessary additives, you can reduce your overall sugar intake without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Health

Finding a mayonnaise that does not have high fructose corn syrup is simpler than it may seem. By focusing on brands known for their clean ingredient lists, such as Duke's, Chosen Foods, or Primal Kitchen, you can ensure you are making a healthier choice. The key is to be a diligent label-reader, especially when considering "light" or "reduced-fat" options. With a wide variety of quality alternatives now available, you can enjoy your favorite creamy condiment without the unwanted sweeteners.

Homemade Mayo: The Ultimate HFCS-Free Option

For complete control over ingredients, making mayonnaise at home is a simple and rewarding process. A basic recipe requires only a few ingredients and a blender or whisk. You'll need egg yolks, a neutral-flavored oil like avocado or light olive oil, a touch of mustard, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. This method guarantees no high fructose corn syrup and allows for full customization of flavor and ingredients.

The DIY Recipe: Simple Homemade Mayonnaise

Ingredients

1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 cup oil (avocado oil is an excellent choice)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, blender, or medium bowl, whisk the egg yolk, mustard, vinegar, and a pinch of salt until combined.
Slowly Add Oil: While continuously whisking (or with the motor running on low), very slowly drizzle in the oil in a thin, steady stream. This is the most critical step to ensure the emulsion forms correctly.
Emulsify: Continue whisking until the mixture thickens into a creamy mayonnaise texture. If it's too thick, you can whisk in a teaspoon of water.
Season: Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or a bit more acid if needed.
Store: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.

Making your own allows you to use the highest quality, most natural ingredients possible, ensuring your mayonnaise is free of HFCS and any other unwanted additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands such as Duke's, Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Mayo, and Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo are reliably free of high fructose corn syrup. Many organic and specialty brands also avoid it.

No. Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise does not contain high fructose corn syrup. However, it is always a good practice to check the ingredient list on different Hellmann's products, as formulas can change.

High fructose corn syrup is a low-cost sweetener often used in processed foods for flavor and as a preservative. It is typically added to 'light' or 'fat-free' mayonnaise versions to compensate for the flavor and texture lost when fat is removed.

Yes, mayonnaise without high fructose corn syrup is generally considered a healthier option because it avoids unnecessary added sugars. However, the overall healthiness also depends on the type of oil used, such as avocado or olive oil versus processed vegetable oils.

Yes, 'light' or 'fat-free' mayonnaises are often among the most likely products to contain high fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners. This is done to improve flavor and consistency when the fat content is lowered.

Beyond high fructose corn syrup, look for brands that use high-quality oils (like avocado or olive oil) and avoid excessive additives, preservatives, and ambiguous 'natural flavors'.

Good naturally HFCS-free alternatives include plain Greek yogurt, hummus, or mashed avocado, which can provide a creamy texture without the added sugars found in many processed condiments.