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Nutrition Diet Guide: Which Brand of Mayonnaise Does Not Use Soybean Oil?

5 min read

Did you know that most commercial mayonnaise brands use cheap soybean oil as their primary ingredient?. If you're wondering which brand of mayonnaise does not use soybean oil, numerous high-quality alternatives are available for a healthier diet, using fats like avocado or olive oil instead.

Quick Summary

Many popular mayonnaise brands use soybean oil, but several alternatives exist using healthier fats like avocado and olive oil. Options range from gourmet to vegan spreads.

Key Points

  • Ingredient Scrutiny: Many labeled 'avocado oil' or 'olive oil' mayos still contain other oils; always read the full ingredient list to ensure it's free of soybean oil.

  • Avocado Oil Options: Brands like Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods offer high-quality, keto-friendly mayonnaise made with avocado oil, and some even offer vegan versions.

  • Olive Oil Alternatives: Light olive oil mayonnaise provides a distinct flavor and healthy fats, with brands like Wildly Organic offering organic, blended oil options.

  • Vegan, Soy-Free Spreads: For those avoiding eggs and soy, brands like Follow Your Heart offer options such as Soy-Free Vegenaise, which uses safflower oil.

  • Duke's as a Mainstream Choice: This classic brand uses canola and sunflower oils instead of soybean oil, providing a more readily available, tangy alternative.

  • DIY Control: Making homemade mayonnaise with your preferred oil, like avocado or light olive oil, gives you complete control over ingredients and taste.

In This Article

The Problem with Processed Oils in Mayonnaise

For decades, soybean oil has been a staple in the food industry, largely because of its low cost and neutral flavor profile. This has made it the primary fat source for many mainstream mayonnaise brands. However, as consumers become more health-conscious, many are seeking to reduce their intake of highly processed vegetable oils, which can be inflammatory for some individuals. This growing awareness, combined with the rise of specific dietary lifestyles like paleo, keto, and Whole30, has driven the market for mayonnaise that forgoes soybean oil in favor of healthier alternatives.

Top Mayonnaise Brands Without Soybean Oil

Several brands have stepped up to offer alternatives, with options ranging from avocado oil-based spreads to olive oil varieties and vegan selections. When shopping, it is critical to always check the ingredient label, as some products may feature a healthier oil prominently on the front while still blending it with cheaper alternatives like canola oil.

Avocado Oil Mayonnaise Brands

  • Chosen Foods: A popular brand that offers a range of mayonnaise products made with 100% pure avocado oil. They have both classic and vegan options, ensuring a clean ingredient deck free of soybean and canola oils. Chosen Foods is often praised for its smooth texture and neutral flavor, making it a versatile condiment.
  • Primal Kitchen: Well-known within the paleo and keto communities, Primal Kitchen's mayonnaise is made with avocado oil and organic cage-free eggs. It is Whole30-Approved and Paleo-Certified, guaranteeing a clean, soy-free product.
  • BetterBody Foods: This brand offers an avocado oil-based mayonnaise that is both non-GMO and free from soy and canola oils. It is marketed as a keto-friendly condiment with a neutral taste.

Olive Oil Mayonnaise and Other Alternatives

  • Wildly Organic: Offers a USDA Certified Organic, soy-free mayonnaise that uses a blend of MCT oil from coconuts, extra virgin olive oil, and sesame oil. This creates a product with a unique, robust flavor profile that differs from traditional mayo.
  • Sir Kensington's: While some of their products may contain sunflower oil, their Organic Mayonnaise is noted for using sunflower oil as its primary fat, making it a soybean oil-free option for those looking for organic choices.
  • Duke's Real Mayonnaise: This Southern favorite is renowned for its signature tangy taste and uses canola and sunflower oils, but not soybean oil. It's a reliable, widely available choice for those avoiding soy but not necessarily other processed vegetable oils.

Vegan and Egg-Free Mayonnaise

  • Follow Your Heart Soy-Free Vegenaise: This vegan and egg-free spread uses expeller-pressed high-oleic safflower oil instead of soybean oil. It is a reliable choice for those with multiple dietary restrictions.
  • Homemade Vegan Mayo (Cashew-based): For those who prefer a DIY approach, a creamy vegan mayo can be made by blending soaked cashews, olive oil, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. This offers full ingredient control and is completely soy-free.

Comparison of Soybean Oil-Free Mayonnaise Brands

Brand Primary Oil Key Features Taste Profile Certifications (e.g., Paleo, Keto, Vegan)
Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Whole30-Approved, Paleo-Certified Neutral, rich Whole30, Paleo, Keto
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil 100% pure avocado oil, vegan option available Neutral, smooth Non-GMO, varies by product
Wildly Organic Coconut, Olive, Sesame USDA Organic, soy-free, canola-free Unique, more flavorful USDA Organic, Kosher
Follow Your Heart Safflower Oil Soy-free Vegenaise, egg-free Mild, creamy Vegan, Soy-Free
Duke's Mayonnaise Canola, Sunflower Tangy Southern classic Signature tangy taste N/A (contains non-soy vegetable oil)

Make Your Own Homemade Mayonnaise

Making mayonnaise from scratch is a surprisingly simple process that gives you complete control over every ingredient. This method ensures your mayo is entirely free from soybean oil and any other fillers or preservatives you wish to avoid.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg yolk (at room temperature)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or white wine vinegar
  • 1 cup of high-quality oil (avocado, light olive oil, or cold-pressed sunflower oil are good options)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine the egg yolk, mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a tall, narrow container suitable for an immersion blender.
  2. Pour the cup of oil over the ingredients. Do not stir.
  3. Insert the immersion blender to the bottom of the container. Turn it on high and hold it steady for 15-20 seconds as the mixture begins to emulsify and whiten.
  4. Once the mixture at the bottom has thickened, slowly lift the blender to incorporate the rest of the oil. Move the blender up and down until all the oil is incorporated and the mayonnaise is thick and creamy.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Brand for You

For those seeking a healthier, cleaner condiment, finding a mayonnaise without soybean oil is easier than ever. Whether you prefer the neutral richness of avocado oil brands like Chosen Foods and Primal Kitchen, the distinct flavor of Wildly Organic's blended oils, or a vegan, soy-free spread from Follow Your Heart, the market offers plenty of choice. For the ultimate control, making your own homemade version is a rewarding and simple process. By carefully checking labels and considering your dietary needs, you can easily find a delicious mayonnaise that fits your clean eating goals.

  • Helpful tip: When browsing options, remember that the term 'vegetable oil' on an ingredient list can often include soybean oil, so look for labels that specifically state the oil type. You can find many of these brands at health food stores, specialty markets, and online retailers like Amazon.

Key Considerations for Shopping

  • Read the Label: The first step is always to check the ingredient list for 'soybean oil' or 'vegetable oil.' Many brands explicitly advertise 'no soybean oil' to cater to this consumer demand.
  • Choose Your Oil: Decide if you prefer a neutral taste (avocado or sunflower oil) or a stronger, more assertive flavor (olive or blended oils).
  • Consider Vegan Options: If you need to avoid eggs as well as soy, explore brands like Follow Your Heart's Soy-Free Vegenaise, which uses alternative ingredients.
  • Evaluate Cost and Accessibility: Healthier-oil mayonnaise can be more expensive than conventional brands. Compare prices and check availability at local grocery stores or online.
  • Embrace Homemade: If you have the time, making your own ensures the highest quality ingredients and complete freedom from unwanted additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most major mayonnaise brands use soybean oil because it is an inexpensive and widely available vegetable oil with a relatively neutral flavor profile, making it a cost-effective ingredient for mass production.

Yes, mayonnaise made with different oils can have distinct taste differences. Avocado oil often provides a neutral, buttery taste, while olive oil can result in a more robust or peppery flavor. Blended or nut-based oils will also have their own unique notes.

Mayonnaise made with premium, healthier oils like avocado or olive oil is generally more expensive than conventional brands using soybean oil. The higher cost reflects the price of the quality ingredients and specialized production.

Yes, several vegan mayonnaise brands, such as Follow Your Heart's Soy-Free Vegenaise, are specifically formulated without soybean oil. Homemade vegan mayo can also be made using ingredients like cashews and olive oil.

Brands like Chosen Foods and Primal Kitchen are often available at specialty health food stores, online retailers like Amazon, and in the natural foods section of many conventional grocery stores.

No, Duke's Real Mayonnaise does not use soybean oil. According to The Kitchn, it is made with a blend of canola and sunflower oils.

Choosing mayonnaise without soybean oil, especially varieties made with avocado or olive oil, can increase your intake of monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy. Many of these alternatives are also non-GMO and free from other processed additives.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.