The Truth: Can you have mayo on a carnivore diet?

October 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, conventional store-bought mayonnaise is often loaded with inflammatory seed oils, which are strictly off-limits on an animal-based eating plan. So, while the classic condiment may be out, the question remains: Can you have mayo on a carnivore diet if you make it yourself with approved ingredients?

Quick Summary

The carnivore diet prohibits conventional, store-bought mayonnaise due to its inflammatory seed oil content. However, a carnivore-compliant version can be made at home using only animal-based ingredients and fats.

Key Points

Store-bought mayo is off-limits: Conventional mayonnaise contains inflammatory seed oils like soybean or canola, which violate the principles of a carnivore diet.
Homemade is the solution: You can make carnivore-compliant mayo at home by replacing seed oils with animal fats.
Use animal fats: Recommended fats for homemade mayo include beef tallow, duck fat, and bacon grease.
Consider your strictness level: A strictly compliant carnivore mayo uses only animal products and salt, while a relaxed version might include small amounts of vinegar or mustard for flavor.
The emulsification process is key: To make a successful homemade mayo, slowly drizzle the melted, but not hot, fat into the egg yolk mixture while blending.
Expect it to thicken in the fridge: Due to the nature of animal fats, your homemade mayo will set and thicken to a traditional consistency after being refrigerated.

Why conventional mayonnaise is a carnivore no-go

The carnivore diet emphasizes eliminating plant-based foods, especially processed items and seed oils, in favor of animal-sourced nutrition. Most store-bought mayonnaise is unsuitable due to the oils used in production. Commercial mayonnaise typically contains highly processed seed oils like soybean, canola, or sunflower oil. These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and associated with inflammation and metabolic issues. The carnivore diet aims to avoid such inflammatory ingredients, making store-bought mayo non-compliant. Some commercial varieties may also contain prohibited ingredients like added sugars, preservatives, and plant-derived spices.

Making carnivore-approved mayonnaise at home

It is possible to make a carnivore-friendly mayonnaise at home by substituting problematic seed oils with animal-based fats and limiting non-animal additives based on your dietary strictness.

Approved animal fat options

Beef Tallow: Provides a savory flavor and good consistency, firming up in the fridge.
Bacon Grease: Adds a smoky flavor that complements meat dishes.
Duck Fat: Offers a milder taste profile.
Melted Butter or Ghee: Dairy options that may be included by less strict followers.

Optional (relaxed carnivore) ingredients

Individuals following a more relaxed approach, sometimes called 'ketovore', might include small amounts of non-animal ingredients for flavor. These can include small amounts of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt. A strict carnivore mayonnaise would contain only eggs, animal fat, and possibly salt.

Comparison of mayonnaise types

Here is a table comparing different mayonnaise types and their carnivore diet compatibility:


Feature	Conventional Store-Bought Mayo	Homemade Carnivore Mayo	Homemade Relaxed Carnivore Mayo
Primary Fat Source	Seed oils (canola, soybean, etc.)	Animal fats (tallow, bacon grease)	Animal fats (tallow, bacon grease)
Eggs	Yes	Yes	Yes
Plant-Based Ingredients	Yes (oils, sugar, vinegar, spices)	No (unless seasonings like salt are counted)	Minimal (e.g., small amounts of lemon, mustard)
Inflammatory Potential	High, due to seed oils	Very low to none	Low, depending on sensitivity
Suitability for Strict Carnivore	No	Yes (omitting optional ingredients)	No
Suitability for Relaxed Carnivore	No	Yes	Yes

Making your own carnivore mayonnaise: A recipe

Ingredients

2 large, pastured egg yolks, room temperature
1 cup melted animal fat (beef tallow, duck fat, or bacon grease)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for relaxed carnivore)
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for relaxed carnivore)

Instructions

Prepare the Base: Combine the egg yolks, salt, and optional vinegar/mustard in a tall jar or immersion blender bowl.
Blend: Mix ingredients thoroughly with an immersion blender.
Emulsify: While blending, slowly pour in the melted (but not hot) animal fat, keeping the blender head near the bottom and moving it up and down as it thickens.
Thicken and Store: The mixture will thicken significantly after refrigeration as the animal fat cools and solidifies. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

The carnivore approach to condiments

Following a carnivore diet involves a shift away from many conventional condiments, focusing instead on the natural flavors of animal products. While homemade animal-fat-based mayonnaise can be a suitable option for some, others prefer a stricter 'lion diet' of only ruminant meat, water, and salt. Personal preferences and health goals are key in determining the best approach. For information on seed oils, see sources like the Cleveland Clinic.

Conclusion

Conventional store-bought mayonnaise is not allowed on a carnivore diet due to its processed nature and inflammatory seed oil content. However, a compliant and tasty alternative can be made at home using animal fats like tallow or bacon grease. Depending on your personal dietary strictness, you can make a purely animal-based mayo or a relaxed version with small amounts of non-animal ingredients for flavor. This homemade option allows those on a carnivore diet to enjoy a creamy condiment while adhering to their animal-based nutritional plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seed oils like soybean and canola are high in omega-6 fatty acids and are linked to inflammation and metabolic issues, which the carnivore diet aims to avoid. They are heavily processed and derived from plants, making them unsuitable for an animal-based diet.

No, avocado oil is plant-based and not permitted on a carnivore diet. While it is not a seed oil, and may be acceptable on a keto diet, it is still derived from a plant and is therefore excluded by strict carnivore rules.

While traditional mayo recipes often use raw eggs, there is a risk of salmonella contamination. Some carnivore mayo recipes, like Trina Krug's, use hard-boiled eggs instead to eliminate this risk. Using fresh, pasture-raised eggs can also reduce the risk.

A strict carnivore recipe for mayo only uses animal products like egg yolk, animal fat, and salt. A relaxed or 'ketovore' version may incorporate small, optional amounts of plant-based ingredients for flavor, such as lemon juice or mustard.

Animal fats like tallow, lard, and bacon grease are solid at cooler temperatures. When refrigerated, the mayo will naturally firm up. Simply let it sit at room temperature for a short time before using to soften it.

Yes, some carnivores use heavy cream or butter to create creamy, animal-based sauces. Nathalie C. from a Facebook group suggests recipes like carnivore alfredo sauce using heavy cream, butter, and cheese.

Strict carnivores typically only use salt. Relaxed carnivores may use limited spices, low-sugar hot sauces, or dairy products like sour cream or cheese. Sauces made from pan drippings are another excellent, compliant option.