Understanding Nutrition: What is the Most Unhealthy Mayonnaise?

October 7, 2025 •

5 min read

Over 75% of commercial mayonnaise brands contain soybean or canola oil, with some formulations adding ingredients that make them particularly unhealthy. Determining what is the most unhealthy mayonnaise involves looking past the label's branding to analyze the specific types of oils, sugars, and additives used.

Quick Summary

Several store-bought mayonnaise and dressing-style products are considered less healthy due to processed ingredients, refined oils, high sugar content, and artificial additives. The worst offenders often contain high-fructose corn syrup and cheap, inflammatory seed oils, which should be avoided for a healthier diet.

Key Points

Refined Seed Oils Increase Inflammation: The high omega-6 fatty acid content in oils like soybean and canola, common in many mayos, can promote inflammation when consumed in excess.
Miracle Whip Contains HFCS: Mayonnaise-like dressings such as Miracle Whip are often packed with high-fructose corn syrup and additives, making them particularly unhealthy.
Additives Extend Shelf Life, Not Health: Watch out for chemical preservatives like calcium disodium EDTA and potassium sorbate, which serve no nutritional purpose.
"Light" Options May Have Hidden Sugars: Reduced-fat mayos can replace fat with starches or sweeteners, sometimes including controversial artificial ones.
Best Mayos Use Healthy Oils: For a healthier option, look for brands that use high-quality oils like avocado or olive oil with a simple, clean ingredient list.
Homemade is the Healthiest Option: Making mayonnaise from scratch gives you full control over ingredients, allowing you to use healthy oils and avoid all additives.

Decoding the Unhealthy Ingredients in Mayonnaise

While traditional homemade mayonnaise is made from simple, whole ingredients like eggs and oil, most commercial, shelf-stable versions are highly processed and contain several less-than-desirable components. It is not a specific brand that is the single "most unhealthy" but rather a category of products defined by these ingredients. By understanding what to look for, you can make more informed choices for your nutritional diet.

The Problem with Refined Seed Oils

Most mass-produced mayonnaise uses cheap, refined vegetable oils like soybean or canola oil as their primary ingredient. While all oils are calorie-dense, the issue with these seed oils is their high concentration of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their inflammatory potential. A diet with a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to increased inflammation, which is a risk factor for various health issues, including cardiovascular disease and certain chronic conditions. In contrast, healthier versions use oils with a better omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, like those made with olive or avocado oil. The processing of these oils can also damage them through high heat and chemical treatment, creating damaged fats that are harder for the body to process.

Artificial Additives and Preservatives

To achieve a long shelf life and stable texture, many commercial mayonnaises rely on a cocktail of artificial additives. These can include:

Calcium Disodium EDTA: A chemical preservative used to protect flavor and extend shelf life. Although generally recognized as safe in small quantities, some health-conscious individuals choose to avoid it.
Potassium Sorbate: Another common preservative, its consumption has been associated with negative side effects for some people.
Modified Food Starch: Often used as a thickener and stabilizer, particularly in low-fat or reduced-fat varieties, it can be derived from sources like corn and is sometimes processed with chemicals.
Natural Flavors: This term can be a catch-all for various flavor enhancers, including MSG, which is best avoided for optimal health.

Hidden Sugars, Especially High-Fructose Corn Syrup

One of the most concerning ingredients to watch for is added sugar, especially high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Products like Miracle Whip, a mayonnaise-like dressing, contain HFCS, which is a significant contributor to its unhealthy profile. The consumption of added sugars, particularly HFCS, is associated with a range of health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Many consumers believe they are purchasing mayonnaise, but in fact, they are purchasing a different type of processed spread that contains added sweeteners.

The Calorie and Fat Trap

Mayonnaise is a calorie-dense condiment due to its high oil content, with a single tablespoon of regular mayo containing around 90-100 calories and 10 grams of fat. This can quickly add up, especially if portions are not controlled. Furthermore, “light” or “reduced-fat” versions are not always a healthier choice, as the fat is often replaced with additional starches, thickeners, and sometimes sugar, as seen with products like Miracle Whip Light.

Comparison of Mayonnaise and Dressings


Feature	Regular Mayonnaise	Light Mayonnaise	Mayonnaise with Healthy Oils	Miracle Whip (Dressing)
Oil Type	Refined seed oil (soybean, canola)	Refined seed oil (soybean, canola)	Avocado or olive oil	Refined seed oil (soybean)
Added Sugars	Often minimal, but can contain trace amounts	Can contain more additives and sugars to mimic taste	Typically no added sugar	Contains high-fructose corn syrup
Additives	Preservatives (e.g., EDTA), natural flavors	Thickeners (e.g., modified cornstarch), preservatives, artificial sweeteners	Minimal to no additives	Preservatives, thickeners, HFCS
Key Ingredient	Refined soybean oil	Water, starch, and refined oil	Healthy avocado or olive oil	Refined soybean oil, HFCS
Calorie Count (per tbsp)	~90-100 calories	~35-50 calories	~90-100 calories	Lower calories, but worse ingredients
Omega-6/3 Ratio	High omega-6	High omega-6	Healthier ratio	High omega-6

What are the Most Unhealthy Mayonnaise Brands and Ingredients?

Based on ingredient analysis and expert reviews, the most unhealthy mayonnaise products are those that use refined seed oils, high-fructose corn syrup, and an assortment of artificial additives and preservatives. Brands and products to be mindful of include:

Kraft Miracle Whip: A prime example of an unhealthy, mayo-like dressing due to its high-fructose corn syrup content.
McCormick Mayonnaise: Noted for using soybean oil and preservatives like disodium.
Lower-Fat Versions with Dodgy Ingredients: Some "light" products use artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium to compensate for reduced fat, ingredients rated as "avoid" by some consumer health guides.
Many Standard Store Brands: Most popular national brands use soybean oil, preservatives, and natural flavors. While not as egregious as HFCS, the highly processed nature and omega-6 content make them a poorer choice.

Making a Healthier Choice

The key to selecting a healthier mayonnaise is to read the ingredient list, not just the front-of-pack claims. Look for options made with higher quality, cold-pressed oils like avocado or olive oil and a minimal number of ingredients. Alternatively, making your own mayonnaise at home provides complete control over the ingredients, ensuring you use healthy, natural components. You can also consider healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or hummus for a creamy texture.

For more resources on healthy cooking and making better food choices, consider reviewing the health and wellness guidelines from reputable sources like the World Cancer Research Fund.

Conclusion: Moderation and Awareness are Key

To answer the question, what is the most unhealthy mayonnaise? it is not a single brand, but rather any highly processed, shelf-stable product loaded with refined seed oils, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial additives. The mayonnaise-like dressings like Miracle Whip are typically among the worst offenders due to their added sugars and preservatives. While regular mayonnaise is calorie-dense, its unhealthiness is driven by the use of cheap, inflammatory vegetable oils and artificial additives. The best approach is to choose products with clean ingredients, use moderation, or opt for whole-food alternatives like Greek yogurt or avocado to enhance your nutrition diet without unnecessary processed ingredients.

Key Takeaways

Refined Seed Oils are a Major Issue: Highly processed oils like soybean and canola oil, common in most store-bought mayo, are high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids.
Beware of High-Fructose Corn Syrup: Certain mayonnaise-like dressings, most notably Miracle Whip, contain high-fructose corn syrup, a key ingredient making them significantly less healthy.
Additives and Preservatives are Common: To extend shelf life, manufacturers add artificial preservatives like Calcium Disodium EDTA and Potassium Sorbate, which are best avoided for optimal health.
"Light" Doesn't Mean Healthy: Reduced-fat mayonnaises can contain hidden sugars, starches, and artificial sweeteners to compensate for the lower fat content.
Read the Ingredients List Carefully: Always check the label for healthy oil alternatives (avocado, olive) and minimal ingredients to identify a better option.
Portion Control is Important: Even with a healthier mayonnaise, its calorie density means that moderation is key for managing weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it depends on the specific product, mayonnaise-like dressings such as Kraft Miracle Whip are often cited as among the unhealthiest options due to their use of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients. Many standard store-brand mayonnaises, like those from Hellmann's or Kraft, also contain refined seed oils and preservatives that make them less healthy than versions with cleaner ingredients.

Not necessarily. While light mayo has fewer calories and less fat per serving, it often contains added starches, thickeners, and sometimes sugar or artificial sweeteners to mimic the texture and flavor of the full-fat version. Reading the ingredient list is crucial to ensure you are not trading fat for other unhealthy additives.

You should aim to avoid mayonnaise primarily made with cheap, refined seed oils like soybean and canola oil. These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation in the body when consumed in large quantities. Instead, look for mayos made with avocado oil or olive oil.

Additives like calcium disodium EDTA and potassium sorbate are used to preserve freshness and enhance shelf life. While deemed safe in small amounts, they offer no nutritional value, and some studies suggest potential negative health effects for sensitive individuals. Many people prefer to avoid them as part of a clean-eating diet.

Yes. Mayonnaise is calorie-dense, with a single tablespoon containing up to 100 calories. Because it is easy to over-consume, it can significantly and unknowingly increase your daily calorie intake, which can lead to weight gain over time. Moderation and portion control are essential.

Yes, homemade mayonnaise is generally a healthier alternative because you have full control over the ingredients. By using healthy, cold-pressed oils (e.g., avocado or olive oil) and fresh eggs, you can create a condiment free of refined oils, additives, and added sugars.

For creamy alternatives, consider using Greek yogurt, hummus, or mashed avocado. Greek yogurt offers a similar consistency with added protein and probiotics, while avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats. Hummus is another great choice for sandwiches and wraps.