Understanding the Gout Diet: Is Mayonnaise Ok for Gout?

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

While the exact prevalence varies, gout is a common and painful form of arthritis affecting millions, with diet playing a significant role in managing symptoms. Many people with gout wonder about the safety of common condiments like mayonnaise, often mistakenly believing it is a high-purine food that must be avoided entirely.

Quick Summary

Mayonnaise is typically low in purines, but its high fat and potential sugar content can negatively impact gout management by affecting uric acid excretion and inflammation. The key lies in understanding the ingredients of different types of mayo and practicing moderation within an overall healthy, anti-inflammatory diet.

Key Points

Purine Content: Mayonnaise is surprisingly low in purines, so it does not directly contribute to high uric acid levels in the way that organ meats or certain seafood do.
Fat and Sugar Risks: The main concern with standard mayonnaise is its high saturated fat content, which can inhibit uric acid excretion, and potential added high-fructose corn syrup, which increases uric acid production.
Choose Healthier Alternatives: Better choices include versions made with healthier oils (like olive or avocado) or a simple homemade alternative using plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat and sugar intake.
Moderation is Key: Even with healthier options, moderation is important due to the calorie density. Portion control helps maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for managing gout.
Focus on Overall Diet: A single food is less important than the overall dietary pattern. Adopting a broader healthy diet, such as the DASH or Mediterranean diet, is the most effective approach for managing gout.

The Surprising Truth: Mayonnaise Is Low in Purines

When it comes to managing gout, the primary dietary focus is on limiting foods high in purines, which the body breaks down into uric acid. Organ meats, certain seafood, and high-fructose corn syrup are well-known high-purine offenders. However, a common misconception is that all fatty foods, including mayonnaise, are high in purines. This is simply not the case.

Mayonnaise, in its basic form, is an emulsion of oil, egg yolk, and an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar. Notably, it is low in purines. Therefore, if the only concern were purine content, a person with gout could enjoy mayonnaise without issue. This is where the story gets more complex, as purines are not the only dietary factor influencing gout.

The Real Culprits: Fat, Sugar, and Inflammation

While mayonnaise is not a purine threat, other components can pose a risk for gout sufferers. The main problems with traditional, store-bought mayonnaise are its high levels of saturated fat and, in many cases, added sugars.

The Impact of Saturated Fat

Numerous studies and gout diet guidelines advise reducing intake of high-fat foods, including butter, full-fat dairy, and standard mayonnaise. The reason for this caution is twofold. First, a diet high in saturated fat can interfere with the kidneys' ability to excrete uric acid, potentially causing levels to rise. Second, high-fat meals can contribute to weight gain and obesity, a significant risk factor for both developing gout and experiencing more frequent attacks.

The Hidden Sugar Threat

Many commercial mayonnaises contain high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or other forms of added sugar. Fructose is particularly problematic for those with gout because it can increase the body's production of uric acid. This is why limiting sugary beverages, sauces, and condiments is a critical part of a gout-friendly diet.

Omega-6 and Inflammation

Beyond fat and sugar, the type of oil used in mayonnaise matters. Many commercial versions are made with vegetable oils high in omega-6 fatty acids (e.g., soybean, corn, safflower). While some omega-6 is necessary, an imbalance with omega-3s can promote inflammation. Since gout is an inflammatory disease, minimizing pro-inflammatory foods is a smart strategy.

How to Choose a Gout-Friendly Mayonnaise

For those who love the creamy texture of mayonnaise, there are healthier ways to incorporate it into your diet. The key is to be a label-savvy consumer and opt for alternatives with better nutritional profiles.

Here's what to look for when choosing a mayonnaise:

Read the ingredients: Avoid products with high-fructose corn syrup or excessive added sugars. A simple ingredient list is often best.
Choose a healthier oil base: Look for mayonnaises made with olive oil, avocado oil, or other heart-healthy unsaturated fats. While still calorie-dense, these options are less inflammatory than those made with high omega-6 vegetable oils.
Consider low-fat or fat-free alternatives: Many fat-free or low-fat varieties exist. However, check the sugar content, as manufacturers often add sugar to compensate for lost flavor. A great homemade alternative is a fat-free mayonnaise made with Greek yogurt.
Practice portion control: Regardless of the type, mayonnaise is calorie-dense. Using it in moderation is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, which is crucial for managing gout.

Comparison of Mayonnaise Options for Gout Sufferers


Mayonnaise Type	Key Ingredients	Saturated Fat Level	Added Sugar Level	Gout Suitability
Standard Commercial Mayo	Vegetable oil, egg, vinegar, potentially HFCS	High	Potential for high-fructose corn syrup	Use Sparingly: High saturated fat and sugar can increase uric acid.
Olive or Avocado Oil Mayo	Olive or avocado oil, egg, vinegar	Moderate (healthier fats)	Low or none	Use in Moderation: Healthier fat profile, but still calorie-dense.
Low-Fat Mayo	Lower oil, egg, water, potentially added sugar	Low	Often higher to improve taste	Check the Label: Can have high sugar content; read ingredients carefully.
Greek Yogurt "Mayo" (Homemade)	Plain Greek yogurt, mustard, spices	Very Low	None	Best Alternative: Naturally low in fat and sugar, excellent for gout.

The Importance of an Overall Healthy Diet

Focusing on a single food like mayonnaise can distract from the broader dietary picture, which is far more impactful for gout management. As the Arthritis Foundation and other health organizations emphasize, shifting to a healthier eating pattern is most effective.

Diets known to support heart health, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean diets, are excellent models for people with gout. These patterns emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (like low-fat dairy, legumes, and lean poultry), while limiting saturated fats and added sugars.

A holistic approach to managing gout includes:

Drinking plenty of water: Hydration helps the body flush out uric acid.
Eating more vegetables: Contrary to older beliefs, even purine-rich vegetables are safe and beneficial.
Incorporating low-fat dairy: Studies suggest low-fat dairy products may help lower uric acid levels.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Gradual weight loss can reduce uric acid levels and stress on joints.

Conclusion

While mayonnaise itself is low in purines and doesn't directly cause gout flare-ups from that perspective, standard varieties present risks due to their saturated fat and potential high-fructose corn syrup content. Saturated fat can impair uric acid excretion, and excess sugar boosts uric acid production. Fortunately, smart alternatives exist, such as opting for mayo made with healthier oils or using a Greek yogurt-based substitute. Ultimately, for anyone with gout, the best strategy is to view mayonnaise within the context of a balanced, low-fat, and low-sugar diet, prioritizing overall healthy eating patterns like the DASH or Mediterranean diet to manage symptoms effectively.

Mayo Clinic offers comprehensive guidance on dietary choices for gout management.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, mayonnaise is not high in purines. Purines are found in many foods, but mayonnaise, being primarily oil, egg yolks, and vinegar, is typically low in these compounds.

Saturated fat can impede the kidneys' ability to efficiently clear uric acid from the body. Consuming high amounts of saturated fat can therefore lead to higher uric acid levels and potentially trigger gout attacks.

Not all mayonnaise contains high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), but many commercial brands do. It is important to check the ingredient label, as HFCS is a significant concern for gout due to its effect on uric acid production.

For a healthier alternative, consider a homemade version using olive or avocado oil, or substitute it with plain Greek yogurt for a low-fat, low-sugar option.

Low-fat mayonnaise is often lower in saturated fat, which is beneficial. However, manufacturers frequently add extra sugar to compensate for lost flavor, so it's essential to check the label for added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup.

During a gout flare-up, it is best to avoid high-fat and sugary foods. While low in purines, standard mayonnaise's fat and potential sugar content make it an unwise choice during an attack. Opt for whole foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties instead.

Yes, homemade mayonnaise is often a better choice because you can control the ingredients. By using healthier oils like olive or avocado oil and avoiding added sugars, you can create a condiment more suitable for a gout-conscious diet.