What is a Dairy Free Alternative to Mayonnaise? Your Complete Guide

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 65% of the world's population experiences some form of lactose intolerance, driving the need for creamy, satisfying dairy-free options. When it comes to condiments, figuring out what is a dairy free alternative to mayonnaise? is a common question for vegans, those with allergies, or anyone seeking a healthier, plant-based lifestyle. The good news is there are several excellent substitutes, both ready-made and homemade, that perfectly mimic the tangy, rich texture of traditional mayo.

Quick Summary

Explore the many plant-based substitutes for mayonnaise, including easy homemade recipes and store-bought brands. This guide covers how to make aquafaba, cashew, and tofu-based mayos, comparing options for taste and dietary needs.

Key Points

Homemade Aquafaba Mayo: Use the brine from canned chickpeas as a magical egg-free emulsifier to create a classic, fluffy mayo-like texture.
Rich Cashew Cream: Soaked and blended cashews produce a thick, creamy, and nutty mayo alternative that is oil-free and deeply satisfying.
Simple Silken Tofu Spread: For a high-protein, oil-free, and incredibly smooth option, blend silken tofu with lemon juice and seasonings.
Quick Swaps: Utilize mashed avocado, hummus, or tahini for instant, healthy, and creamy substitutes in sandwiches or dips.
Convenient Store-Bought Options: Several brands, including Hellmann's Vegan, Vegenaise, and Chosen Foods, offer reliable and tasty ready-to-use plant-based mayos.
Healthier Profile: Many vegan mayo options are naturally cholesterol-free and can be lower in calories and saturated fat compared to traditional mayo, depending on the ingredients used.

Why Choose a Dairy-Free Mayonnaise?

While traditional mayonnaise is egg-based and dairy-free by nature, the rise in plant-based diets and egg allergies has created a demand for vegan and egg-free alternatives. Choosing a dairy-free mayo substitute is not only inclusive for those with dietary restrictions but can also offer a healthier profile. Many plant-based alternatives use healthier oils and can be lower in calories and saturated fat than their conventional counterparts.

Homemade Dairy-Free Mayonnaise Recipes

Making your own dairy-free mayo allows you to control the ingredients and flavor profile. These recipes are surprisingly simple and require just a few basic kitchen tools.

Aquafaba Mayonnaise

Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, is a magical ingredient in vegan cooking, acting as an emulsifier just like egg whites.

Ingredients: ¼ cup aquafaba, 2 tsp lemon juice, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp sugar (optional), ½ tsp sea salt, ¾ cup neutral-flavored oil (sunflower or canola).
Instructions: In a tall, narrow jug, combine aquafaba, lemon juice, mustard, sugar, and salt. Using an immersion blender, blend until foamy. With the blender running on high, slowly and steadily drizzle in the oil. Continue blending until the mixture is thick, pale, and creamy. It will thicken further as it chills in the fridge.

Cashew Cream Mayo

For a rich, nutty flavor, cashew cream is an excellent, oil-free base for a dairy-free mayonnaise.

Ingredients: 1 cup raw cashews (soaked), ½ cup water, 2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp lemon juice, salt to taste, optional garlic clove.
Instructions: Soak cashews in hot water for 30 minutes, or cold water for 2-4 hours, then drain and rinse. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow it to thicken.

Silken Tofu Mayo

Silken tofu creates an incredibly smooth and protein-rich mayo alternative with a very clean taste.

Ingredients: 1 pkg (12.3 oz) silken tofu, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp garlic powder.
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender. Process until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Quick and Easy Alternatives for Everyday Use

Not every recipe requires a meticulously crafted homemade mayo. Sometimes a simple, quick swap is all you need.

Mashed Avocado: For sandwiches or tuna salad, mashed avocado offers a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats. Mash it with a little lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Hummus: This versatile chickpea spread works well in sandwiches and wraps, offering a savory, earthy flavor that differs from mayo but still provides excellent moisture.
Tahini: Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini is creamy and nutty. It can be thinned with lemon juice and water to create a dressing or spread.
Pesto: A dairy-free pesto (ensure it doesn't contain parmesan) can be a flavorful and vibrant spread for sandwiches or pasta salads.

Store-Bought Vegan Mayo Brands

For convenience, many grocery stores now stock a variety of excellent vegan mayo options.

Hellmann's Vegan Mayo: A widely available and popular brand known for its classic mayonnaise flavor and texture.
Follow Your Heart Vegenaise: One of the original and most well-known vegan mayonnaise brands, available in various formulations.
Chosen Foods Vegan Avocado Oil Mayo: Uses avocado oil for a healthier fat profile and a rich, satisfying taste.
Sir Kensington's Vegan Mayo: Offers a gourmet, high-quality option with a tangy, flavorful profile.

Comparison of Homemade Dairy-Free Mayo Options


Feature	Aquafaba Mayo	Cashew Cream Mayo	Silken Tofu Mayo
Primary Ingredient	Chickpea brine (Aquafaba)	Soaked Raw Cashews	Silken Tofu
Texture & Consistency	Light, fluffy, and very similar to traditional mayo.	Rich, thick, and wonderfully creamy.	Exceptionally smooth and clean, can be thinner.
Flavor	Neutral, allowing added seasonings to shine.	Nutty and rich, with hints of tang from vinegar/lemon.	Mild, clean, and subtle.
Effort	Requires an immersion blender and careful oil addition.	Requires soaking cashews and a powerful blender.	Quickest and easiest method, just blend all ingredients.
Dietary Notes	Oil-based but egg-free, soy-free, and nut-free.	Nut-based, naturally high in healthy fats.	Soy-based, naturally high in protein, can be oil-free.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Mayo Match

Whether you need a full-bodied alternative for potato salad or a simple spread for a sandwich, the variety of dairy-free and vegan alternatives ensures you'll never have to compromise on taste or texture. Homemade recipes like aquafaba, cashew, and tofu mayo offer control over ingredients and nutrition, while convenient store-bought brands provide excellent flavor and a reliable texture. For more insights into vegan cooking and taste-testing different brands, consult reputable sources like Serious Eats' vegan mayo taste test. By experimenting with these options, you can easily integrate delicious, creamy, and dairy-free spreads into your diet, perfectly suiting your dietary needs and culinary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional mayonnaise is typically made with egg yolks, oil, and vinegar or lemon juice, meaning it is naturally dairy-free. However, some brands or specialty versions might add dairy-based ingredients, so it's essential to check the label for true dairy-free assurance.

Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt can be used as a 1:1 substitute for mayonnaise in recipes like potato salad or as a spread. However, it is not dairy-free and has a tangier flavor than traditional mayonnaise.

Aquafaba is the starchy, viscous liquid found in a can of chickpeas. It contains proteins and starches that mimic the emulsifying properties of egg whites, allowing it to be whipped into a stable foam that can be used to make egg-free and dairy-free mayonnaise.

Homemade dairy-free mayos generally last for about one week when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Cashew and aquafaba mayos tend to keep well, while avocado mayo is best used within 24-48 hours to prevent browning.

For sandwiches, mashed avocado offers a creamy texture and healthy fats. Alternatively, a store-bought vegan mayo like Vegenaise or Hellmann's Vegan can provide a classic taste and texture.

Vegan mayonnaise can be healthier, as it is cholesterol-free and some brands or homemade versions may be lower in calories and saturated fat, especially when made with healthy oils like avocado or sunflower oil. However, the nutritional profile can vary greatly depending on the recipe or brand.

While some recipes suggest it, soy milk is generally preferred for vegan mayonnaise recipes due to its high protein content, which aids in emulsification. Almond milk may result in a thinner, less stable consistency.