What is the bioengineered food ingredient in mayonnaise?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, over 90% of US-grown soybeans are genetically modified, which is a key reason that soybean oil is the primary bioengineered food ingredient in mayonnaise. While the use of bioengineered ingredients is widespread in the food industry, federal regulations now require clearer labeling for consumer transparency.

Quick Summary

Many mayonnaise brands contain soybean oil, an ingredient often derived from genetically engineered soybeans. The US food disclosure standard requires manufacturers to label products containing detectable bioengineered material, providing consumers with information about its presence.

Key Points

Soybean Oil: The most common bioengineered food ingredient found in many commercial mayonnaise brands is soybean oil.
Prevalence in US Crops: An estimated 95% of soybeans and 90% of sugar beets grown in the U.S. are bioengineered, with these crops being processed into common food ingredients.
Labeling Regulations: The USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard requires manufacturers to label products containing detectable bioengineered material with specific text, a symbol, or a QR code.
Traceability of Highly Processed Ingredients: For highly refined ingredients like soybean oil, detectable bioengineered material may be absent, but disclosure might still be made, often using broader labeling.
Non-Bioengineered Alternatives: Consumers can find mayonnaise alternatives by looking for products with "USDA Organic" or "Non-GMO Project Verified" certifications, which guarantee the absence of bioengineered ingredients.
Empowering Consumer Choice: New labeling standards provide greater transparency, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about their food purchases based on their preferences for avoiding bioengineered ingredients.

Understanding Bioengineered Ingredients in Processed Foods

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, which took effect in 2022, requires food manufacturers to disclose if products contain bioengineered ingredients. This standard was developed to provide consumers with more information about the food they purchase. The term "bioengineered" refers to foods that contain detectable genetic material modified through specific laboratory techniques that cannot be achieved through conventional breeding. While many consumers associate bioengineering with whole crops, its most common application in the food supply is in highly processed ingredients derived from engineered crops like corn, canola, and soy.

The Role of Soybean Oil in Mayonnaise

For many commercially produced mayonnaises, the primary oil used is soybean oil, and a very high percentage of soybeans grown in the United States are bioengineered. This makes soybean oil the most common bioengineered food ingredient in mayonnaise products. The use of bioengineered soybeans is driven by several factors, including higher crop yields and resistance to herbicides, which benefit large-scale industrial farming. This allows manufacturers to produce ingredients efficiently, which in turn helps keep food costs down.

When a product lists "soybean oil" in its ingredients, it is highly likely that it contains a bioengineered component unless the product is specifically labeled as "non-GMO" or "organic". Some brands may use other oils, such as canola, cottonseed, or sunflower oil, which can also be derived from bioengineered crops. Consumers who want to avoid bioengineered ingredients must look for specific labels on the packaging.

Identifying Bioengineered Ingredients on Labels

Under the USDA's disclosure standard, manufacturers can use several methods to inform consumers about bioengineered ingredients.

On-Package Text: Many companies, including major food brands, use text on the packaging that states, "Contains a bioengineered food ingredient".
USDA Bioengineered Symbol: Some products may display a green, circular logo with a sun and the word "Bioengineered".
Digital Disclosures: Companies can use QR codes on the label, which consumers can scan with a smartphone to access more information.

For highly processed ingredients like refined oil, the bioengineered material may be undetectable in the final product. In these cases, disclosure is voluntary but can be made with a "derived from bioengineering" label. However, many manufacturers who use processed ingredients from bioengineered crops simply use the broader "Contains a bioengineered food ingredient" statement.

Bioengineered Mayonnaise vs. Non-Bioengineered Mayonnaise


Feature	Bioengineered Mayonnaise	Non-Bioengineered Mayonnaise (Organic/Non-GMO)
Primary Oil Source	Often uses soybean, canola, or cottonseed oil, most of which are bioengineered.	Uses non-GMO oils such as certified organic soybean oil, avocado oil, or sunflower oil.
Sweeteners	May use sugar from bioengineered sugar beets or corn syrup derived from bioengineered corn.	Will use organic sugar or other approved sweeteners from non-bioengineered crops.
Emulsifiers	May contain modified food starch derived from bioengineered corn.	Relies on natural emulsifiers like egg yolks or plant-based alternatives.
Preservatives	May contain additives like Calcium Disodium EDTA for quality protection.	Typically avoids chemical preservatives to meet organic standards.
Labeling	Required to display a "bioengineered food ingredient" disclosure.	Often features "Non-GMO Project Verified" or "USDA Organic" seals, indicating the absence of bioengineered material.
Cost	Generally more affordable due to efficient, large-scale production of bioengineered crops.	Tends to be more expensive due to higher costs associated with non-bioengineered sourcing and production.

What This Means for Consumers

The presence of a bioengineered food ingredient in mayonnaise is a result of modern agricultural practices and food processing methods. The most likely source is the soybean oil used as the base for the emulsion. While the health implications of consuming bioengineered foods are a topic of ongoing debate and research, and regulatory bodies like the FDA have deemed them safe to eat, the new labeling standards provide consumers with the information necessary to make informed choices. For those looking to avoid bioengineered components, seeking out products with specific non-GMO or organic certifications is the most direct approach. For more information on labeling regulations, the USDA's website offers detailed guidelines.

Conclusion

To determine if a specific mayonnaise contains a bioengineered ingredient, consumers should check the product's label for the required USDA disclosure. The most probable bioengineered component is the soybean oil, which is a staple in many commercial mayonnaise formulations. However, alternatives are available, and the market provides transparent labeling for those who wish to choose products made with non-bioengineered ingredients. Understanding these labels empowers consumers to align their purchasing decisions with their personal preferences regarding modern food production.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common bioengineered ingredient in commercially produced mayonnaise is soybean oil, as a large majority of soybeans grown in the United States are genetically engineered.

You can identify a bioengineered ingredient by looking for the USDA bioengineered food disclosure on the product label. This may be text, a specific symbol, or a QR code that links to more information.

For regulatory and labeling purposes in the United States, the terms "bioengineered" and "genetically modified organism (GMO)" are effectively synonymous. The USDA uses the term "bioengineered" for its disclosure standard.

No, eggs themselves are not genetically modified. While laying hens may be fed genetically modified corn and soy, no genetic material is transferred to the egg itself.

Not all soybean oil is bioengineered, but the vast majority is. If you wish to avoid bioengineered soybean oil, you must purchase a product with a "non-GMO" or "organic" certification.

Yes, for some highly refined ingredients like corn syrup or refined sugar where no detectable genetic material remains, the disclosure is voluntary under the USDA standard. However, many manufacturers still choose to disclose its presence.

To find non-bioengineered mayonnaise, look for brands labeled "USDA Organic" or those that specify they use non-GMO oils, such as organic avocado oil or organic sunflower oil.