What is the healthiest brand of mayonnaise?

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 report by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, most full-fat mayonnaise brands are surprisingly low in saturated fat and sodium. The healthiest brand of mayonnaise, however, is often defined by the type of oil used and the simplicity of its ingredients. Rather than focusing on low-fat versions, many nutritionists recommend looking for products with healthy fats and minimal additives.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the healthiest mayonnaise brands based on ingredients like avocado oil and simple, natural components. We'll analyze ingredient lists, compare nutritional profiles, and provide key takeaways to help you choose the best mayo for a healthier diet, avoiding excessive additives and sugars.

Key Points

Choose Avocado or Olive Oil-Based Mayos: Brands like Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods use healthier fats like avocado oil, which is a better option than mayos with refined seed oils.
Read the Ingredients List: Look for a short, simple list of recognizable, whole-food ingredients to avoid unnecessary additives, sweeteners, and preservatives.
Avoid Low-Fat Versions: Light or reduced-fat mayos often contain modified food starch, sugars, and other thickeners to replace the flavor and texture lost by reducing oil.
Homemade is the Healthiest Option: For maximum control, make your own mayonnaise using high-quality oils and organic, cage-free eggs.
Check for Transparency: Opt for brands that are clear about their sourcing and ingredients, avoiding products that rely on vague terms like "natural flavors".
Consider Vegan Options Carefully: Brands like Follow Your Heart offer vegan choices, but check if they use blends of oils and have other additives.
Prioritize Organic: When possible, choose organic varieties to ensure the eggs and other ingredients are produced without synthetic pesticides or hormones.

Understanding What Makes Mayonnaise Healthy

Not all mayonnaise is created equal, and the primary factor differentiating the healthiest brands from others is the quality of the ingredients. While traditional mayonnaise consists of oil, egg yolks, and an acid like vinegar, many mass-produced versions use lower-quality, refined vegetable or seed oils and add preservatives, thickeners, and sweeteners.

The Importance of the Right Oil

The oil content is the most crucial aspect of a healthy mayonnaise. Many conventional mayos are made with soybean, canola, or other seed oils, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6s are not inherently bad, a diet high in them and low in omega-3s can contribute to inflammation. Healthier brands opt for oils like avocado or olive oil, which offer a more balanced fatty acid profile or are rich in monounsaturated fats.

Reading the Ingredient List

A shorter, simpler ingredient list is generally a good sign. The healthiest mayonnaises use only a handful of recognizable ingredients, such as avocado oil, cage-free eggs, vinegar, salt, and spices. In contrast, less healthy versions may contain chemical preservatives like calcium disodium EDTA, thickeners like modified food starch, and added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup. Artificial flavors are also a red flag.

Comparison of Healthy Mayonnaise Brands

Here is a comparison of some popular healthier mayonnaise brands to help you make an informed decision.


Brand/Product	Primary Oil	Key Features	Considerations
Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo	Avocado Oil	Made with 100% avocado oil, cage-free eggs, and no added sugar. Whole30, Paleo, and Keto Certified.	Higher price point than conventional brands.
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil-Based Classic Mayo	Avocado Oil	Uses 100% avocado oil, cage-free eggs, and is soy- and canola-free. Keto friendly.	Flavors other than the classic version may contain different oils.
Sir Kensington's Avocado Oil Mayo	Avocado Oil	A blend using avocado oil for a smooth, tangy flavor. Made with Certified Humane Free Range Eggs.	Only the avocado oil version is considered a top-tier choice; other versions use different oils.
Follow Your Heart Avocado Oil Vegenaise	Avocado Oil & High-Oleic Safflower Oil	A popular vegan option made without eggs. Offers a variety of flavors and oil bases.	Contains a blend of oils, not just avocado. Check ingredients for specific varieties.
Trader Joe's Organic Mayonnaise	Organic Soybean Oil	A widely available organic option using organic ingredients. Good value for an organic product.	Uses soybean oil, which is high in omega-6 fatty acids.

The Best Mayonnaise Brands

Based on a review of ingredients and consumer demand, several brands stand out for their commitment to using higher-quality oils and clean, simple ingredient lists.

Primal Kitchen Mayo: Widely regarded as one of the best for its exclusive use of avocado oil, organic eggs, and short ingredient list. It is often a top pick for those on Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 diets.
Chosen Foods Classic Mayo: This brand is a strong competitor, also using 100% avocado oil and cage-free eggs, making it another excellent choice for health-conscious consumers.
Sir Kensington's Avocado Oil Mayo: A great option for those who prefer the flavor of avocado oil, but it is important to choose their specific avocado oil variety over their other products.
Follow Your Heart Avocado Oil Vegenaise: For vegans or those looking for a plant-based option, this is a top contender, though it uses a blend of oils.

Making Your Own Healthier Mayonnaise

For ultimate control over ingredients, making mayonnaise at home is the best option. It is a surprisingly simple process that requires only a few ingredients and an immersion blender. This allows you to choose your own high-quality oil, such as avocado or a mild-flavored olive oil, and organic eggs.

Ingredients for Homemade Mayo

1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 cup avocado oil or a light-tasting olive oil

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Add the egg yolk, mustard, lemon juice, and salt to the bottom of a tall, narrow container (like an immersion blender cup).
Add Oil: Pour the oil directly on top of the other ingredients, without stirring.
Blend: Place the immersion blender head at the bottom of the container. Turn it on and let it run for 10–15 seconds until the mixture begins to emulsify and turn white.
Emulsify: Slowly lift the blender up and down to incorporate the rest of the oil.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Mayonnaise for Your Needs

While a single “healthiest” brand of mayonnaise is subjective, brands like Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods, which prioritize high-quality avocado oil and simple, organic ingredients, are the top contenders. When shopping, always read the ingredient list and prioritize products with healthy fats and minimal additives. For those who want complete control, making your own mayonnaise at home is a simple and rewarding alternative. Whether store-bought or homemade, choosing a healthier mayo allows you to enjoy this versatile condiment without compromising your health goals. For further information on oils, a guide on healthy fats can provide more detail on heart-healthy fats and their benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the type of oil and the presence of additives. Healthy mayos use high-quality fats like avocado or olive oil, while many conventional brands use cheaper seed oils and add preservatives, sugars, and thickeners.

Yes, but with a caution. Pure olive oil mayo is healthier, but many brands marketing "olive oil mayonnaise" actually blend it with less desirable oils like soybean or canola oil. Always check the full ingredient list.

Look for mayonnaise made with avocado oil or pure olive oil. Avocado oil is a popular choice for its neutral flavor and healthy fat content.

Not necessarily. While lower in calories, light and fat-free versions often replace fat with sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients to maintain flavor and texture. It's generally healthier to use a small amount of full-fat, high-quality mayo.

Primal Kitchen is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest brands due to its simple ingredient list, use of 100% avocado oil, and exclusion of sugar and inflammatory seed oils.

Homemade mayo is the healthiest because you have full control over the quality and type of every ingredient, from the oil to the eggs. This allows you to avoid all processed additives and refined oils.

Avoid brands with a long ingredient list that includes seed oils (like soybean or canola), added sugars, artificial flavors, and chemical preservatives like calcium disodium EDTA.