What Is the Healthiest Store-Bought Mayonnaise?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

With many consumers actively seeking healthier grocery options, store-bought mayonnaise has come under scrutiny. This guide will help you determine what is the healthiest store-bought mayonnaise by examining key ingredients, brand reputations, and what to look for on product labels.

Quick Summary

This article explains how to identify and select healthier store-bought mayonnaise by scrutinizing ingredients like the oil base, egg quality, and preservatives. It compares leading brands and suggests healthier alternatives to help you make informed choices while grocery shopping.

Key Points

Check the Oil Base: The healthiest mayos use 100% avocado oil or olive oil, avoiding cheap seed oil blends.
Read the Label Closely: Many "healthy" or premium-sounding mayos still contain undesirable ingredients like hidden seed oils, added sugar, or artificial preservatives.
Choose Minimally Processed Ingredients: Look for simple, whole-food ingredients like organic eggs and natural flavorings, steering clear of artificial additives and gums.
Avoid "Light" or "Reduced Fat" Versions: These products often replace fat with added sugars, starches, and other artificial fillers to maintain texture and flavor.
Consider Healthier Alternatives: For those aiming to cut calories or explore new flavors, Greek yogurt, hummus, or mashed avocado make excellent mayo substitutes.
Opt for Quality Packaging: Choose mayonnaise in glass jars over plastic to minimize the risk of chemical leaching into your food.

How to Evaluate Mayonnaise for Health

Mayonnaise is a staple condiment, but its health profile varies significantly among brands, primarily based on the quality of its core ingredients: oil and eggs. Conventional mayos often use inexpensive, highly-processed oils and may contain questionable additives, while healthier versions prioritize simple, high-quality components. Understanding what to look for is the first step toward making a healthier choice.

The Importance of the Oil Base

The type of oil used is the single biggest determinant of a mayonnaise's healthfulness. Traditional, mass-produced mayos typically rely on oils like soybean, canola, and sunflower because they are cheap and have a neutral flavor. While not definitively proven to cause inflammation, these seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can disrupt the body's omega-3 to omega-6 balance when consumed in large quantities.

For a healthier option, look for mayonnaises made with avocado oil or olive oil. Avocado oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and is a good source of antioxidants like lutein. Olive oil also contains beneficial monounsaturated fats. However, be wary of labels claiming "made with olive oil," as many popular brands simply mix a small amount of olive oil with cheaper seed oils. Always check the full ingredient list.

The Truth About Eggs and Additives

Beyond the oil, the eggs and additives are important considerations. Conventionally-produced eggs come from chickens raised in conditions that may expose them to more chemicals. Healthier options often use organic, cage-free, or even pasture-raised eggs, which many believe offer better nutrition and are sourced more ethically.

Many mayos, especially "light" or fat-free versions, use fillers and chemical additives to compensate for the lower fat content. Common additives to avoid include:

Added Sugars: Including high-fructose corn syrup, often used to improve flavor in low-fat products.
Modified Starches: Cheap fillers that add no nutritional value.
Artificial Preservatives: Such as calcium disodium EDTA and potassium sorbate, used to prolong shelf life. Natural preservatives like rosemary extract are a better choice.
"Natural Flavors": Vague terminology that can conceal a variety of processed ingredients and additives.

The Healthiest Store-Bought Mayonnaise: A Comparison

Here is a comparison of some popular brands, evaluating their health-conscious qualities based on ingredient sourcing and additives.


Brand	Main Oil	Egg Quality	Key Health Features	Potential Concerns	Notes
Primal Kitchen	Avocado Oil	Organic Cage-Free	Made with 100% pure avocado oil, simple ingredient list, comes in glass jars.	Higher price point.	Widely considered a top healthy choice.
Chosen Foods	Avocado Oil	Cage-Free	Uses only avocado oil, simple ingredients, non-GMO verified.	Mixes avocado with high oleic safflower oil in some blends.	Excellent, clean option.
Sir Kensington's	Avocado Oil	Certified Humane	Made with 100% avocado oil in their premium version.	Cheaper versions use sunflower oil and may contain sugar.	Premium avocado oil version is very good.
Trader Joe's Organic	Sunflower Oil	Organic	Organic ingredients, often better than conventional brands.	Uses sunflower oil, which is a seed oil, and may have added sugar.	A decent budget-friendly organic choice.
Hellmann's Organic	Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil	Cage-Free	Widely available organic option.	Canola oil is a seed oil; contains "natural flavor".	Good entry-level organic choice.

Top Healthy Mayonnaise Brands: A Closer Look

For those seeking the pinnacle of health-conscious options, certain brands stand out due to their commitment to pure, simple ingredients.

Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo This brand is a top contender for the healthiest store-bought mayonnaise. It is made with only a handful of ingredients, with 100% avocado oil as the primary fat source. Its ingredient list is refreshingly short and free of canola oil, sugar, and artificial additives. It is also packaged in a glass jar, which prevents the leaching of chemicals from plastic.

Chosen Foods Avocado Oil-Based Classic Mayo Chosen Foods offers a clean-ingredient, high-quality avocado oil mayonnaise. It is non-GMO and uses cage-free eggs. For those following a Paleo or Keto diet, this brand is an excellent fit due to its simple, wholesome ingredient list. As with any product, it's wise to double-check the label, as some Chosen Foods varieties contain a blend of oils, though the premium classic mayo uses pure avocado oil.

Sir Kensington's Avocado Oil Mayo Sir Kensington's offers a range of mayonnaise products, but their avocado oil-based mayo is the one to seek out for a healthier option. It features avocado oil and certified humane free-range eggs. While other Sir Kensington's products may use sunflower oil and contain sugar, the specific avocado oil version provides a cleaner, healthier alternative.

Healthy Alternatives to Mayonnaise

If you want to reduce your overall condiment intake or prefer alternatives, there are several delicious and healthy options that can provide a creamy texture to your dishes:

Greek Yogurt: Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt can be used as a high-protein, lower-calorie substitute for mayonnaise in salads and dressings.
Hummus: This dip, made from chickpeas and olive oil, offers a creamy texture with added fiber and protein.
Mashed Avocado: A simple, whole-food alternative that provides healthy fats and a creamy consistency for sandwiches and dips.
Pesto: A vibrant, flavorful spread made from basil, pine nuts, olive oil, and cheese, offering a richer flavor profile.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Health

Ultimately, the healthiest store-bought mayonnaise is one that prioritizes high-quality, minimally processed ingredients. Your best bet is to choose a brand that uses 100% avocado oil or olive oil as its primary fat source. Always read the ingredient list carefully to avoid unwanted seed oil blends, added sugars, and artificial additives. Paying attention to these details empowers you to make informed decisions and choose a cleaner, more nourishing condiment for your diet. For more insights on evaluating food products, refer to resources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Avocado oil is high in monounsaturated fats and is less processed, whereas soybean oil, commonly used in conventional mayos, is higher in omega-6 fatty acids. Mayonnaise made with 100% avocado oil is generally considered a cleaner, healthier option.

Not necessarily. To compensate for the reduced fat, many light mayos add sugars, starches, and artificial ingredients to mimic the original texture and flavor. This can make them a less healthy option than a full-fat version with clean ingredients.

Some brands mix a small amount of avocado or olive oil with cheaper seed oils like safflower or canola to cut costs. Always check the ingredient list to ensure you're getting 100% of the premium oil advertised.

For a healthier choice, avoid mayos containing calcium disodium EDTA, potassium sorbate, modified food starch, or vague "natural flavors." These are often indicators of a highly processed product.

Vegan mayonnaise is egg-free, but its healthfulness depends on the ingredients. Some vegan versions use refined oils and fillers, while others use healthier alternatives like avocado oil. A plant-based mayo is not inherently healthier and should be evaluated based on its specific ingredient list.

Yes, homemade mayonnaise is often the healthiest option because you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use high-quality oils, fresh organic eggs, and no artificial additives. It is surprisingly simple to make with a few pantry staples.

Prioritize a short, simple ingredient list with a healthy oil (like 100% avocado or olive oil) at the top. Look for organic eggs and natural preservatives. Avoid long lists of additives, added sugars, and undefined "natural flavors".