What Kind of Mayo Can You Use on Keto?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

While mayonnaise is primarily fat, which is perfect for a ketogenic diet, not all varieties are created equal. Selecting the right brand requires careful attention to the ingredient list to ensure you know what kind of mayo you can use on keto and which to avoid.

Quick Summary

Selecting a keto-safe mayonnaise requires checking ingredients for high-quality, healthy oils like avocado or olive oil, avoiding processed seed oils, added sugars, and preservatives. Homemade is also an excellent option for maximum control over ingredients.

Key Points

Check Labels: Always read the ingredient list to avoid cheap, inflammatory seed oils (soybean, canola) and hidden sugars found in many commercial mayos.
Choose Healthy Oils: The best keto mayos are made with healthy, high-quality fats such as avocado oil, olive oil, or coconut oil.
Homemade is Best: Making mayonnaise at home with an immersion blender is simple, quick, and gives you complete control over ingredients.
Avoid 'Light' Products: Reduced-fat or 'light' mayonnaise often contains more carbs and additives to compensate for the lost fat, making them unsuitable for a clean keto diet.
Check for Blends: Be wary of mayos that claim to be made with premium oil but are actually a blend with cheaper, less healthy oils. Look for products that specify 100% of the premium oil.
Duke's is an Exception: Classic Duke's Real Mayonnaise is sugar-free, making it a viable 'lazy keto' option, though it uses soybean oil.

Understanding Keto-Friendly Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise, at its core, is a simple emulsion of oil, eggs, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice. This combination of high fat and low carbohydrates fits perfectly within the ketogenic framework, making it a staple for many on the diet. However, commercial mass-produced mayonnaises often take shortcuts that can compromise their keto-friendliness. The key distinction lies in the type of oil used, as well as the presence of added sugars and artificial preservatives.

The Best Oils for Keto Mayo

When evaluating a store-bought mayo or choosing oil for a homemade version, the oil type is the most critical factor. The healthiest and most commonly recommended oils for a keto diet include:

Avocado Oil: This is often considered the top choice for keto mayonnaise. It has a neutral flavor, making it highly versatile, and is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Many dedicated keto brands use avocado oil as their base.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is packed with beneficial antioxidants, though its strong flavor can sometimes be overpowering. If you prefer a more traditional mayonnaise taste, a lighter olive oil is a better option.
Coconut Oil: Some keto-specific mayonnaises use refined coconut oil because of its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can help boost ketone production. Refined coconut oil has a neutral taste, unlike its unrefined counterpart.

Ingredients to Avoid in Non-Keto Mayo

To keep your keto journey on track, you should actively avoid mayonnaise containing these ingredients:

Processed Seed Oils: Most conventional brands use cheap, highly processed oils such as soybean, canola, or sunflower oil. These oils are high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and are generally not recommended on a clean keto diet.
Added Sugars: Many brands add high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar to enhance flavor and texture. Even small amounts can add up and potentially affect ketosis. Always check the nutrition facts for a sugar content of 0g per serving.
Modified Food Starch: This filler is often added to thicken and stabilize mayonnaise but can introduce unwanted carbohydrates.
Artificial Preservatives: Cheaper mayos contain artificial preservatives to extend shelf life. These unnecessary additives are best avoided for optimal health.
"Blended" Avocado Mayos: Some brands market their product as “avocado oil mayo” but blend it with cheaper oils. Always read the full ingredient list to ensure avocado oil is the primary or sole oil.

Choosing Store-Bought Keto Mayonnaise Brands

For those who prefer the convenience of pre-made condiments, several excellent keto-friendly options are available on the market. These brands prioritize quality fats and minimal additives, aligning with strict keto principles.

Comparison of Popular Keto-Friendly Mayonnaise Brands


Brand	Key Oil	Sugar-Free?	Notes
Primal Kitchen	Avocado Oil	Yes	Zero carb, Certified Paleo, Whole30 Approved.
Chosen Foods	Avocado Oil/Coconut Oil	Yes	Offers multiple zero-carb options, including a 'Keto Mayo' with MCT oil.
Sir Kensington's	Avocado Oil	Yes	Uses lime juice for a unique flavor profile; non-GMO ingredients.
Duke's Real Mayonnaise	Soybean Oil	Yes	A classic brand that is naturally sugar-free, suitable for 'lazy keto' or those not concerned with the type of oil.
Tessemae's	High-Oleic Sunflower Oil	Yes	Known for a more acidic flavor; organic and zero carb.

How to Make Your Own Keto Mayo at Home

The most fool-proof way to ensure your mayonnaise is completely keto-friendly is to make it yourself. It takes less than 10 minutes and gives you complete control over the ingredients.

Homemade Avocado Oil Mayonnaise Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup avocado oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the egg, mustard, and acid into the bottom of a wide-mouth jar that is just large enough for your immersion blender head.
2. Pour the avocado oil directly on top.
3. Insert the immersion blender all the way to the bottom and turn it on high. Wait for the mixture to emulsify (about 10-20 seconds) before slowly moving the blender up to incorporate all the oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Using Keto Mayo in Your Recipes

Keto mayonnaise is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of low-carb dishes. Try incorporating it into:

Creamy salad dressings, such as keto ranch or blue cheese
Classic dishes like chicken, tuna, or egg salad
As a binder for meatloaf or meatballs
Spicy dips by adding chipotle, sriracha, or cayenne pepper
As a spread for keto sandwiches or wraps

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

In summary, while mayonnaise is a perfect high-fat condiment for the keto diet, vigilance is necessary when purchasing store-bought options. Prioritizing brands that use high-quality oils like avocado, olive, or coconut oil ensures you are getting a clean, healthy product free of unwanted sugars and inflammatory seed oils. For the ultimate peace of mind and ingredient control, making your own at home is a fast and simple solution. By reading labels carefully or opting for homemade, you can enjoy the creamy, rich flavor of mayonnaise without compromising your ketogenic goals. For more keto resources, check out Diet Doctor's guide to keto fats and sauces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but with a significant caveat. Many standard mayos contain cheap, processed seed oils and small amounts of sugar or corn syrup. You must read the label to ensure there are no added carbs and that the oil type is one you're comfortable with on a keto diet.

The best keto mayos are made with healthy fats such as avocado oil, olive oil, or refined coconut oil. Avocado oil is a popular choice due to its mild flavor and beneficial fats.

Yes, nearly all light, low-fat, or reduced-fat mayos are unsuitable for keto. Manufacturers often add sugars and thickeners to replace the texture and flavor of the fat they removed, increasing the carb count.

Homemade mayonnaise is generally superior because you have full control over the ingredients. It allows you to use high-quality, cold-pressed oils and avoid all preservatives and hidden sugars.

Check the ingredients list for terms like cane sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup solids, and maltodextrin. Also, confirm the nutrition label states 0 grams of sugar per serving.

Popular keto-friendly brands include Primal Kitchen (avocado oil), Chosen Foods (avocado or coconut oil), Sir Kensington's (avocado oil), Tessemae's (high-oleic sunflower oil), and Duke's Real Mayonnaise (sugar-free).

If your mayo breaks, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or an egg yolk to a clean bowl. Slowly whisk the broken mayonnaise mixture into the new yolk/mustard base, and it should re-emulsify.