What Mayonnaise Does Not Have EDTA? A Guide to Preservative-Free Options

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to regulatory bodies, calcium disodium EDTA is a safe, FDA-approved food additive used to preserve flavor and color in many processed foods, including traditional mayonnaise. However, if you are looking for what mayonnaise does not have EDTA, there are several preservative-free options available, including organic commercial brands and easy homemade recipes.

Quick Summary

This guide provides information on commercial mayonnaise brands that do not contain EDTA, identifies alternative preservatives, and includes a simple recipe for homemade, preservative-free mayonnaise. It also explores why EDTA is used and offers shopping tips for those avoiding this additive.

Key Points

Check Organic and Natural Brands: Brands like Primal Kitchen and organic versions from Hellmann's and Best Foods are formulated without EDTA and use simpler, cleaner ingredients.
Try Homemade Mayonnaise: The most reliable way to avoid all synthetic preservatives is to make your own mayonnaise from scratch using an immersion blender and fresh ingredients.
Understand EDTA's Function: EDTA is a chelating agent used to bind trace metals in processed food, which prevents oxidation and extends shelf life.
Read the Label Carefully: Always check the ingredient list, as some brands, including popular ones, may offer both conventional products containing EDTA and organic versions without it.
Consider Alternative Preservatives: Companies may replace EDTA with natural alternatives like rosemary extract, or rely on acidic components like vinegar for stability.
Store Homemade Mayo Properly: Without preservatives, homemade mayonnaise has a much shorter shelf life and must be kept refrigerated for no more than one to two weeks.

Understanding EDTA in Mayonnaise

Calcium disodium EDTA, a synthetic preservative, is commonly added to many processed foods, including mayonnaise. Its primary purpose is to act as a chelating agent, which means it binds to trace metal ions like iron and copper that can promote food spoilage through oxidation. By trapping these metals, EDTA helps maintain the flavor, color, and freshness of mayonnaise, extending its shelf life.

While approved as safe by food safety authorities like the FDA, some consumers prefer to avoid synthetic additives entirely. These individuals may seek out products with a 'cleaner' ingredient list or opt for the most natural choice: homemade mayonnaise. The decision to use or avoid products with EDTA is a personal one, based on dietary preferences and ingredient philosophy.

Commercial Brands Without EDTA

For those seeking store-bought options without this specific preservative, several brands offer mayonnaise with cleaner ingredient lists. Many organic varieties and some brands focusing on natural ingredients use alternative preservatives or none at all. Always check the ingredient label, as formulations can vary by product line.

Popular EDTA-Free Mayonnaise Brands

Primal Kitchen Mayo: This brand is a consistent favorite for those avoiding various additives. Their mayonnaise is often made with avocado oil and contains organic, simple ingredients, with no EDTA.
Hellmann's Organic Mayonnaise: Unlike its traditional counterpart, Hellmann's organic version is formulated without artificial preservatives, including EDTA.
Best Foods Organic Mayonnaise: Similar to Hellmann's (its sister brand in the US), the organic variety is specifically formulated to be USDA certified organic and thus made without EDTA.
365 Organic Mayo (Whole Foods Market): This store-brand organic mayonnaise is another reliable option that avoids synthetic preservatives like EDTA.
Sir Kensington's Avocado Oil Mayo: The avocado oil version is a clean-ingredient choice for consumers seeking natural alternatives.
BAMA Real Mayonnaise: According to Walmart's product details, BAMA Real Mayonnaise is produced without EDTA.

Vegan Options Without EDTA

Plant-based mayonnaises, which do not contain eggs, often use different thickeners and stabilizers. Brands like Follow Your Heart Avocado Oil Vegenaise and Trader Joe's Vegan Mayo Spread and Dressing are formulated without EDTA and are suitable for vegan diets.

Making Homemade Mayonnaise

Creating your own mayonnaise at home is the simplest way to guarantee it is completely free of any synthetic preservatives. A homemade batch relies on the emulsifying properties of egg yolks and natural acids like vinegar or lemon juice to create a creamy texture. Since it lacks preservatives, homemade mayonnaise has a much shorter shelf life and must be stored properly in the refrigerator, typically for one to two weeks.

Simple Immersion Blender Recipe

Ingredients: 1 large egg (at room temperature), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, 1 cup of mild oil (like avocado oil or light olive oil), salt to taste.
Instructions:
1. Place the egg, mustard, lemon juice or vinegar, and salt in a wide-mouth mason jar.
2. Pour the oil directly on top of the ingredients.
3. Insert an immersion blender into the jar, positioning the blade all the way at the bottom, and hold it still.
4. Turn the blender on low and wait for the mixture to emulsify at the bottom, which takes about 30 seconds.
5. Slowly lift the blender through the remaining oil until it is fully incorporated and the mixture is thick and creamy. Do not lift too quickly.

Comparison of Mayonnaise Options


Feature	Conventional Mayonnaise (with EDTA)	Organic/Natural Mayonnaise (without EDTA)	Homemade Mayonnaise (without EDTA)
Preservatives	Contains synthetic EDTA and sometimes other preservatives for stability.	Relies on natural preservatives like vinegar, lemon juice, and rosemary extract, or none at all.	No preservatives; relies on acidity and refrigeration for shelf life.
Shelf Life	Significantly longer shelf life, often lasting for months once opened.	Varies, but generally shorter than conventional, from several weeks to a couple of months.	Much shorter; typically lasts 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Ingredients	Often uses processed oils like soybean or canola, and may contain artificial flavors and preservatives.	Uses organic oils (canola, avocado) and eggs, with fewer, more recognizable ingredients.	Uses fresh, high-quality ingredients with complete control over sourcing.
Flavor	Consistent, classic flavor profile due to standardized ingredients.	Taste can be richer or vary slightly depending on the oil and ingredients used.	Flavor is highly customizable and fresh; can be adjusted with different vinegars or seasonings.
Cost	Generally more affordable due to economies of scale and ingredients.	Typically costs more than conventional due to higher-quality, organic ingredients.	Cost depends on ingredients used, but can be more economical over time if consumed regularly.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for You

Whether you choose a commercial mayonnaise without EDTA or decide to make it from scratch, the options are plentiful for those who prioritize a cleaner, more natural ingredient list. Brands like Primal Kitchen and Hellmann's Organic provide convenient, preservative-free alternatives that can be found in most grocery stores. For the ultimate control over ingredients and freshness, a simple homemade recipe takes just minutes to prepare with an immersion blender. By understanding the role of preservatives and knowing your options, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your dietary preferences and health goals.

What are some alternatives to EDTA in mayonnaise?

Brands that do not use EDTA may use other natural preservatives, such as rosemary extract, or rely solely on the acidity from vinegar or lemon juice to ensure stability and freshness. The best option, however, is homemade, preservative-free mayonnaise.

Frequently Asked Questions

EDTA is added to many commercial mayonnaises to prevent oil oxidation, which is accelerated by trace metal ions. It acts as a preservative to maintain the product's flavor, color, and stability over a long shelf life.

Food safety authorities like the FDA and EFSA have approved calcium disodium EDTA for use within regulated limits, deeming it safe for consumption. The body poorly absorbs ingested EDTA, and it is eliminated naturally.

A major difference is the shelf life. Commercial mayonnaise, with preservatives like EDTA, can last for months, while homemade mayonnaise, which is preservative-free, should be consumed within one to two weeks.

Yes, some vegan mayonnaises may contain EDTA, so it's important to read the ingredients label to be certain. However, many brands, particularly those with a focus on natural ingredients, offer EDTA-free vegan options.

EDTA-free mayonnaises can be found at most major grocery stores, often in the organic or natural foods section. Brands like Primal Kitchen and Hellmann's Organic are widely available.

To know for sure, you must read the ingredients list on the product label. Look for terms like 'Calcium Disodium EDTA' or 'EDTA' listed among the ingredients.

While the search results provide information on many brands, you would need to check the specific Duke's product label to verify if it contains EDTA, as ingredient lists can change or vary by product line.