What is EDTA and Why is it in Mayonnaise?
EDTA, or calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, is a chelating agent used as a preservative in many processed foods, including mayonnaise. Its primary function is to bind with trace metal ions, which can otherwise accelerate the oxidation of the oil in mayonnaise. This oxidation process can lead to rancidity, off-flavors, and discoloration. By binding these metals, EDTA helps maintain the product's stability, flavor, and color, extending its shelf life significantly.
While approved as safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA, EDTA's presence is a concern for some consumers who prefer a more natural product. Health-conscious eaters and those with sensitivities often seek out alternatives, leading to the rise of brands that use natural preservatives or are sold refrigerated to ensure freshness.
Popular Brands Offering EDTA-Free Mayonnaise
Fortunately, a number of brands cater to the demand for EDTA-free mayonnaise. Here are some of the most notable options:
- Primal Kitchen: A well-known brand in the health food space, Primal Kitchen offers a variety of mayonnaises made with avocado oil and without EDTA. Their products are praised for their clean ingredient lists, which often include organic eggs and organic vinegar.
- Chosen Foods: Also utilizing avocado oil, Chosen Foods produces an avocado oil-based mayonnaise and a vegan version that are free from EDTA. They focus on simple, high-quality ingredients.
- Hellmann's/Best Foods Organic: For those who prefer a more traditional flavor profile but want to avoid EDTA, Hellmann's (marketed as Best Foods west of the Rockies) offers an organic version. This organic recipe is specifically formulated without calcium disodium EDTA to meet USDA Organic standards.
- Bama Real Mayonnaise: This Southern-style mayonnaise brand explicitly states on some of its product pages that it does not contain EDTA and is high in ALA Omega-3.
- Sir Kensington's Avocado Oil Mayo: The avocado oil version of Sir Kensington's mayonnaise is made without EDTA. The brand offers both jarred and squeeze-bottle options.
- Duke's Real Mayonnaise: A cult favorite, Duke's is another long-standing brand that does not contain EDTA. It is known for its distinct tangy flavor and is made with simple ingredients.
- Organic Varieties from Supermarkets: Many store brands, such as Whole Foods' 365 Organic line, offer organic mayonnaise that, by definition of the organic certification, does not contain synthetic preservatives like EDTA.
Making Your Own Mayonnaise at Home (No EDTA Needed)
For complete control over your ingredients, making mayonnaise from scratch is the best option. A basic homemade recipe avoids all preservatives by relying on fresh eggs, oil, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice to create a stable emulsion. The following is a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 large, fresh egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 cup neutral-flavored oil (e.g., avocado, light olive oil, or sunflower)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Slowly, drop by drop, begin adding the oil while continuously whisking. This slow addition is crucial for creating a stable emulsion.
- Once the mixture thickens, you can increase the oil to a steady, thin stream.
- Once all the oil is incorporated and the mayonnaise is thick and creamy, whisk in the lemon juice or vinegar.
- Season to taste with more salt if needed. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Comparison of Conventional vs. EDTA-Free Mayonnaise
| Feature | Conventional Mayonnaise (with EDTA) | EDTA-Free Mayonnaise (Organic/Natural) |
|---|---|---|
| Preservatives | Contains calcium disodium EDTA and other preservatives for extended shelf life. | Relies on natural preservatives (vinegar, lemon juice) or refrigeration. |
| Shelf Life | Long shelf life, often several months, and can be stored at room temperature before opening. | Shorter shelf life, often sold refrigerated, and must be refrigerated after opening. |
| Ingredients | Often uses cheaper, refined vegetable oils like soybean or canola oil. | Higher quality oils like avocado or olive oil are frequently used. |
| Flavor | Consistent, standard flavor profile. | Flavor can be fresher, with more prominent notes from the oil and vinegar. |
| Cost | Generally more affordable due to mass production and standard ingredients. | Typically higher priced due to higher quality, often organic, ingredients. |
Conclusion
For consumers concerned about preservatives, finding mayonnaise without EDTA is a straightforward process. Brands such as Primal Kitchen, Chosen Foods, Bama, and Duke's offer high-quality, delicious alternatives that rely on natural preservation methods or higher-grade ingredients. Organic versions from major brands like Hellmann's are also a reliable option. For the freshest, most natural result, a simple homemade mayonnaise recipe provides complete control over every ingredient. By reading labels and understanding your options, you can easily choose a mayonnaise that aligns with your dietary preferences and health goals.
Resources
Key Takeaways
- Check Organic Labels: USDA Organic mayonnaise, like Hellmann's Organic, does not contain EDTA due to organic regulations.
- Seek Out Specific Brands: Health-focused brands such as Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods, which often use avocado oil, are typically EDTA-free.
- Classic Brand Options: Some traditional brands, like Duke's and Bama, are formulated without EDTA and have a loyal following.
- Make it Yourself: For the freshest and most natural option, making your own mayonnaise at home is a simple process and guarantees no preservatives.
- EDTA's Role: EDTA acts as a preservative by chelating metal ions to prevent oil rancidity, extending shelf life for many conventional brands.
FAQs
Question: Why do some brands use EDTA in their mayonnaise? Answer: EDTA is used as a preservative to prevent the oxidation of the oils in mayonnaise, which can cause rancidity and spoilage. It helps maintain the product's flavor, color, and stability over a long shelf life.
Question: Is EDTA harmful to my health? Answer: When used in the small amounts regulated for food, calcium disodium EDTA is considered safe by the FDA. It is poorly absorbed by the body and is excreted quickly. However, some individuals prefer to avoid it for personal dietary reasons.
Question: How can I tell if a mayonnaise contains EDTA? Answer: Always check the ingredient list on the product label. If the product contains EDTA, it will be listed as 'calcium disodium EDTA'. Looking for USDA Organic certification is another way to ensure it's not included.
Question: Are organic mayonnaises a good alternative? Answer: Yes, organic mayonnaises are an excellent alternative because organic food regulations prohibit the use of synthetic preservatives like EDTA. They often use simpler, higher-quality ingredients as well.
Question: Do all homemade mayonnaises contain no preservatives? Answer: A basic homemade mayonnaise contains no added preservatives like EDTA. However, this also means it has a much shorter shelf life, typically lasting only about a week in the refrigerator. Some recipes add fermented liquids to extend shelf life naturally.
Question: Are there any vegan mayonnaises without EDTA? Answer: Yes, many vegan mayonnaise brands, especially those from health-focused brands like Chosen Foods, are made without EDTA. They often use alternative emulsifiers instead of egg yolks.
Question: Is avocado oil mayonnaise better than regular mayonnaise? Answer: Avocado oil mayonnaise is an alternative to traditional mayo, often praised for using a different oil, but not necessarily healthier. The main advantage for many is that brands making avocado oil versions, like Primal Kitchen, often exclude preservatives like EDTA.
