What Mayonnaise Is Made Without Soybean Oil? Your Ultimate Guide

An estimated 90% of America's oilseed production is from soybeans, making soybean oil a primary ingredient in most commercial mayonnaise. For those with sensitivities, dietary restrictions, or those who simply prefer an alternative, understanding what mayonnaise is made without soybean oil is essential for making healthier condiment choices.

Quick Summary

This guide explores commercial and homemade alternatives to standard mayonnaise, focusing on brands that use oils other than soybean oil, such as avocado and olive oil.

Key Points

• Avocado Oil Mayo: A popular and heart-healthy alternative to soybean oil mayonnaise, with many keto and paleo-friendly brands available.

• Olive Oil Mayo: Choose brands carefully, as many 'olive oil' mayos are actually oil blends containing soybean oil; check the ingredients list for purity.

• Vegan Options: Soy-free vegan mayos, like those made with grapeseed oil or aquafaba, are available for those with dietary restrictions.

• Homemade Mayonnaise: Making your own with avocado or olive oil is quick and easy with an immersion blender, offering complete control over ingredients.

• Check Ingredients: The only way to guarantee a mayonnaise is without soybean oil is to carefully read the ingredients list on the label.

• Health Reasons: Avoiding soybean oil helps manage the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio, which can have health benefits and reduce inflammation.

The Rise of Alternative Oil Mayonnaise

Driven by consumer demand for cleaner ingredients and specific dietary needs, a variety of mayonnaise alternatives have entered the market. These products replace the inexpensive soybean oil found in many conventional brands with other vegetable-based oils. For individuals on paleo or keto diets, or those with a soy allergy, these alternatives offer peace of mind without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Avocado Oil Mayonnaise

Avocado oil is a popular choice for mayonnaise due to its mild flavor, heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and high smoke point. Many brands offer avocado oil-based mayonnaise, often promoted as a healthier option free from inflammatory seed oils.

Brands offering avocado oil mayonnaise:

• Primal Kitchen: A well-known brand, certified Paleo and Keto, with varieties including regular, chipotle lime, and garlic aioli.
• Chosen Foods: Offers classic and vegan mayonnaises made with 100% pure avocado oil.
• 365 by Whole Foods Market: Includes an organic mayonnaise that uses avocado oil.
• Betterbody Foods: Another option for avocado oil mayo.

Olive Oil Mayonnaise

While some brands use olive oil, consumers should be cautious. Many so-called "olive oil" mayos are actually a blend of oils, with soybean or canola oil still being the primary ingredient. The flavor of olive oil can also be much stronger than avocado or soybean oil, which some people may find overwhelming in certain dishes.

Brands offering true olive oil mayonnaise:

• Sir Kensington's Organic Mayonnaise: Includes olive oil and other oils, but always check the ingredients list carefully.
• Wildly Organic: Offers a certified organic, soy-free mayonnaise made with a blend of MCT oil, extra virgin olive oil, and sesame oil.
• Emile Noël: A European brand offering a natural mayonnaise with organic olive oil.

Vegan and Other Alternatives

For those seeking a vegan or egg-free option, there are also soybean oil-free mayonnaises made from other sources.

• Vegenaise: Follow Your Heart offers a grapeseed oil-based Vegenaise that is dairy-free and non-GMO.
• Fabalish: Uses aquafaba (chickpea liquid) as an emulsifier in their vegan mayo.
• Coconut Oil Mayo: Recipes exist for homemade versions, and some specialty brands use coconut oil or MCT oil.

The Benefits of Choosing Soybean Oil-Free Mayonnaise

Addressing Omega-6 Imbalance

Most processed foods contain excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, leading to an imbalance with omega-3s. Diets high in refined oils like soybean oil can contribute to chronic inflammation. Choosing mayonnaises made with healthier oils helps restore a better fatty acid balance.

Avoiding Potential Health Risks

While some studies highlight benefits like vitamin K content, extensive consumption of highly refined soybean oil is linked to negative health outcomes in animal studies, including metabolic changes and potential impacts on brain function. Excess linoleic acid, a component of soybean oil, has also been linked to negative changes in gut bacteria.

Allergy and Sensitivity Management

For individuals with a soy allergy or sensitivity, avoiding soybean oil is non-negotiable. Soybean oil-free alternatives provide a safe and delicious way to enjoy sandwiches, dressings, and dips without health risks.

Making Homemade Mayonnaise Without Soybean Oil

Creating your own mayonnaise at home is straightforward and ensures you know every ingredient. Using an immersion blender makes the process quick and easy.

Simple Avocado Oil Mayonnaise Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 1 cup avocado oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Add the egg, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt to a wide-mouth jar that just fits the head of an immersion blender.
2. Pour the avocado oil directly on top.
3. Place the immersion blender's head firmly on the bottom of the jar and turn it on high.
4. Keep the blender still for about 15-20 seconds until you see the mixture at the bottom begin to emulsify and turn white.
5. Slowly lift the blender, incorporating the remaining oil until a thick, creamy mayonnaise forms.
6. Season to taste, cover, and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Comparison of Mayonnaise Without Soybean Oil

Feature	Avocado Oil Mayo	Olive Oil Mayo	Vegan Mayo (e.g., Grapeseed Oil)
Primary Oil	Avocado Oil	Olive Oil (check for blends)	Grapeseed, Aquafaba, Coconut
Flavor Profile	Mild and neutral	Robust, can be peppery	Varies; typically neutral
Health Benefits	High in monounsaturated fats	Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats	Varies by oil type
Allergy Info	Soy-free, egg-based	Soy-free (check label), egg-based	Often soy-free and egg-free
Diet Compatibility	Paleo, Keto, Whole30 (check brand)	Varies; some Paleo-friendly	Vegan, often allergy-friendly
Cost	Typically higher than conventional	Higher than conventional	Comparable to other specialty mayos

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for You

Navigating the mayonnaise aisle without soybean oil is easier than ever, thanks to a growing market of healthier alternatives. Whether driven by allergies, health concerns, or diet preferences, consumers have excellent options. Brands using avocado oil offer a neutral, heart-healthy choice, while true olive oil mayos provide a bolder flavor profile. For those who enjoy cooking, making homemade mayonnaise with an immersion blender offers the most control over ingredients and fresh flavor. Always remember to check labels carefully, as many products misleadingly blend soybean oil with other, more desirable fats. By exploring the brands and recipes detailed here, you can enjoy this classic condiment without compromise.

For more information on the health implications of different fats, you can read articles like this one from Healthline covering the benefits and downsides of various cooking oils, including soybean oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is soybean oil so common in commercial mayonnaise?

Soybean oil is the most common cooking oil in the U.S. because it is cheap, widely available, and has a neutral flavor, making it a cost-effective base for many food products like mayonnaise.

Are all olive oil mayonnaises free of soybean oil?

No, many brands that advertise "olive oil" mayonnaise often use a blend of oils where soybean or canola oil is the primary ingredient. You must read the product's full ingredient list to be sure.

Is there a safe vegan mayonnaise option without soybean oil?

Yes, many vegan mayonnaises use alternative emulsifiers and oils like grapeseed oil or aquafaba instead of soy. Brands like Follow Your Heart Vegenaise have soy-free options.

Is making homemade mayonnaise without soybean oil difficult?

Making homemade mayo is surprisingly easy, especially with an immersion blender. The process takes only a few minutes and ensures you know every ingredient used.

How can I be sure a store-bought mayonnaise is soy-free?

The only foolproof method is to carefully read the ingredient list on the product label. Also, look for certifications like 'USDA Certified Organic' or 'Certified Paleo' which often imply cleaner ingredients.

Which specific brands offer guaranteed soy-free mayonnaise?

Brands like Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods are well-regarded for their focus on allergen-friendly products and prominently advertise their soy-free, avocado oil-based mayonnaises.

Are there other oil alternatives I can use for homemade mayo?

Besides avocado and olive oil, you can experiment with other mild-flavored oils like grapeseed oil or high-oleic sunflower oil. Coconut oil is another option but may impart a coconut flavor.