Skip to content

What Mayonnaise is Salt Free? Your Guide to Low-Sodium Options

4 min read

Most commercial mayonnaises contain between 70 and 120 milligrams of sodium per tablespoon, a significant amount for those monitoring their intake. However, dedicated salt-free options exist on the market, and creating your own version at home is a simple process, allowing you to enjoy the creamy condiment without the high sodium content.

Quick Summary

Several commercial brands offer zero-sodium mayonnaise, most notably Mrs. Taste. For a DIY approach, you can easily make a salt-free version at home using basic ingredients, controlling exactly what goes into your recipe. Flavor can be enhanced with herbs, spices, and vinegar to compensate for the missing salt.

Key Points

  • Mrs. Taste offers zero sodium mayo: Mrs. Taste is a commercial brand that produces zero-sodium mayonnaise, catering to keto and heart-healthy diets.

  • Homemade mayo can be completely salt-free: You can control all ingredients by making mayonnaise at home, easily omitting the salt entirely for a personalized, low-sodium option.

  • Use flavor boosters to replace salt's taste: Enhance homemade or store-bought salt-free mayo with herbs, spices, lemon juice, or mustard powder to add flavor without sodium.

  • Potassium chloride is a common salt alternative: Some commercial zero-sodium products, like Mrs. Taste, use potassium chloride as a salt substitute, which may have a slightly different taste than sodium chloride.

  • Commercial and homemade options differ in taste and texture: Be aware that commercial salt-free mayos may have a different taste and thinner consistency than traditional varieties, while homemade versions allow for customization.

  • Read labels carefully for truly salt-free options: Always check the nutritional information, especially when purchasing 'low sodium' or 'reduced sodium' products, as these are not the same as 'salt-free'.

In This Article

Commercial Salt-Free Mayonnaise Brands

While most standard mayonnaise brands add salt for flavor, certain companies specialize in health-conscious products that offer a true zero-sodium option. These are often targeted at specific dietary needs, such as keto or heart-healthy lifestyles.

Mrs. Taste Zero Sodium Mayonnaise

One of the most prominent commercially available products is Mrs. Taste Zero Sodium Mayonnaise. This brand explicitly markets its products as having zero sodium, calories, and sugar. It is formulated with extra virgin olive oil, pasteurized egg whites, vinegar, and potassium chloride as a salt alternative. While this is a convenient option, customer reviews on taste are mixed, with some noting a thin consistency or an off-flavor. It is often available for purchase through specialized health food retailers or online marketplaces like Amazon and Healthy Heart Market.

Making Homemade Salt-Free Mayonnaise

Creating your own mayonnaise from scratch is a reliable way to ensure it contains no added salt. This method offers complete control over the ingredients and allows for customization to your taste preferences.

Simple Homemade Salt-Free Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup liquid egg substitute (for salmonella safety)
  • 2 1/2 tbsp distilled white vinegar or 1.5 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 2/3 cup neutral-flavored oil, such as canola, sunflower, or avocado oil
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder (salt-free)
  • Optional: Garlic powder, onion powder, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added flavor

Instructions:

  1. In a blender or with an immersion blender, combine the egg substitute, vinegar, and mustard powder. Blend for a few seconds until just combined.
  2. With the blender running on low, slowly stream in the oil. It is critical to add the oil slowly to ensure a successful emulsification.
  3. Once all the oil is incorporated and the mixture has thickened, stop blending. The mayo will continue to thicken slightly as it cools in the refrigerator.
  4. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Salt Substitutes and Flavor Enhancements

Replicating the flavor profile of salt in mayonnaise can be achieved with alternative ingredients. These substitutions can help provide the sharpness and zest that salt typically delivers without adding sodium.

  • Potassium Chloride: This mineral is a common salt substitute used by manufacturers to mimic salt's flavor. While effective, it can have a slightly bitter aftertaste, which some people may notice.
  • Acids: Ingredients like lemon juice and various vinegars (white wine, apple cider) brighten the flavor profile and compensate for the lack of salt.
  • Spices and Herbs: A wide array of salt-free seasonings can be used. Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or dill to achieve a more complex taste.
  • Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy, savory, and umami flavor without the sodium, nutritional yeast is an excellent addition.

Homemade vs. Commercial Salt-Free Mayonnaise: A Comparison

Feature Homemade Salt-Free Mayonnaise Commercial Salt-Free Mayonnaise (e.g., Mrs. Taste)
Sodium Content Effectively zero, as you control ingredients Zero sodium
Ingredients Whole foods, fresh eggs (or substitute), neutral oil Processed ingredients, includes preservatives and thickeners
Taste Profile Fully customizable with herbs, spices, and acids Flavor can be polarizing; some find it artificial
Consistency Can vary depending on oil type and emulsification skill Often thinner than traditional mayonnaise
Shelf Life Shorter shelf life; typically 1-2 weeks Long, stable shelf life n Availability Requires purchasing raw ingredients and preparation Available online and in specialty health stores

Conclusion

For those on a low-sodium or salt-free diet, options for enjoying mayonnaise do exist. Commercial choices like Mrs. Taste provide a convenient, zero-sodium product, though with a potentially different flavor profile than what many are used to. For purists or those who prefer ultimate control, making a homemade version is straightforward and allows for limitless flavor customization using herbs, spices, and acids. By understanding the available commercial products and the simple process of making your own, you can easily find a satisfying salt-free mayonnaise solution.

How to make homemade salt-free mayonnaise

For a fresh, sodium-free mayonnaise, follow this simple procedure using an immersion blender: Combine 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder in a jar that just fits the immersion blender head. Pour 1 cup of a neutral-flavored oil over the egg mixture. Place the immersion blender at the bottom of the jar and turn it on high without moving it for about 15 seconds. Then, slowly tilt and lift the blender until all the oil is emulsified into a thick, creamy sauce.

Boosting flavor in homemade mayo without salt

To replace the flavor of salt in homemade mayonnaise, consider incorporating potent flavor boosters. Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for savory depth. A splash of fresh lemon juice or a different vinegar, like white wine vinegar, can provide a bright, acidic kick. Fresh herbs such as dill or tarragon can also be mixed in for a vibrant, fresh taste profile.

Storing homemade salt-free mayonnaise

Homemade mayonnaise, without the added preservatives found in commercial versions, will have a shorter shelf life. It should be stored in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator and will typically keep well for about one to two weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as a change in smell or color, before using.

Understanding the purpose of salt in mayonnaise

Salt in traditional mayonnaise serves multiple functions. It acts as a flavor enhancer, bringing out the savory and tangy notes of the other ingredients. Additionally, it helps act as a preservative, extending the product's shelf life. In salt-free versions, these roles must be managed with other ingredients, like using pasteurized eggs and relying on acids for flavor.

The difference between Mrs. Taste and traditional mayo

Mrs. Taste Zero Sodium Mayonnaise is distinctly different from traditional mayonnaise. It contains zero calories, sodium, and sugar, and often relies on potassium chloride as a salt alternative. Regular mayonnaise, by contrast, contains higher amounts of calories, sodium, and fat. The trade-off for the zero-sodium profile is often a noticeable difference in texture and flavor, which can be a departure from the traditional creamy, salty taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some specialized brands like Mrs. Taste offer mayonnaise with zero sodium, explicitly stating this on their product labels. Always check the nutritional information to confirm zero sodium content, as 'low sodium' products will still contain some salt.

To boost the flavor of salt-free mayonnaise, you can add acidic ingredients like fresh lemon juice or vinegar. Incorporating herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, dill, or black pepper, can also provide a more robust flavor profile.

Yes, making salt-free mayonnaise at home is a simple process, especially with an immersion blender. The basic ingredients include egg or egg substitute, a neutral oil, and vinegar, all of which you can control for sodium content.

Potassium chloride is a mineral used as a salt substitute by many food manufacturers because it can mimic the salty flavor of sodium chloride. It is often included in reduced-sodium or salt-free products, like Mrs. Taste mayonnaise, to compensate for the missing salt.

No, homemade salt-free mayonnaise will likely have a different taste and texture than a traditional commercial product. The absence of salt is noticeable, but you can customize the flavor with other seasonings to create a version you enjoy.

No, 'low sodium' is not the same as 'salt free'. A 'low sodium' product has a reduced amount of sodium but still contains some salt, while a 'salt free' or 'zero sodium' product contains a negligible amount of sodium.

Mrs. Taste products can typically be found online through retailers like Amazon and specialized health food stores such as Healthy Heart Market. Availability can vary by region.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.