What Will Happen if We Eat Too Much Mayonnaise?

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Nutritionix, one tablespoon of regular mayonnaise contains around 90 to 100 calories, primarily from fat. Excessively consuming this calorie-dense condiment can lead to a variety of adverse health effects, revealing what will happen if we eat too much mayonnaise.

Quick Summary

Excessively eating mayonnaise can cause significant weight gain, elevated blood pressure, and increased heart disease risk due to its high fat and calorie content. Digestive issues like bloating and nausea are also possible side effects.

Key Points

Weight Gain: Excessively consuming mayonnaise, a high-calorie, high-fat condiment, can lead to significant weight gain and obesity.
Heart Disease Risk: Mayonnaise often contains a high ratio of omega-6 fatty acids, saturated, and trans fats, which can increase cholesterol levels and heighten the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Digestive Issues: The high fat content in mayonnaise can slow down digestion, causing uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, indigestion, and nausea.
Blood Sugar Spikes: Many store-bought mayonnaise versions contain added sugars, which can lead to blood sugar spikes and increase the risk of diabetes with regular, excessive consumption.
Food Safety: Homemade mayonnaise, made with raw eggs, poses a risk of salmonella. Improper handling and storage of any mayonnaise can lead to bacterial growth and food poisoning.
Moderation is Key: Consuming mayonnaise in moderation and opting for healthier versions made with avocado or olive oil are the best ways to mitigate health risks.

The Short-Term Effects of Excessive Mayonnaise Consumption

For many, the immediate consequences of overindulging in mayonnaise are centered around digestive discomfort and calorie overload. The high fat content can significantly slow down digestion, leading to unpleasant symptoms.

Digestive Issues

The high fat concentration in mayonnaise can put a heavy burden on your digestive system. This can lead to a number of gastrointestinal problems:

Bloating and Gas: Fat takes longer to digest than other macronutrients, which can cause food to sit in your stomach longer, leading to bloating and gas.
Indigestion and Nausea: For some individuals, the fat and acidity can irritate the stomach lining, causing indigestion and nausea. People with pre-existing conditions like gastritis may be particularly susceptible.
Allergic Reactions: Though less common, mayonnaise contains eggs, a potential allergen. Consuming a large amount could trigger a more severe allergic response in sensitive individuals.

Risk of Food Poisoning

Homemade mayonnaise, made with raw eggs, carries a risk of salmonella contamination. While commercially-produced mayo uses pasteurized eggs, improper storage or handling can still lead to bacterial growth, causing food poisoning with symptoms like diarrhea and fever.

The Long-Term Consequences of High Mayonnaise Intake

Consistently overconsuming mayonnaise can have profound, long-term effects on your body, extending far beyond simple digestive issues.

Weight Gain and Obesity

Mayonnaise is extremely calorie-dense, with around 90 calories per tablespoon. Consuming multiple servings regularly can cause a significant calorie surplus, leading to rapid and substantial weight gain. These extra calories, if not burned, are stored as fat, which can accumulate around the belly and increase obesity risk.

Cardiovascular Health Risks

Mayonnaise is often made with vegetable oils high in omega-6 fatty acids, and some versions contain saturated and trans fats. An imbalanced omega-3 to omega-6 ratio can contribute to inflammation, a factor in heart problems. Excessive saturated and trans fat intake raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol, increasing the risk of plaque buildup in arteries, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Elevated Blood Sugar Levels

Many store-bought mayonnaise brands contain added sugars and starches to enhance flavor and texture. Regularly consuming these hidden sugars can cause blood sugar spikes, potentially increasing the risk of diabetes over time. This is especially concerning for those with pre-existing blood sugar management issues or diabetes.

Comparison: Regular vs. Healthier Mayonnaise Options


Feature	Regular Mayonnaise	Healthy Alternative (e.g., Avocado Oil Mayo)
Primary Oil	Soybean or other highly processed vegetable oil	Avocado, olive, or expeller-pressed safflower oil
Fat Profile	Higher in omega-6 fatty acids	Better balance of fatty acids
Calories (per tbsp)	~90-100 kcal	Varies, but can still be high; focus is on oil quality
Additives	Often contains added sugars, preservatives, and thickeners	Fewer or no added sugars and artificial ingredients
Nutrient Quality	Low nutrient density	Provides healthier fats, may contain more antioxidants
Inflammatory Potential	Higher potential due to high omega-6 and processed oils	Lower inflammatory potential

How to Enjoy Mayonnaise Safely and in Moderation

Moderation is key to enjoying mayonnaise without the negative consequences. Healthier alternatives and mindful consumption can help satisfy cravings while mitigating risks.

Control Portion Sizes: Instead of using a heavy hand, measure out a single tablespoon and spread it thinly to reduce calorie intake.
Choose Wisely: Read labels and opt for mayonnaise made with healthier oils like avocado or olive oil. Avoid varieties with refined vegetable oils and excessive additives.
Consider Alternatives: Greek yogurt, hummus, or mashed avocado can provide a similar creamy texture with added nutrients and fewer calories.
Make Your Own: Creating homemade mayonnaise allows you to control the quality and type of oil used, along with avoiding unnecessary preservatives and sugars.

Conclusion

While delicious, excessive mayonnaise consumption can pose a range of health risks, including weight gain, heart disease, and digestive upset. The high calorie, fat, and potential added sugar content make it a condiment that should be enjoyed in moderation. By understanding the potential dangers and choosing healthier alternatives or smaller portions, you can continue to enjoy the creamy flavor of mayonnaise without compromising your long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, mayonnaise can cause weight gain if consumed in excess. It is very high in calories and fat, with one tablespoon containing around 90-100 calories. Overconsumption of these high-calorie foods leads to a calorie surplus, which the body stores as fat.

Mayonnaise can be bad for your heart in excess due to its high content of omega-6 fatty acids and saturated fats. Excessive intake can increase 'bad' LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, contributing to a higher risk of heart disease.

Yes, too much mayonnaise can cause an upset stomach. Its high fat content can slow down digestion, leading to symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, gas, and nausea.

Yes, light or reduced-fat versions of mayonnaise have fewer calories than regular mayonnaise, often around 35–50 calories per tablespoon. However, manufacturers may replace the fat with added sugars, starches, or artificial ingredients to maintain texture and flavor, so reading the label is important.

Healthier alternatives to mayonnaise include mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, or hummus. These options provide creamy texture with fewer calories and additional nutrients like protein and fiber.

Yes, you can get food poisoning, particularly from homemade mayonnaise made with raw eggs, which carries a salmonella risk. While commercial versions are pasteurized, improper storage or handling can still lead to bacterial growth.

Homemade mayonnaise can be a healthier option because you can control the ingredients, such as using healthier oils (like olive or avocado oil) and avoiding added sugars and preservatives often found in store-bought brands. Ensure you use pasteurized eggs to avoid salmonella risk.