Which mayonnaise has no eggs? A guide to vegan and egg-free alternatives

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 2% of children are affected by an egg allergy, prompting many to ask: Which mayonnaise has no eggs?. Fortunately, a variety of plant-based and egg-free alternatives now exist, offering the same creamy taste and texture without the risk to those with allergies or on vegan diets.

Quick Summary

Vegan and egg-free mayonnaise options replace egg yolk with ingredients like aquafaba, soy milk, or starches. Many popular brands offer plant-based versions, providing a cholesterol-free, allergy-friendly condiment for various culinary uses.

Key Points

Egg-Free Emulsifiers: Aquafaba, soy milk, and starches are commonly used as substitutes for egg yolk in vegan mayonnaise.
Diverse Brands: Major companies like Hellmann's and niche brands such as Vegenaise and Sir Kensington's offer a wide variety of egg-free options.
Heart-Healthy Choice: Egg-free mayonnaise is cholesterol-free, which is a significant health benefit compared to traditional versions.
Allergy-Friendly: It provides a safe, creamy condiment for individuals with egg allergies, preventing adverse reactions.
Homemade Options: Recipes using cashews or aquafaba allow for easy, cost-effective, and preservative-free homemade versions.
Versatile Culinary Ingredient: Eggless mayo functions identically to its egg-based counterpart in recipes, working well in dressings, salads, and as a spread.

Understanding Eggless Mayonnaise

Traditional mayonnaise relies on egg yolks as an emulsifier to create its creamy, stable texture. The oil and acidic liquids, like vinegar or lemon juice, are bound together by the lecithin in the egg yolk. However, with the rise of plant-based diets, concerns over cholesterol, and prevalence of egg allergies, egg-free and vegan mayonnaise have become widely available. These alternatives achieve the same rich consistency by using various plant-based emulsifiers and starches.

Common Egg Replacements

Instead of eggs, manufacturers and home cooks use a variety of plant-based ingredients to create a stable, creamy emulsion for eggless mayonnaise.

Aquafaba: This is the brine or liquid from cooked chickpeas. When whipped, it has a meringue-like consistency that is a powerful emulsifier and texturizer. Brands like Sir Kensington's use aquafaba in their vegan mayo.
Soy Milk: Unsweetened soy milk contains natural emulsifiers that can effectively bind oil and acid when blended. Recipes often combine it with a neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil for a classic mayo base.
Starches and Proteins: Ingredients such as modified food starch, pea protein, and chickpea flour are used by large commercial brands to achieve a familiar texture and stability.
Nuts: Soaked raw cashews are another popular ingredient in homemade eggless mayonnaise. When blended with oil, vinegar, and seasonings, they create a creamy and decadent spread.

Leading Eggless Mayonnaise Brands

The market for egg-free mayonnaise has expanded, offering a variety of options that cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Many of these are stocked in standard grocery stores alongside traditional mayo.

Hellmann's/Best Foods Plant-Based: These are widely available and mimic the classic taste and texture of their egg-based counterparts. They use ingredients like canola oil, modified starches, and natural flavors.
Follow Your Heart Vegenaise: A pioneer in the vegan condiment space, Vegenaise has been a staple for decades. It's made with soy protein, canola oil, and brown rice syrup, offering a creamy, slightly sweet flavor.
Sir Kensington's Vegan Mayo: Known for using aquafaba, Sir Kensington's offers a thick and flavorful vegan mayo. Their products often contain sunflower oil, lemon juice, and spices for a rich, savory taste.
Chosen Foods Vegan Avocado Oil Mayo: This option uses avocado oil and chickpea broth, making it a good choice for those seeking an alternative oil base. It is gluten-free and can be used on keto diets.

Making Homemade Eggless Mayonnaise

Creating your own eggless mayo at home allows for control over ingredients and flavor, and it can be a surprisingly simple process. Here are two popular methods:

Aquafaba Mayonnaise

Ingredients: Aquafaba (from canned chickpeas), a neutral-flavored oil (canola, sunflower), lemon juice or vinegar, dijon mustard, salt.
Process: Combine the aquafaba, mustard, and acid in a tall container and blend with an immersion blender until frothy. Slowly, in a thin, steady stream, add the oil while blending continuously until the mixture emulsifies and thickens.
Result: A light, fluffy mayo that works well in dressings and sauces.

Cashew Mayonnaise

Ingredients: Raw cashews (soaked), neutral oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, water, sugar, salt.
Process: Soak the cashews in hot water for about 30 minutes, then drain. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender, slowly adding the water until smooth and creamy. The cashews provide a rich, thick base.
Result: A decadent, thick mayo that is perfect for spreads and dips.

Benefits of Choosing Egg-Free

Opting for egg-free mayonnaise provides several benefits that appeal to a range of dietary preferences and health goals.

Allergy-Friendly: The most significant advantage is avoiding the common egg allergen, making it safe for individuals with an egg sensitivity or allergy to enjoy.
Cholesterol-Free: Since plant-based ingredients are used instead of egg yolks, vegan mayonnaise contains zero dietary cholesterol, which can be beneficial for heart health.
Dietary Inclusivity: It allows vegans, vegetarians, and those observing specific dietary restrictions to enjoy a classic condiment without compromising their food choices.
Potentially Lower Fat: Some eggless mayonnaise recipes, particularly homemade ones, can be lower in fat and calories depending on the oil and base used.

Comparison: Egg-Based vs. Egg-Free Mayonnaise


Feature	Traditional (Egg-Based) Mayonnaise	Vegan (Egg-Free) Mayonnaise
Primary Emulsifier	Egg yolk	Aquafaba, soy milk, starches, nut paste
Cholesterol Content	Contains dietary cholesterol	Zero cholesterol
Dietary Suitability	Not suitable for vegans, egg-allergic individuals	Vegan, dairy-free, and egg-allergy friendly
Flavor Profile	Classic, slightly richer egg flavor	Can vary based on the plant base (neutral, tangy, or nutty)
Culinary Stability	Highly stable emulsion; can be used in cooked dishes	Generally stable, though some brands can separate under heat
Key Health Consideration	Omega-3s if made with fortified eggs	Cholesterol-free, potentially lower saturated fat

Creative Uses for Eggless Mayonnaise

Eggless mayonnaise is just as versatile as its traditional counterpart and can be used in countless recipes.

Salads: Use it as a base for creamy salads like potato salad, coleslaw, or a plant-based 'tuna' salad made with chickpeas.
Dips: It is an excellent foundation for dips, such as a flavorful chipotle or garlic mayo.
Dressings: Whisk it with herbs, spices, and a little extra liquid to create a creamy dressing for green salads.
Spreads: A perfect spread for sandwiches, veggie burgers, and wraps, adding moisture and richness.
Baked Goods: Surprisingly, eggless mayo can be used in some baking recipes, such as cakes or muffins, to add moisture without using eggs.

Conclusion

For those seeking a nutritious diet free from eggs, whether due to allergies, dietary restrictions, or health goals, the options for eggless mayonnaise are abundant and delicious. From well-known brands like Hellmann's to artisanal aquafaba-based versions, the versatility and creamy texture of egg-free mayo make it a seamless substitution. With plant-based alternatives, you no longer have to compromise on taste or texture to enjoy this popular condiment safely and healthily. For further information on the nutritional aspects of plant-based diets, check out reputable sources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Center for Science in the Public Interest

Frequently Asked Questions

Eggless mayonnaise is made with a plant-based emulsifier instead of eggs, often using ingredients like aquafaba (chickpea brine), soy milk, modified starches, or cashews. A neutral-flavored oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings are also included.

Vegan mayonnaise is typically cholesterol-free since it contains no egg yolk. The overall healthiness depends on the ingredients, fat content, and oil used, but it is often comparable to or better than regular mayo, especially for those watching cholesterol levels.

While the taste is similar and often creamy, the flavor can differ slightly depending on the emulsifying base used. Many brands, like Hellmann's Plant-Based, aim to replicate the taste closely, while others might have a slightly nuttier or tangier profile.

Yes, eggless mayonnaise can be used as a substitute for eggs in some baking recipes to add moisture and richness. The emulsifying properties can help improve the texture of baked goods like cakes or muffins.

Common methods involve blending soaked cashews or aquafaba (chickpea liquid) with a neutral oil, acid (lemon juice/vinegar), and seasonings. A blender or immersion blender is necessary for proper emulsification.

Aquafaba is the viscous liquid found in a can of chickpeas or left over from cooking dried chickpeas. Its unique properties allow it to mimic egg whites, making it an excellent vegan emulsifier.

While most egg-free mayonnaise is also vegan, it's essential to check the ingredients. True vegan mayonnaise contains no animal products at all, while a product that is just 'egg-free' might still contain other animal-derived ingredients, although this is rare for mayo.