Which Mayonnaise is Best for Children?

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 70% of parents are concerned about their children's diet, and choosing the right condiments is a key part of that. For parents seeking guidance, understanding which mayonnaise is best for children involves scrutinizing ingredients for safety, nutritional value, and potential allergens.

Quick Summary

This article explores how to select the best and safest mayonnaise for children, covering store-bought options made with pasteurized eggs and healthier oils, as well as safe homemade alternatives. It provides criteria for evaluating ingredients, advises on minimizing sodium and allergens, and offers practical tips for parents.

Key Points

Choose Pasteurized Eggs: Store-bought mayonnaise is generally safest for children as it uses pasteurized eggs, eliminating the risk of Salmonella from raw eggs.
Prioritize Healthy Fats: Opt for mayonnaise made with healthier, expeller-pressed oils like avocado or olive oil, avoiding those with cheaper, refined vegetable oils.
Minimize Sodium and Sugar: Look for low-sodium options and avoid low-fat versions that often contain excess added sugar.
Check for Allergens: Be aware of common allergens like egg, soy, or mustard in mayonnaise and consider a vegan alternative if necessary.
Consider Homemade Mayonnaise: For ultimate control over ingredients and freshness, making your own mayonnaise with safe ingredients is an excellent option.

Why Ingredients Matter for Children's Mayonnaise

When selecting a mayonnaise for children, a primary concern is the ingredient list. Traditional homemade mayonnaise often uses raw eggs, which can pose a risk of foodborne illness like Salmonella, especially for young children with less developed immune systems. For this reason, store-bought mayonnaise is generally recommended as it is made with pasteurized eggs. Healthy fats are another critical consideration. While many commercial mayonnaises use cheaper, refined oils high in omega-6 fatty acids, healthier versions utilize avocado or olive oil, which contain beneficial monounsaturated fats important for a child's development.

Additionally, vigilance regarding added sweeteners and sodium is important. Some low-fat or fat-free versions replace oil with sugar, which is detrimental to a child's health. Full-fat options made with healthier oils are a better choice. Sodium intake should also be monitored, and parents should seek products labeled "low-sodium" or "no salt added" where possible to manage their child's overall sodium consumption.

Navigating Allergies and Special Diets

Mayonnaise, particularly store-bought varieties, can contain common allergens such as egg, soy, or mustard. For children with sensitivities, it's crucial to check labels carefully. Vegan mayonnaise, which is egg-free, or specific allergen-free brands can be excellent alternatives. Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, is a popular base for homemade eggless mayonnaise and a great option for children with egg allergies.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Mayonnaise


Feature	Store-Bought Mayonnaise	Homemade Mayonnaise
Egg Safety	Almost always uses pasteurized eggs, minimizing Salmonella risk.	Typically uses raw eggs, posing a higher risk of foodborne illness unless pasteurized eggs are used.
Ingredients	Often contains refined vegetable oils, high-fructose corn syrup, and preservatives.	Allows full control over ingredients; can use healthier oils like avocado or olive oil.
Additives	May contain artificial flavors, colors, and gums to create a consistent texture.	Free from unwanted additives; uses simple, natural ingredients.
Sodium Control	Options for low-sodium or “no salt added” varieties are available.	Sodium levels are fully controllable, allowing for a no-salt-added option.
Allergen Control	Requires careful label reading for egg, soy, or mustard.	Can be easily customized to be egg-free (vegan) or soy-free.
Convenience	Readily available and convenient for quick meal prep.	Requires preparation time, but ensures freshness and quality ingredients.

Making Healthier Homemade Mayonnaise for Kids

If you prefer to make mayonnaise at home to control ingredients, several healthy recipes are available. Using pasteurized eggs is crucial for safety. For children with egg allergies, a vegan version using aquafaba or unsweetened soy milk works well. For the oil, opt for a neutral-flavored, expeller-pressed oil like avocado oil, which offers a healthier fat profile than refined seed oils. A simple recipe involves combining a pasteurized egg yolk, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a neutral oil in a blender until emulsified. This approach allows for complete control over the salt and sugar content, making it the healthiest option for a child's diet.

Which Mayonnaise is Best for Children? A Conclusion

Ultimately, selecting the best mayonnaise for children depends on individual dietary needs and priorities. For convenience and food safety, a high-quality, full-fat store-bought variety made with healthier oils like avocado oil and pasteurized eggs is a great choice. However, for those with allergies or who want complete control over ingredients, a safe, homemade version using pasteurized or eggless ingredients is the best option. Always avoid low-fat or fat-free versions with added sugars and check for allergens like soy or mustard. Focusing on healthy fats and low sodium ensures that a child's snack or meal is both safe and nutritious. A good starting point is to read labels carefully and prioritize ingredients you trust, building healthy eating habits from an early age.

Final Recommendations for Parents

Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredient list for healthy oils (avocado or olive oil) and low sodium content.
Prioritize Pasteurization: When using egg-based mayo, ensure it's store-bought with pasteurized eggs to prevent illness.
Consider Vegan Options: For egg allergies, vegan mayonnaise is a safe and readily available alternative.
Limit Added Sugar: Avoid 'light' or 'fat-free' varieties, which often contain extra sugar to compensate for flavor.
Evaluate Allergens: Be mindful of other potential allergens like soy or mustard, especially if your child has sensitivities.
Try Homemade: Making your own mayo offers the most control over every ingredient for ultimate customization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Babies can be introduced to mayonnaise around 6 months, as long as it is store-bought and made with pasteurized eggs. Avoid any mayonnaise containing honey for children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.

Homemade mayonnaise is only safe for children if it is made with pasteurized eggs or is an eggless (vegan) version. Mayonnaise made with raw eggs carries a high risk of foodborne illness.

No, 'light' and 'fat-free' mayonnaises are generally not better for kids. They often contain unhealthy added sugars and artificial ingredients to compensate for the loss of flavor when fat is removed.

For healthier fats, look for mayonnaise made with expeller-pressed avocado oil or olive oil. These are better alternatives than mayos made with heavily refined seed oils.

Vegan mayonnaise is a great egg-free option. It can be purchased pre-made or easily prepared at home using ingredients like aquafaba or soy milk.

To reduce sodium, choose brands labeled "low-sodium" or "no salt added". Making mayonnaise at home also gives you complete control over the amount of salt used.

You should avoid mayonnaise containing raw eggs, honey (for infants under 12 months), excessive added sugars, and potential allergens like soy or mustard if your child is sensitive to them.