Which mayonnaise is gluten-free? A comprehensive guide to safe choices

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

While traditional mayonnaise is naturally gluten-free, a 2025 study on consumer satisfaction with gluten-free products noted that finding reliable options is still a concern for many. Learning which mayonnaise is gluten-free and how to read labels is crucial for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Quick Summary

Explaining how to identify gluten-free mayonnaise by checking ingredient lists and certification labels, this guide highlights safe brands and risks like cross-contamination.

Key Points

Prioritize Certified Labels: Look for "Certified Gluten-Free" marks to ensure a product has been independently verified to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Check Ingredient Lists Carefully: Hidden gluten sources like malt vinegar, modified food starch, or certain spice blends can be present in mayonnaise.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: Sharing a mayo jar with gluten-containing foods can transfer crumbs; use a dedicated jar or a squeeze bottle for safety.
Not All Brands Are Equal: Labeling policies vary by brand and product type. While some brands like Best Foods have labeled varieties, others like Kraft Real Mayo are uncertified but made with naturally gluten-free ingredients.
Flavored Mayos Pose Higher Risk: The risk of gluten increases with flavored versions due to additional seasonings and spices that may contain gluten.
Homemade is Safest: For those with severe sensitivity, making your own mayonnaise from scratch using trusted gluten-free ingredients offers the most control.

For individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, navigating the grocery store can feel like a minefield. While the base ingredients of traditional mayonnaise—eggs, oil, and vinegar or lemon juice—are naturally gluten-free, the reality for commercial products is more complex. A product's final gluten status depends on the specific additives used and the manufacturing environment, making a simple yes or no answer impossible. This guide will help you understand what to look for and which brands are safe for a gluten-free diet.

The Core Components of Mayonnaise

To understand where gluten might enter the picture, it is helpful to know the basic ingredients of a classic mayo recipe. The standard emulsified sauce is made from:

Eggs or egg yolks: These are the emulsifiers that bind the ingredients together.
Oil: Typically a neutral oil like canola, sunflower, or avocado is used.
Acid: Vinegar (often distilled or white wine) or lemon juice adds the tangy flavor.
Seasonings: Salt, sugar, and mustard can be added for flavor.

The Importance of Labeling and Certification

For those with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, relying on naturally gluten-free ingredients is not enough due to the risk of cross-contamination. This is where labeling and certification become critical. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that any food labeled 'gluten-free' must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. However, a product can still be safe without this label if the ingredients list is clear and the manufacturing process prevents cross-contact. Looking for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo, such as from the GFCO, is the safest bet as it indicates independent verification of quality and integrity.

Gluten-Free Mayonnaise Brands to Consider

Certified Gluten-Free Brands

When cross-contamination is a major concern, choosing a certified brand is the most reliable strategy. These products are rigorously tested to ensure they meet strict standards.

Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo: This brand is certified gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.
Chosen Foods Keto Mayo: Another certified option, made with avocado oil.
Tessemae's Organic Mayonnaise: Known for its simple, organic ingredients and gluten-free status.
Sir Kensington's Vegan Mayo: Sir Kensington's offers a certified gluten-free and vegan option.

Brands Made with Gluten-Free Ingredients

Several mainstream brands do not add gluten-containing ingredients but may not be certified. For many, these are a safe and accessible option, but those with high sensitivity should proceed with caution.

Best Foods / Hellmann's: These brands are the same product in different regions. Many of their real mayonnaise products are made without gluten ingredients, with some varieties even labeled 'gluten-free'.
Kraft Real Mayo: Kraft states that its Real Mayonnaise is made without gluten-containing ingredients, though it doesn't carry a gluten-free certification.
Duke's Mayo: This popular brand is widely considered gluten-free, made with oil, vinegar, and egg yolks.
Heinz Mayonnaise: Heinz lists several mayonnaise products on its U.S. list of gluten-free ingredients.

Identifying Hidden Gluten and Preventing Cross-Contamination

Common Gluten-Containing Additives to Watch For

Not all mayonnaise is created equal. Flavored or low-fat versions often contain additional ingredients that can be problematic.

Malt Vinegar: A non-distilled vinegar made from barley, which contains gluten. Often found in imported or flavored mayos.
Modified Food Starch: This can be wheat-based unless specified otherwise.
Seasonings and Flavorings: Spices or flavor packets added to mayonnaise varieties may contain hidden gluten.

Beware of Cross-Contamination

One of the most significant risks, especially for those with celiac disease, is cross-contamination. This can happen in two main ways:

Manufacturing Facility: If a product is made on shared equipment that also processes gluten-containing foods, cross-contamination is a risk unless the manufacturer has strict protocols in place.
Shared Jars: Dipping a knife with gluten-containing crumbs (from a sandwich, for example) into a jar of mayo can contaminate the entire jar. Using a squeeze bottle is a much safer option.

Comparison Table: Certified vs. Uncertified Gluten-Free Mayonnaise


Brand	Certified Gluten-Free?	Key Considerations
Chosen Foods Keto Mayo	Yes	Avocado oil base, keto-friendly, dairy-free.
Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo	Yes	Made with avocado oil, also soy-free and dairy-free.
Best Foods / Hellmann's	Some Varieties Labeled	Traditional recipe, widely available, check individual labels for confirmation.
Kraft Real Mayo	No (but lists no gluten ingredients)	A budget-friendly and widely available option, but not certified for severe allergies.
Miracle Whip	No (not mayonnaise)	A salad dressing with different ingredients and potential for gluten sources; not recommended for strict gluten-free diets.
Kewpie Mayo (Japanese version)	No	Traditional Japanese version contains malt vinegar, a gluten source. US/EU versions are typically safe.

How to Ensure You Pick a Safe Mayonnaise

Prioritize Certified Products: If you have celiac disease, opt for a product with a third-party certification mark for peace of mind.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredient list for hidden gluten. Phrases like 'modified food starch' or malt-based vinegars should raise a red flag.
Choose Squeeze Bottles: To prevent cross-contamination in your own kitchen, use squeeze bottles for mayonnaise rather than shared jars.
Be Wary of Flavored Varieties: The risk of hidden gluten increases with flavored mayos due to additional seasonings and spices.
Consider Homemade: The safest option is to make your own mayonnaise from scratch using known gluten-free ingredients.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

While mayonnaise is often assumed to be gluten-free, those with dietary restrictions must be vigilant. The key is to move beyond assumptions and into a practice of careful label reading and source checking. Prioritizing certified gluten-free brands, being cautious with flavored varieties, and implementing simple kitchen practices like using squeeze bottles will protect you from unwanted gluten exposure. Whether you choose a certified brand like Primal Kitchen or a traditionally ingredient-safe option like Duke's, making an informed decision is essential for a safe and healthy diet.

Beyond Celiac provides further resources on safe food choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while the basic ingredients of traditional mayonnaise (eggs, oil, vinegar) are naturally gluten-free, many commercial brands use additional additives or are manufactured in facilities with a risk of cross-contamination, so not all are safe.

The most reliable method is to look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo on the label. Otherwise, you must carefully read the ingredients list and research the manufacturer's cross-contamination policies.

Scan for any signs of hidden gluten, such as malt vinegar, modified food starch (if unspecified), or seasonings that may be derived from wheat.

Yes, flavored varieties of mayonnaise, such as chipotle or garlic aioli, have a higher risk of containing gluten due to their added seasonings and flavorings.

Brands like Primal Kitchen, Chosen Foods, and some varieties of Sir Kensington's and Tessemae's carry a certified gluten-free label, making them safe for those with celiac disease.

No, if you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, you should not share jars of mayonnaise. Cross-contamination can occur if a knife used on bread is reinserted into the jar. Using a squeeze bottle is a safer option.

The traditional Japanese version of Kewpie mayonnaise often contains malt vinegar, which is derived from barley and contains gluten. However, U.S. and E.U. versions are made with rice vinegar and are generally safe.