Which Mayonnaise is Keto-Friendly? Your Definitive Guide

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 90% of store-bought mayonnaise brands contain inflammatory oils and added sugars that can disrupt ketosis. Navigating the condiment aisle can be tricky, so it's essential to know which mayonnaise is keto-friendly by focusing on the right ingredients and high-quality fats.

Quick Summary

The ketogenic diet requires high-fat, low-carb condiments like mayonnaise, but many commercial brands contain unhealthy oils and hidden sugars. The best options are those made with quality fats like avocado oil, olive oil, or coconut oil, free from added sugars and harmful preservatives. You can either choose a reputable brand or make your own with simple ingredients for ultimate control.

Key Points

Choose Healthy Oils: Select mayonnaises made with avocado oil, light olive oil, or coconut oil to ensure you are consuming high-quality, keto-friendly fats.
Avoid Inflammatory Oils: Steer clear of mayonnaises containing highly processed and inflammatory oils like soybean, canola, or standard sunflower oil.
Check for Hidden Sugars: Many commercial mayos include added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup, so always read the ingredients list carefully to confirm it's sugar-free.
Consider Making Your Own: Homemade mayonnaise is a simple and cost-effective way to guarantee your mayo is free from unwanted additives and made with the healthiest oils.
Know the Best Brands: Reputable keto brands include Primal Kitchen, Chosen Foods, and Sir Kensington's, while some classic brands like Duke's can also be sugar-free.
Use an Immersion Blender for Homemade Mayo: For a foolproof and quick homemade mayonnaise, use an immersion blender and ensure your ingredients are at room temperature.

The ketogenic diet emphasizes high-fat, low-carbohydrate consumption to push the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel. Mayonnaise is a popular condiment for keto dieters due to its high-fat content, but many commercial versions are made with ingredients that can undermine a keto lifestyle. Understanding the right ingredients is key to choosing the best keto-friendly mayonnaise.

The Problem with Standard Mayonnaise

Most mainstream mayonnaise brands rely on inexpensive, highly processed oils like soybean, canola, and sunflower oil. These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can be inflammatory when consumed in large quantities and can negatively impact overall health. Furthermore, many commercial brands sneak in added sugars or corn syrup to enhance flavor and shelf life, which is a major red flag for anyone on a strict low-carb or keto diet. Reading the ingredients label is crucial to avoid these pitfalls.

Key Ingredients to Look For in Keto Mayonnaise

When searching for a truly keto-friendly mayonnaise, you must prioritize quality fats and minimal additives. These are the primary ingredients to scrutinize:

Healthy Oils: The oil is the main component and defines the quality of the mayo. The best options for keto include avocado oil, light olive oil, and coconut oil. Avocado oil is a popular choice for its neutral flavor profile and high monounsaturated fat content, while light olive oil offers a healthier alternative to extra virgin, which can be overpowering in taste.
Eggs: The egg provides the emulsifying agent that gives mayonnaise its creamy texture. Look for brands that use high-quality eggs, preferably cage-free or Certified Humane.
Vinegar and Lemon Juice: These acidic ingredients provide the necessary tang and act as natural preservatives. Most are keto-friendly, including apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice.
Seasonings: Simple, clean seasonings like mustard, salt, and rosemary extract are preferable. Dijon mustard not only adds flavor but also helps to stabilize the emulsion.

Comparison Table: Keto Mayonnaise vs. Standard Mayonnaise


Feature	Keto-Friendly Mayonnaise	Standard Commercial Mayonnaise
Primary Oil	Avocado oil, light olive oil, coconut oil, high-oleic safflower/sunflower oil	Soybean oil, canola oil, standard sunflower oil
Carbohydrates	Typically 0g net carbs per serving	Can contain small amounts of added sugar, potentially increasing net carbs
Fat Quality	High in healthy monounsaturated and saturated fats	High in inflammatory omega-6 polyunsaturated fats
Sweeteners	Sugar-free, no added corn syrup or cane sugar	Often contains added sugars, corn syrup, or fructose
Preservatives	Often uses natural preservatives like rosemary extract	May contain artificial preservatives like calcium disodium EDTA or potassium sorbate
Flavor	Cleaner, more neutral flavor, depending on the oil	Overly sweet or bland, with a less pronounced flavor

Making Your Own Keto Mayonnaise

For those who prefer complete control over their ingredients or simply enjoy cooking, making homemade keto mayonnaise is surprisingly simple and quick. An immersion blender is the most efficient tool for creating a perfectly emulsified sauce.

Quick Homemade Keto Mayo Recipe

Ingredients: 1 large, room-temperature egg; 1 cup avocado oil or light olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; salt to taste.
Instructions:
1. Combine the egg, lemon juice, mustard, and salt in a tall, narrow jar.
2. Pour all the oil over the other ingredients without mixing.
3. Place the head of an immersion blender at the bottom of the jar, holding it steady.
4. Blend on high speed until the mixture begins to emulsify and thicken.
5. Slowly lift the blender head up and down to incorporate the remaining oil until a thick and creamy texture is achieved.

The Best Keto-Friendly Mayonnaise Brands

If you prefer to buy your mayonnaise, several brands offer clean, keto-compliant options. Look for these in the health food aisle or specialty sections of your grocery store:

Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo: Made with avocado oil and organic ingredients, it is a popular, zero-carb, sugar-free choice.
Chosen Foods Classic Mayo: This brand features avocado oil and uses cage-free eggs. They also offer a coconut oil-based "Keto Mayo" version for those seeking MCTs.
Sir Kensington's Avocado Oil Mayonnaise: Uses Certified Humane free-range eggs and non-GMO avocado oil. It is sugar-free and has a distinct flavor profile.
Duke's Real Mayonnaise: A classic brand that is naturally sugar-free, making it a budget-friendly option for keto dieters. Be mindful that it does use soybean oil, which some keto followers avoid due to inflammatory concerns.
Tessemae's Organic Mayonnaise: Made with high-oleic sunflower oil and has an appealingly tangy flavor.

Conclusion

Finding a mayonnaise that is keto-friendly is not as complicated as it might seem. The key is to prioritize brands that use healthy, high-quality oils like avocado or light olive oil and to avoid products with added sugars and inflammatory vegetable oils. Whether you opt for a premium store-bought brand or make your own from scratch, you can enjoy this versatile, creamy condiment without compromising your dietary goals. A simple glance at the ingredients list can save you from consuming unnecessary carbs and unhealthy fats, ensuring your mayo is a supportive part of your keto journey.

This article provides general information. Consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice. To learn more about the differences between various oils, visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website for research on food emulsions.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the basic ingredients of mayonnaise (egg, oil, acid) are keto-friendly, most regular store-bought brands are not because they use inflammatory vegetable oils and often contain added sugars.

Avocado oil is the most popular choice for homemade keto mayo due to its neutral flavor and healthy fat profile. Light olive oil is another excellent option, but extra virgin olive oil can be too strong.

Soybean and canola oils are typically highly processed and high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation. For optimal health on a keto diet, it's best to choose mayos made with less inflammatory fats.

No, light or reduced-fat mayonnaises are not suitable for keto. They reduce the fat content by adding thickeners, starches, and sugars to maintain texture, which increases their carbohydrate count.

Brands like Primal Kitchen, Chosen Foods, and Sir Kensington's specifically formulate their mayos for keto. Always check the label to ensure no sugar is added and a healthy oil is used.

Duke's Real Mayonnaise is sugar-free and can be a keto option, though it is made with soybean oil. Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise contains small amounts of added sugar. Always check the ingredients and carb counts, as some keto dieters prefer to avoid processed vegetable oils altogether.

Homemade mayo, without added artificial preservatives, should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will typically stay fresh for up to one week.