Who Makes Eggless Mayo? Your Guide to the Best Brands

The global eggless mayonnaise market is predicted to grow significantly, driven by rising veganism and health consciousness. This demand has led many companies to produce eggless mayo, offering a creamy, delicious alternative to traditional mayonnaise for those avoiding eggs for dietary, allergy, or ethical reasons.

Quick Summary

Several major and specialty food companies now produce eggless mayonnaise, utilizing plant-based emulsifiers like aquafaba and pea protein to achieve a rich, creamy texture without eggs. Popular brands include Hellmann's, Follow Your Heart's Vegenaise, and Sir Kensington's.

Key Points

• Leading Brands: Major companies producing eggless mayo include Follow Your Heart (Vegenaise), Hellmann's, Sir Kensington's, Primal Kitchen, and Chosen Foods.

• Plant-Based Emulsifiers: Instead of eggs, manufacturers use ingredients like aquafaba (chickpea liquid), soy milk, and pea protein to create a creamy emulsion.

• Health and Dietary Benefits: Eggless mayonnaise is cholesterol-free and generally lower in saturated fat than its traditional counterpart, making it a healthier alternative for many consumers.

• DIY Options: You can easily make your own eggless mayo at home using an immersion blender with simple ingredients like aquafaba or soy milk, oil, and an acid.

• Sustainable Choice: Choosing eggless mayo contributes to a smaller environmental footprint compared to egg-based products, as it avoids animal agriculture.

• Market Growth: The market for eggless mayonnaise is rapidly expanding due to the rise in veganism, dietary restrictions, and increasing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives.

Top Brands That Make Eggless Mayo

The market for eggless mayonnaise has expanded dramatically in recent years, moving from a niche health food store product to a mainstream staple. Many large food corporations, as well as specialized vegan companies, now offer their own versions. This shift provides consumers with a wide array of options in terms of flavor, ingredients, and price points.

Follow Your Heart (Vegenaise)

As a pioneer in the plant-based industry, Follow Your Heart is famous for its Vegenaise, which has been a popular eggless mayo option for decades. Available in various formulations, including original, soy-free, and organic, Vegenaise is known for its authentic, tangy flavor and creamy texture that closely mimics traditional mayonnaise. It is a staple in vegan kitchens and widely available in most grocery stores.

Hellmann's (Unilever)

Responding to the growing demand for plant-based alternatives, food giant Unilever introduced a vegan version of its classic Hellmann's mayonnaise. The Hellmann's Vegan Dressing and Spread offers the familiar taste and creamy consistency of the traditional product but is completely egg-free and cholesterol-free. This provides a convenient and accessible option for those transitioning to a vegan diet.

Sir Kensington's (Unilever)

Another Unilever-owned brand, Sir Kensington's, offers its own premium line of vegan mayonnaise. Sir Kensington's Vegan Mayo uses organic aquafaba, the liquid from cooked chickpeas, as its primary egg replacement. The result is a smooth, rich spread that is also non-GMO and certified vegan, appealing to shoppers who prioritize quality ingredients and ethical production.

Primal Kitchen

For those seeking a mayo that is not only eggless but also compatible with paleo and keto diets, Primal Kitchen offers a popular vegan mayonnaise made with avocado oil. Their version uses modified food starch and pea protein to achieve a thick, creamy consistency. This product caters to a health-conscious audience looking for cleaner ingredients and specific dietary compliance.

Chosen Foods

Chosen Foods specializes in avocado oil-based products and offers its own classic vegan avocado oil mayo. Like the brand's other products, this eggless alternative focuses on high-quality, healthy fats. It is dairy-free, gluten-free, and perfect for various diets, including keto, and offers a rich, smooth texture with a mild flavor.

How Is Eggless Mayonnaise Made?

Unlike traditional mayo, which uses egg yolks to emulsify oil and water, eggless varieties use a range of plant-based ingredients to achieve a similar creamy, stable texture. The primary challenge is finding a suitable emulsifier to bind the oil and liquid components.

• Aquafaba: This is the liquid found in a can of chickpeas. Its properties are remarkably similar to egg whites, allowing it to be whipped into a stable foam and used as an excellent emulsifier for mayo. Sir Kensington's uses this ingredient effectively.
• Soy Milk: When combined with a neutral-flavored oil and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice, the proteins in soy milk can create a thick, creamy emulsion similar to egg-based mayonnaise. The trick is to ensure both liquids are at room temperature for the best results.
• Pea Protein: Used by brands like Primal Kitchen and Just Mayo (by the former Hampton Creek), pea protein is an effective emulsifier that creates a stable, creamy product. It provides a good texture and mouthfeel without the use of soy, making it suitable for those with soy allergies.
• Modified Food Starch: Some commercial producers use modified starches derived from corn or potatoes to help thicken and stabilize their eggless mayo. These starches act as stabilizers, preventing the emulsion from separating over time.

Comparison of Eggless vs. Traditional Mayonnaise

Feature	Eggless Mayonnaise	Traditional Mayonnaise
Emulsifier	Plant-based ingredients (e.g., aquafaba, soy milk, pea protein)	Egg yolks
Cholesterol	Cholesterol-free	Contains cholesterol
Dietary Suitability	Vegan, egg-free, suitable for various allergies	Not vegan or suitable for egg allergies
Fat Content	Can vary, often lower in saturated fat depending on the oil used	Often higher in saturated fat from egg yolks
Flavor Profile	Tends to be milder, can have a slight tang from the emulsifier	Richer, more complex flavor from egg yolk
Sustainability	Generally requires fewer resources and has a smaller environmental footprint due to using plant-based ingredients	Higher resource consumption related to animal agriculture

Making Your Own Eggless Mayo at Home

For those who prefer a more natural, preservative-free option, making eggless mayo at home is simple and quick. A blender or immersion blender is the only special equipment required. The process involves blending a liquid base with an acid and slowly incorporating a neutral oil to form a thick emulsion. Common recipes call for:

• Aquafaba-based mayo: Blend aquafaba with lemon juice and mustard, then slowly drizzle in avocado or sunflower oil while blending.
• Soy milk-based mayo: Combine unsweetened soy milk with vinegar and mustard, then gradually add oil until it thickens.

Homemade versions can be easily customized with additional ingredients like garlic, herbs, or different spices for a personalized touch.

Conclusion

The market for eggless mayonnaise offers a diverse range of products from both major food corporations and specialty plant-based companies. Whether you choose a classic brand like Follow Your Heart's Vegenaise, a familiar option from Hellmann's, or a health-focused alternative from Primal Kitchen, a suitable eggless mayo is available for every preference and dietary need. These products rely on innovative plant-based emulsifiers like aquafaba and pea protein to achieve their signature creamy texture. With the added benefit of being cholesterol-free and more sustainable, eggless mayo is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a delicious, cruelty-free condiment. The variety and quality of options on the market continue to grow, making it easier than ever to enjoy this staple condiment without eggs.

Vegan.com provides a comprehensive list of vegan mayo brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is eggless mayonnaise made of?

Eggless mayonnaise is made from a blend of oil, a plant-based emulsifier (like aquafaba, soy milk, or pea protein), an acid (such as vinegar or lemon juice), and seasonings like mustard and salt.

Is vegan mayonnaise the same as eggless mayonnaise?

Yes, vegan mayonnaise is inherently eggless, as 'vegan' means it contains no animal products. The terms are often used interchangeably to describe mayonnaise made without eggs.

Does eggless mayo taste different from regular mayonnaise?

While eggless mayo is designed to replicate the taste and texture of traditional mayo, some subtle flavor differences may exist depending on the plant-based ingredients used. Many brands, like Vegenaise, are highly praised for their authentic flavor profile.

Where can I buy eggless mayonnaise?

Eggless mayonnaise is widely available in most major grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers. Brands like Hellmann's and Vegenaise are commonly stocked alongside traditional mayonnaise products.

Can I use eggless mayo in recipes that call for regular mayo?

Yes, eggless mayo can be used as a direct substitute for regular mayo in almost any recipe, including salads, dips, sandwiches, and spreads. It provides the same creamy texture and can often be a healthier alternative.

Is eggless mayonnaise healthier than traditional mayonnaise?

Eggless mayonnaise is typically cholesterol-free and can contain lower amounts of saturated fat, depending on the oil used. However, calorie and fat content can vary by brand, so it's best to check nutrition labels.

How long does homemade eggless mayo last?

Homemade eggless mayo generally lasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Commercial products have a longer shelf life, as indicated by their expiration dates.