Mayonnaise: Is it Healthy? A Mrs. Taste Analysis
October 04 2023
What condiment evokes summer barbecues, potato salad, and lazy days by the pool?
Tangy and creamy, the answer can only be mayonnaise.
This versatile spread adds a rich flavor to endless savory dishes. But, classic mayo tends to get a bad rap, deemed too high in fat and calories to be healthy.
We're here to take a closer look at mayonnaise - its ingredients, nutrition, and how Mrs. Taste makes it a healthy option. With some simple tweaks, mayonnaise can absolutely have a place in a balanced diet.
In this article, we'll dive into everything you need to know about America's favorite condiment. You might be surprised to learn that not all mayos are created equal. We'll break down the differences between most commercial mayonnaise brands and healthier options like ours - here at Mrs. Taste.
So grab a spoon, and let's dig in!
What’s Actually in Mayonnaise?
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in mayonnaise are oil, egg yolk, vinegar or lemon juice, and salt. The oil traditionally used was olive oil, but vegetable oils like soybean or canola are more common now. Egg yolks provide texture, while vinegar or lemon juice gives mayo its tangy flavor and acidity to stabilize the emulsion. Salt is used to enhance the flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown
Since mayonnaise is oil-based, its main nutrients come from the oils used. Most of its fat is unsaturated -monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats- and is high in vitamin E. It also contains small amounts of other fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, and K. However, mayonnaise is high in calories, with 90+ calories per tablespoon - and that's a lot!
Is Store-Bought Mayonnaise Healthy?
Concerns with Common Brands
Many major mayonnaise brands use low-quality ingredients, such as soybean oil that comes from GMO crops. These low-grade refined oils are overly processed and tend to contain an excessive amount of omega-6 fats, which can contribute to chronic inflammation and other health conditions.
Harmful Additives to Avoid
Common additives in store-bought mayo raise health concerns, as well. An artificial preservative called calcium disodium EDTA may have risks. The final product usually contains added sugars and preservatives, as well, which promote inflammation and obesity. Certain thickeners and emulsifiers like soy lecithin also make a less healthy mayonnaise.
Mrs. Taste Mayonnaise - A Healthier Option
How We Make It Better
At Mrs. Taste, we start with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. We use extra virgin olive oil instead of soybean oil, and we use egg whites to take out the fat. Our mayo never contains added sugars or other unnecessary additives. Vinegar gives it a tangy flavor and acidity. The result is a light, creamy condiment - mayo made with simple, real ingredients.
Zero-Calorie Mayo Options by Mrs. Taste
Mrs. Taste offers two mayonnaise options with zero calories - Classic Mayonnaise and Mayonnaise with Garlic. Both provide the creamy, tangy flavor of traditional mayonnaise without any of the calories or fat.
Healthy and Tasty: Classic Mayonnaise
Our classic mayonnaise delivers the rich, tangy flavor mayo lovers crave. We start with heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and egg whites from pasteurized eggs. And our vinegar provides just the right punch of acidity to balance the creaminess.
With no sodium or sugar, this mayo simply highlights the fresh flavors of quality ingredients. It works wonders in sandwiches, salads, dips, and more. It's the classic mayo taste you love with a clean, nutritious profile.
Extra Flavor: Mayonnaise with Garlic
For those who love a little extra zip, our Mayonnaise with Garlic takes this spread to the next level. Along with our classic mayo's benefits like zero calories, zero sugar, and zero sodium, garlic adds its signature aroma and unique health perks.
Garlic is a superfood known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It adds a subtle heat that enhances everything from grilled meats to veggie dip. Our Mayonnaise with Garlic delivers a flavor boost along with nutrition. Shake it up for a creamy, dreamy drizzle on all your favorite dishes!
Nutritional Comparison
Mrs. Taste mayonnaise shines in its nutrition facts compared to regular store brands:
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Calories - Our mayo has ZERO calories per serving compared to other brands that have more than 90.
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Fat - With healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, our mayo has 0g saturated fat.
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Carbs - Our mayo contains no added sugars or unnecessary carbohydrates.
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Sodium - Our mayo has ZERO grams of sodium per serving.
By using high-quality ingredients, we create a mayonnaise that delivers flavor without excess calories and fat, or harmful ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, sugars, or artificial colors.
Flavor Without the Downsides
Why should you sacrifice flavor? Our Mrs. Taste mayonnaise tastes fantastic while supporting your health goals:
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Creamy Texture - Our mayo achieves a light, creamy texture.
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Balanced Flavor - With the right balance of oil and acid, our mayo has a tangy, rich flavor.
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Versatile Uses - Our mayo enhances everything from tuna salad to deviled eggs.
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Quality Oils - Extra virgin olive provides healthy fats and antioxidant benefits.
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Specialty Options - Try Mrs. Taste Mayonnaise with Garlic for extra flavor.
Our commitment to nutrition does not mean sacrificing an ounce of flavor. We think healthy food should be delicious too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mayo fattening?
Traditional mayonnaise can be calorie-dense and very high in fat, which makes it a source of concentrated calories. However, Mrs. Taste has a recipe that you'll love - with zero calories and zero fat. Our mayonnaise is made with healthy extra virgin olive oil and can be part of a balanced, nutritious diet.
How does it compare to other dressings?
Mayonnaise typically has more calories and fat than oil-based dressings like vinaigrettes. However, many creamy dressings like ranch, blue cheese, and Caesar often have more calories and saturated fat per serving compared to mayonnaise. Mayo made with extra virgin olive oil is one of the healthier creamy dressing options.
Can I have mayo on a special diet?
Yes! Mrs. Taste mayonnaise is a diet-friendly option suitable for gluten, sodium, and dairy-free diets, as well as ketogenic and paleo eating plans. What's more, it's guilt-free with no calories and no fat, making it a great choice for achieving or maintaining your weight loss on a low-calorie diet.