Mayonnaise is a popular condiment made from oil, egg yolks, vinegar or lemon juice, and sometimes mustard. It’s used to enhance the flavor of sandwiches, burgers, fries, salads and more. While standard mayonnaise doesn’t naturally contain gluten, some brands add ingredients that do contain gluten. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it’s important to verify that the mayonnaise is 100% gluten-free before consuming it.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For most people, gluten doesn’t cause any issues. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine. Even small amounts of gluten can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, headache and skin rashes. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
Why Mayonnaise May Contain Gluten
While mayonnaise is made from egg yolks, vinegar/lemon juice and oil, some brands add ingredients that contain gluten:
Thickeners
Some mayonnaise contains flour, starch or other thickeners made from gluten-containing grains. They help stabilize the emulsion and result in a thicker consistency. Common examples are wheat flour and barley malt extract.
Flavorings
Spices, extracts and natural flavors are often added to enhance the flavor of mayonnaise. These can be a hidden source of gluten. Malt extract is a common additive.
Anti-caking Agents
Powdered cellulose made from wheat is sometimes used as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping.
Stabilizers
Xanthan gum and other stabilizers derived from gluten sources can be found in some mayonnaise brands. They help prevent separation of ingredients.
Cross-Contamination
Even mayonnaises made without gluten-containing ingredients can get contaminated with gluten during manufacturing if facilities also process wheat-based foods and don’t implement proper allergen controls.
Non-Gluten Free Mayonnaise Brands
Here are some common mayonnaise brands that contain gluten or have a high risk of gluten cross-contamination:
Hellmann’s
Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise contains distilled vinegar, meaning it’s derived from gluten-containing grains. Some flavored varieties also contain wheat flour.
Kraft
Kraft Mayo with Olive Oil contains maltodextrin, a carbohydrate derived from corn, potato, rice or wheat. The original contains modified food starch, which may be from wheat.
Duke’s
Duke’s Real Mayonnaise contains distilled white vinegar made from unspecified grains. It also contains natural flavors that could be a hidden source of gluten.
Blue Plate
Blue Plate Original Mayonnaise contains distilled white vinegar made from unspecified grain sources. It also contains spices that may contain gluten.
Heinz
Heinz Real Mayonnaise uses distilled white vinegar. It also contains sugar and paprika that could come from gluten sources.
Miracle Whip
Miracle Whip contains wheat flour, wheat starch and distilled white vinegar, making it unsuitable for gluten-free diets.
Best Foods
Best Foods Real Mayonnaise contains distilled white vinegar that may be derived from gluten-containing grains.
Private Label Brands
Many private label and store brand mayonnaises contain questionable ingredients like “natural flavors”, distilled white vinegar and spices that may hide gluten.
| Brand | Contains Gluten |
|---|---|
| Hellmann’s | Yes |
| Kraft | Possibly |
| Duke’s | Possibly |
| Blue Plate | Possibly |
| Heinz | Possibly |
| Miracle Whip | Yes |
| Best Foods | Possibly |
| Private Label Brands | Possibly |
How to Identify Non-Gluten Free Mayonnaise
When selecting mayonnaise, read the ingredient list and look for these indicators of gluten:
– Wheat, barley, rye or malt – May indicate a gluten-containing thickener or flavoring
– Maltodextrin or modified food starch – Could be derived from wheat
– Distilled white vinegar – Often made from glutenous grains
– Natural flavors – Can hide gluten sources
– Spices – May contain glutenous additives
Also look for a “gluten-free” label on the packaging. However, be aware that products labeled “gluten-free” can still contain up to 20 ppm of gluten. For those highly sensitive, certified gluten-free brands with less than 10 ppm gluten are recommended.
If an ingredient list isn’t available or there’s uncertainty about gluten, contact the manufacturer. Ask specifically if the product contains wheat, rye, barley or oats.
Gluten-Free Mayonnaise Brands
Here are some recommended mayonnaise brands that test as gluten-free:
Hellmann’s Gluten Free
Hellmann’s has a certified gluten-free version of their mayonnaise with no gluten-containing ingredients. It uses sustainably-sourced, non-GMO expeller-pressed canola oil and cage-free eggs.
Sir Kensington’s Mayonnaise
Sir Kensington’s gluten-free mayonnaise is made with certified humane cage-free eggs, sunflower oil and lemon juice. It has a rich, tangy flavor.
Primal Kitchen Mayo
Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo is dairy-free and made with avocado oil, organic cage-free eggs and organic vinegar. It’s Whole30 and paleo-friendly.
Spectrum Organic Mayonnaise
Spectrum Naturals Organic Mayonnaise contains expeller-pressed canola oil, cage-free egg yolks, and organic lemon juice and vinegar. It’s non-GMO and gluten-free.
Cains Mayonnaise
Cains All Natural Mayonnaise is gluten-free, kosher and made with 100% cage-free eggs, vinegar, lemon juice and safflower oil.
Wild Garden Light Mayonnaise
Wild Garden Light Mayonnaise with Olive Oil contains no gluten ingredients. It’s made with olive oil, canola oil, cage-free eggs and lemon juice.
Delouis Fils Organic Mayonnaise
Delouis Fils Organic Mayonnaise contains olive oil, sunflower oil, organic cage-free eggs, organic mustard, salt and lemon juice. It’s gluten-free certified.
| Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Hellmann’s Gluten Free | Certified gluten-free, non-GMO expeller-pressed canola oil |
| Sir Kensington’s Mayonnaise | Certified humane cage-free eggs, sunflower oil |
| Primal Kitchen Mayo | Avocado oil, organic cage-free eggs, organic vinegar |
| Spectrum Organic Mayonnaise | Non-GMO, expeller-pressed canola oil |
| Cains Mayonnaise | 100% cage-free eggs, kosher |
| Wild Garden Light Mayonnaise | Olive oil, canola oil, lemon juice |
| Delouis Fils Organic Mayonnaise | Organic, certified gluten-free |
Tips for Using Gluten-Free Mayonnaise
When cooking for yourself or others with gluten-related disorders, follow these tips for safely using gluten-free mayo:
– Check labels and call brands each time before buying. Formulations can change.
– Look for brands that are certified gluten-free to under 10ppm.
– Avoid mayos with questionable ingredients like spices, starch and “natural flavors”.
– Buy separate spreads for those with gluten intolerance vs family/friends who can eat gluten.
– To prevent cross-contact, don’t double-dip shared spreads with utensils that touched gluten.
– If dining out, ask for gluten-free mayo packets or avoid shared condiment stations.
– When in doubt, stick to oil & vinegar or make your own mayo at home.
Homemade Gluten-Free Mayonnaise
For full control over ingredients, gluten-free mayo can be easily made at home:
Ingredients
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
– 1 cup mild-flavored oil like avocado, grapeseed or light olive oil
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the egg yolk, lemon juice and salt. Blend for 30 seconds.
2. With the blender still running, slowly drizzle in the oil starting with just a few drops until the mixture emulsifies.
3. Once emulsified, pour the rest of the oil in a steady stream until smooth and thickened.
4. Add the mustard for flavor and blend for 5 more seconds.
5. Transfer to an airtight container and chill for at least 30 minutes before using.
Tips
– Make sure ingredients are at room temperature for best emulsification.
– Go slow when adding the oil to prevent separation.
– Adjust lemon juice to balance flavor. Add more for tang.
– Swap lemon for flavored vinegar like champagne vinegar.
– Add minced garlic, herbs or hot sauce to boost flavor.
Non-Mayo Gluten-Free Condiment Alternatives
In place of mayonnaise, those avoiding gluten may want to try these condiment alternatives:
Tahini or Hummus
Sesame and chickpea-based spreads like hummus, baba ghanoush or tahini sauce. Great in sandwiches, wraps and chicken salads.
Bean Dips
Bean dips like white bean garlic, black bean or edamame add flavor and creaminess to sandwiches and burgers.
Greek Yogurt
Thick, creamy Greek yogurt makes a simple gluten-free sandwich spread or burger topping. Mix in herbs and lemon.
Guacamole or Avocado Mash
In place of mayo, mashed avocados add creaminess and healthy fats. Season with lime, cilantro and onions.
Pesto Sauce
Nutty basil pesto packs a flavor punch. Use on sandwiches, chicken, fish and vegetables.
Chimichurri
Argentinian chimichurri sauce contains herbs, garlic, onions, oil and vinegar. It adds a tangy kick to meats, fish and veggies.
Harissa
Spicy North African harissa chili paste is great on sandwiches, chicken, fish and eggs. Look for gluten-free brands.
Olive Tapenade
Olive tapenade made from olives, oil, herbs and lemon provides rich flavor in sandwiches or as a veggie dip.
Nut Butters
Almond, cashew or sunflower seed butters makeflavorful spreads. Check for added oils and flavorings.
The Takeaway on Non-Gluten Free Mayonnaise
While standard mayo doesn’t naturally contain gluten, many popular brands add thickeners, emulsifiers and flavorings that contain gluten. ALways read labels closely and verify ingredients. Some trustworthy gluten-free brands include Hellmann’s Gluten Free, Sir Kensington’s, Primal Kitchen, Spectrum Organic and Cains Mayonnaise. For maximum safety, make your own mayo at home or try condiment alternatives like hummus, yogurt, guacamole or nut butters. With some caution, those with gluten disorders can still enjoy the creamy richness and flavor mayo lends to a variety of dishes.
