Mayonnaise is a popular condiment made from oil, egg yolks, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice. It’s used to add flavor and moisture to sandwiches, dips, salads and more. Many traditional mayonnaise recipes contain some sugar, which enhances flavor. However, some people prefer mayonnaise without added sugars due to dietary restrictions or preferences.
The main question is: Which brands and types of mayonnaise don’t contain sugar?
There are a few sugar-free and low-sugar mayonnaise options on the market to choose from. The most common no-sugar options include:
- Mayonnaise labeled “sugar-free”
- Organic mayonnaise
- Avocado oil-based mayonnaise
- Homemade mayonnaise made without sugar
Let’s take a deeper look at each of these options to determine which has no sugar added.
Sugar-Free Mayonnaise
Many mayonnaise brands now offer sugar-free or no-sugar-added varieties to cater to health-conscious consumers. These typically contain 0g of sugar per serving.
Some popular brands of sugar-free mayo include:
- Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise Dressing with Less Sugar
- Kraft Real Mayo Reduced Fat & Sugar Free
- Olive Garden Light Italian Dressing & Marinade Fat Free
- Kewpie Mayonnaise No Sugar Added
- Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayonnaise, Sugar Free
These products are specifically formulated to leave out added sugars while preserving mayonnaise’s rich, creamy taste. They replace sugar with alternative sweeteners like sucralose or stevia leaf extract.
Double check the ingredient list and nutrition facts to confirm 0g sugar per serving. The FDA requires any product labeled “sugar-free” to contain less than 0.5g of sugar per serving.
The downside is that artificial sweeteners don’t appeal to everyone. So this may not be the best option for consumers trying to avoid additives and stick to all natural ingredients.
Organic Mayonnaise
Organic mayonnaise is another good option for finding no-sugar varieties. Organic products cannot contain artificial ingredients like added sugars.
Some top organic mayo brands that are sugar-free include:
- Spectrum Organic Mayonnaise with Cage-Free Eggs
- Sir Kensington’s Organic Mayonnaise
- Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Mayo Organic
- Wilderness Poets Organic Mayonnaise
These products let you avoid sugar without the artificial sweeteners. They tend to use lemon juice concentrate for some natural sweetness instead.
Keep in mind that “organic” refers to the ingredients sourced, not the nutritional content. So you’ll still need to check the sugar content on any organic mayo product to confirm 0g sugar per serving.
The downside is that all-natural organic mayo tends to be pricier than standard varieties. But for some consumers, the peace of mind may be worth the extra cost.
Avocado Oil-Based Mayonnaise
Recently, avocado oil-based mayo has surged in popularity. Avocado oil has a mild flavor and smooth, creamy texture that makes a great egg-free mayo alternative.
Some sugar-free avocado oil mayo options include:
- Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
- Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayonnaise, Sugar Free
- Primal Kitchen Mayo with Avocado Oil
- Kevala Organic Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
These products capitalize on avocado oil’s benefits. And without eggs, they avoid adding egg yolks which can contribute natural sugars.
Double check that the varieties you buy contain 0g sugar per serving to be sure.
The downside is that avocado oil mayo can be more expensive. But many find it worth it for the mild flavor and health benefits of avocado oil.
Homemade Sugar-Free Mayonnaise
For complete control over ingredients, many people opt to make their own mayo at home. This allows customizing your recipe to avoid added sugars.
Here is a simple homemade mayo recipe with no sugar:
No-Sugar Homemade Mayonnaise
Makes 1 cup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup avocado oil or extra light olive oil
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
Instructions:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the egg yolks, lemon juice and salt. Blend for 30 seconds.
- Continue blending while slowly drizzling in the oil. Blend until thick and creamy.
- Add the mustard powder and blend briefly to combine.
- Store homemade mayo in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
This easy sugar-free mayo recipe takes just minutes to whip up. You can customize it to your tastes by experimenting with different oil, vinegar or seasoning options.
The downside is that homemade mayo only lasts 1-2 weeks. So you’ll need to regularly make fresh batches. But many find it worthwhile for controlling ingredients.
Comparing Sugar-Free Mayo Options
To compare your choices, here is a table summarizing the key attributes of each no-sugar mayonnaise variety:
| Type | Examples | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labeled “Sugar-Free” | Hellmann’s, Kraft, Olive Garden, Kewpie, Sir Kensington’s | – 0g sugar | – Contains artificial sweeteners |
| Organic | Spectrum, Sir Kensington’s, Chosen Foods, Wilderness Poets | – No artificial ingredients | – More expensive |
| Avocado Oil-Based | Chosen Foods, Sir Kensington’s, Primal Kitchen, Kevala | – Creamy, egg-free | – Often pricey |
| Homemade | DIY recipes | – Full control of ingredients | – Time-consuming, doesn’t last |
As you can see, each no-sugar mayo variety has its own pros and cons. Consider which attributes are most important for your needs and taste preferences.
The Best Sugar-Free Mayonnaise
Based on nutrition, taste and accessibility, here are my top picks for the best sugar-free mayonnaise options:
1. Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise with Less Sugar – This has 0g sugar thanks to sucralose, but still retains that classic mayo taste. It’s relatively affordable and easy to find at most grocery stores. A high-quality option from a well-known brand.
2. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Mayo – For a creamy, egg-free option made with avocado oil, this has great flavor and 0g sugar. It’s widely available at grocery and health food stores.
3. Sir Kensington’s Organic Mayonnaise – With simple organic ingredients and no sweeteners, this has a tasty, gourmet flair. The higher price delivers premium quality.
4. Homemade with Avocado Oil – For total control over ingredients, a homemade recipe like the one above allows customizing your ideal sugar-free mayo.
Any of these picks offer a great no-sugar alternative to traditional mayonnaise. Try a few options to find your favorite.
Uses for Sugar-Free Mayonnaise
Now that you’ve selected your perfect sugar-free mayo, how to put it to use? Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy mayo with 0g sugar:
- Sandwiches and wraps – Spread sugar-free mayo on bread or tortillas instead of regular varieties for sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and more.
- Potato salad – Whip up classic potato salad with a no-sugar mayo-based dressing.
- Slaws and salads – Toss shredded cabbage, broccoli, kale or greens with a tangy sugar-free mayo slaw dressing.
- Tuna salad – Flake tuna and mix with mayo, celery, onion and spices for a fresh, flavorful salad.
- Turkey roll-ups – Spread mayo on a tortilla, add sliced turkey, cheese, vegetables, then roll up.
- Chicken wraps – Spread a tortilla with mayo, add chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato and wrap it up.
- Dip for veggies – Sugar-free mayo makes a simple, creamy dip for raw vegetables.
- Sandwich spread – In place of sugary jelly or jam, spread mayo on bread for an easy sandwich.
With its rich, creamy taste, sugar-free mayonnaise can make a flavorful addition to many recipes. Get creative with how you incorporate it into snacks, appetizers, sandwiches, salads and more.
Buying and Storing Sugar-Free Mayonnaise
To get the most out of your no-sugar mayonnaise, follow these tips for buying and storing:
- Check labels – Read nutrition labels to confirm 0g sugar per serving and check ingredients lists for unwanted additives.
- Buy refrigerated – For optimal freshness and shelf life, look for mayo sold in the refrigerated section.
- Use standard sizes – Once opened, try to buy standard sizes that can be used up quickly before expiration.
- Look for expiration dates – Avoid products close to their “use by” date for maximum shelf life.
- Store sealed & refrigerated – Keep mayo refrigerated and sealed airtight to prevent spoilage.
- Use within 2 months – Consume opened mayo within 2 months for best quality.
- Make smaller batches – When homemade, consider making smaller batches to ensure it gets used up promptly.
Following proper storage methods and avoiding old products will ensure you get the best flavor from your sugar-free mayo.
Potential Concerns with Sugar-Free Mayonnaise
While no-sugar mayonnaise has clear benefits, there are a few potential concerns to be aware of:
- Artificial sweeteners – Some may dislike the taste or avoid sweeteners like sucralose and stevia extract.
- Higher cost – Specialty options like organic and avocado oil mayo tend to cost more.
- Time investment – Making your own requires time and planning compared to grabbing a jar off store shelves.
- Shorter shelf life – Homemade or certain commercial varieties may require more frequent purchases.
- Eggs and oil – While sugar-free, some mayo is high in other less healthy components like saturated fat and cholesterol.
Evaluate these factors to determine if a no-sugar mayo fits your diet, health goals, budget and lifestyle.
For some individuals, alternatives like reduced-fat varieties or smaller serving sizes of regular mayo may be a better approach. Consider your specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some lingering questions about finding and using sugar-free mayonnaise? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Q: Why does regular mayonnaise contain sugar?
A: Small amounts of sugar are often added to mayonnaise for enhanced flavor. The natural sugars in egg yolks also contribute minimal amounts.
Q: Is sucralose bad for you?
A: Sucralose is an artificial sweetener considered safe by the FDA, but some dislike the taste or prefer to avoid it.
Q: Is homemade mayonnaise safe to eat?
A: Yes, when prepared properly with fresh ingredients and stored correctly, homemade mayonnaise is perfectly safe to consume.
Q: How long does opened mayonnaise last?
A: Once opened, mayonnaise lasts 2-3 months in the refrigerator before going bad. Homemade varieties have a shorter 1-2 week shelf life.
Q: Does mayonnaise need to be refrigerated?
A: Yes, mayo is a perishable item that must be kept refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth once opened. Some unopened shelf-stable varieties can be stored at room temperature.
Q: What are common substitutes for mayonnaise?
A: Some popular substitutes providing creaminess without the eggs include avocado, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or unsweetened plain plant-based yogurts like coconut yogurt.
The Bottom Line
If you want to cut out added sugars from your diet, there are many great options for sugar-free and low-sugar mayonnaise. Look for products specifically labeled as “sugar-free” or organic varieties without sweeteners. Avocado oil-based and homemade recipes give you even more control over ingredients.
Consider your taste preferences, budget, nutrition priorities and how much time you want to invest. Any of these no-sugar alternatives can allow you to enjoy smooth, creamy mayonnaise without the extra sugars. Use sugar-free mayo anywhere regular mayo is called for to boost flavor and moisture without sweetness.
By taking a closer look at available products and becoming an informed shopper, it’s easy to find and enjoy mayonnaise without any added sugars that meets your needs. Just check labels carefully and look for 0g sugar per serving to identify the best options. With so many varieties to pick from, you’re sure to find a delicious sugar-free mayo to enhance your favorite recipes.
