Mayonnaise: Friend Or Foe Of Vegan Diets?

Mayonnaise is a popular condiment used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to salads. However, traditional mayonnaise is typically made with egg yolk and lemon juice, making it unsuitable for those following a vegan diet. But fear not, vegans! There are now several options for vegan mayonnaise, both store-bought and homemade, that can satisfy your mayo cravings. In this article, we will explore the world of vegan mayonnaise, from the brands offering plant-based alternatives to the simple recipes you can make at home to enjoy this creamy condiment while sticking to your dietary preferences.

Vegan mayo ingredients

Vegan mayonnaise can be made with a variety of ingredients, depending on the recipe. Here are some common ingredients used in vegan mayo and how they contribute to the final product:

Soy Milk or Aquafaba

The base of vegan mayonnaise can be made with either soy milk or aquafaba (the starchy liquid from canned chickpeas). These act as emulsifiers, helping to create a thick and creamy texture similar to traditional mayonnaise. Soy milk is the more common choice and is said to yield more consistent results, but aquafaba is a good alternative for those avoiding soy or looking for a nut- and soy-free option.

Oil

Oil is a key ingredient in vegan mayonnaise, just as it is in traditional mayo. Neutral oils with mild flavours, such as safflower oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, or light olive oil, are commonly used. These oils provide body and richness to the mayo without overpowering the other flavours.

Vinegar

Vinegar is added to vegan mayonnaise to give it a tangy flavour. Common choices include red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. Lemon juice can also be used in place of vinegar, or in combination with it, for a brighter, tangier taste.

Salt

Salt is used to enhance the flavours in vegan mayonnaise, just as in most recipes. It helps to make the other ingredients "pop".

Sweetener

A sweetener is sometimes added to balance out the tanginess of the vinegar and mustard. This can include cane sugar, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, or even a pinch of salt.

Dijon Mustard

Mustard is another common ingredient in vegan mayonnaise, acting as an emulsifier and providing extra tang. While ground mustard powder is traditionally used in mayonnaise, some recipes call for Dijon mustard, which adds depth of flavour.

Other Ingredients

Some recipes for vegan mayonnaise include additional ingredients to enhance the flavour or create specific varieties. For example, garlic can be added for a tangy kick, or sriracha can be mixed with the mayo to make a spicy sauce. Fresh or dried herbs like parsley or dill can also be added for extra flavour.

Making vegan mayo

Vegan mayo is a great substitute for regular mayonnaise and can be used in sandwiches, as a base for dressings, and in salads. It is also healthier than regular mayo as it is cholesterol-free and contains less saturated fat.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make vegan mayo:

• Oil (sunflower, canola, safflower, vegetable, avocado, grape seed, or light olive oil)
• Soy milk (or aquafaba)
• Vinegar (red wine, white wine, apple cider, or lime juice)
• Salt
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Dijon mustard
• Sweetener (maple syrup, brown rice syrup, or cane sugar)
• Garlic powder (optional)

Method

• Ensure that all your ingredients are at the same temperature, preferably at room temperature.
• Combine the soy milk, vinegar, salt, lemon juice (if using), and mustard in a food processor or blender.
• If using a food processor, process the mixture for about 1 minute or until the liquid begins to thicken.
• If using a blender, blend the ingredients on high speed until well combined.
• With the processor or blender running, slowly add the oil in tiny drops or a thin stream. Adding the oil slowly is crucial for proper emulsification.
• Once the mixture starts to thicken and emulsify, you can gradually increase the speed of the processor or blender.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl and process again for a few seconds to ensure everything is well combined.
• Taste the mayo and adjust the seasoning, if needed. You can add more salt or a pinch of sweetener if desired.
• Transfer the vegan mayo to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will continue to thicken as it sits in the fridge.

Tips

• It is important to add the oil slowly to the mixture to ensure proper emulsification.
• You can also use an immersion blender to make vegan mayo. Combine all the ingredients in a tall jar and blend until the mixture thickens. Then, slowly move the blender up and down to incorporate any remaining oil.
• Regular blenders may not be as effective for this recipe, but you can also try using a high-speed blender if you have one.
• If your mayo doesn't thicken, try adding more oil slowly until it reaches the desired consistency.
• You can customize your vegan mayo by adding dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or a pinch of spice.

Vegan mayo brands

Mayonnaise is a kitchen staple found in almost every refrigerator and is used as a condiment for sandwiches, a base for dressings, and even as a secret ingredient in brownies and cakes. Classic mayonnaise is made using egg yolks, but vegan alternatives rely on plant-based fats like oil, and acids like vinegar or lemon juice.

There are many brands that offer vegan mayonnaise, and here are some of the most popular ones:

Follow Your Heart

Follow Your Heart offers a range of vegan mayonnaise products, including their original Vegenaise, which is soy-free, and versions made with avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and organic ingredients. Their products are known for their thick texture, but some users have commented that they can be too sweet and not as smooth as traditional mayonnaise.

Spectrum

Spectrum offers an eggless, vegan mayonnaise made with light canola mayo. While it has a weird texture and is tangier than other options, it is still a popular choice and is often included in taste tests.

Celebrate Health

Celebrate Health is an Australian brand that offers a vegan mayonnaise that is thick and tangy. However, it may be difficult to find outside of Australia, and the price can be high, depending on where you purchase it.

Earth Balance

Earth Balance is known for its vegan butter options, and it also offers a vegan mayonnaise. However, this product has received mixed reviews, with some people disliking its taste and texture.

Just Mayo

Just Mayo is a well-known vegan mayonnaise brand that can be difficult to find in stores. It is made with canola oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and pea protein, resulting in a light and tangy product.

Good & Gather

Good & Gather is Target's in-house grocery brand, and it offers an affordable vegan mayonnaise. Its product has a thick texture and a neutral, slightly sweet taste, making it suitable for both savoury dishes and baked goods.

Sir Kensington's

Sir Kensington's is a popular condiment brand that offers a range of vegan mayonnaise products, including classic, special sauce, and chipotle mayo varieties. Their classic vegan mayo is made with aquafaba and a blend of spices, resulting in a thick, spreadable, and versatile product. However, some people may find it too oily.

Hellmann's

Hellmann's is a well-known mayonnaise brand that offers a plant-based version of its product. Its vegan mayo has a creamy, smooth, and luscious texture, with a mild flavour, making it a versatile option for various dishes. However, it may not have the same bouncy texture as traditional Hellmann's mayonnaise.

NotCo

NotCo is a Chilean company that offers a vegan mayonnaise called NotMayo. It has a dense, velvety texture and a distinct eggy aroma and flavour, thanks to the addition of brown sugar. It is packaged in a convenient squeeze bottle, making it easy to use.

Chosen Foods

Chosen Foods is known for its avocado oil products, and it offers a vegan mayonnaise made with avocado oil, vinegar, spices, and rosemary extract. It has a bold, citrusy flavour and a creamy texture, making it a good choice for adding flavour to sandwiches and dressings. However, it may not be the most versatile option for those looking for a neutral-tasting mayo.

Vegan mayo recipes

Mayonnaise is a beloved condiment for many, but the traditional recipe is not vegan-friendly. Luckily, vegans do not have to miss out, as there are many easy recipes for vegan mayo that are just as tasty and thick as the original.

Simple Vegan Blog's Recipe

This recipe uses just four ingredients and takes two minutes to make. It is recommended to use an immersion blender for the best results.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sunflower or canola oil
• 1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method:

• Ensure the oil and milk are at the same temperature.
• Combine all the ingredients in a blender beaker and place the immersion blender firmly on the bottom of the cup.
• Pulse until the mayonnaise emulsifies.
• Move the blender up and down to incorporate any remaining oil.
• Add more salt to taste, or thin with milk if it is too thick.

Inspired Taste's Recipe

This recipe also recommends using a food processor or immersion blender, and the mayo will last for two weeks in the fridge.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) soy milk, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
• 1 cup (236ml) neutral oil (e.g. safflower or vegetable oil)
• Pinch of cane sugar or maple syrup (optional)

Method:

• Add the soy milk to a food processor bowl and process for one minute or until the liquid thickens.
• Add the vinegar, salt, mustard, and lemon juice, then process for another 30 seconds.
• Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, then slowly add the oil in tiny drops until the mixture begins to thicken.
• Continue adding the oil in a thin stream until it is all incorporated.
• Taste and adjust with salt or sweetener if needed.
• The mayonnaise will thicken further in the fridge.

Jessica in the Kitchen's Recipe

This recipe also includes garlic powder and mustard for extra flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup original soy milk (125ml)
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, or lime juice or white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 cup oil (neutral oil, not coconut oil) (250ml)

Method:

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
• Combine the soy milk, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and mustard in an immersion blender beaker/jar and stir together.
• Pour the oil over the soy milk mixture and let it sit for about a minute.
• Place the immersion blender firmly on the bottom of the jar and blend for about 15 seconds.
• Slowly move the blender up and down to properly blend and incorporate all the ingredients until thick and fully combined.
• Taste and adjust any ingredients if needed.
• Place in a sealed jar in the fridge, where it will thicken further.

Sarah's Vegan Kitchen's Recipe

This recipe includes garlic for extra flavour and recommends using an immersion blender for the best results.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened plain soy milk
• 1 cup neutral vegetable oil (e.g. sunflower, avocado, or light olive oil)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon white wine or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
• 1 clove minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

Method:

• Add the soy milk, Dijon mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, and (optional) garlic to a jar.
• Place the immersion blender firmly on the bottom of the jar and check that the liquid is in contact with the blades.
• Add the oil to the container and allow it to sit for about 30 seconds.
• Begin blending on high and slowly lift or tilt the blender head to gradually incorporate the oil until the mixture is emulsified.
• Blend until the desired consistency is achieved, then add salt and adjust other flavours to taste.

Where to buy vegan mayo

Regular mayonnaise is not vegan-friendly as it contains eggs and cow's milk. However, vegans can opt for vegan mayonnaise, which is made using soy milk or aquafaba. This article will list some places from where you can buy vegan mayo.

Walmart

Walmart offers a variety of vegan mayonnaise options, including:

• Hellmann's Vegan Dressing and Spread
• Sir Kensington's Vegan Mayo, Classic
• Best Foods Vegan Dressing and Spread Mayonnaise
• Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil-Based Vegan Mayonnaise
• Avonaise - Vegan Avocado Mayo
• Spectrum Naturals Light Canola Mayo Eggless Vegan

VegOut Mag

VegOut Mag has listed some of the best vegan mayo brands, which can be purchased from various online and offline retailers:

• Hellmann’s Plant-Based Dressing & Spread
• Follow Your Heart Vegenaise
• Chosen Foods Vegan Avocado Oil Mayo
• Sir Kensington’s Vegan Mayo

Fabalish

Fabalish offers a classic, creamy vegan mayonnaise that can be purchased online and delivered directly to your doorstep.

Simple Vegan Blog

The Simple Vegan Blog provides a recipe for a four-ingredient vegan mayonnaise that can be made at home. The recipe is straightforward and only takes about two minutes to prepare. The blog also includes tips and substitutions for achieving the perfect consistency and taste.

Inspired Taste

Similar to the Simple Vegan Blog, Inspired Taste offers a recipe for a vegan mayonnaise that can be made at home. The recipe includes tips and step-by-step instructions for using a food processor or an immersion blender to achieve the desired consistency.

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