What is Vegan Mayo? A Guide to Plant-Based Mayonnaise
The Basics of Vegan Mayo: Ingredients and Nutrition
Vegan mayo is a plant-based alternative to traditional mayonnaise that is made without eggs. It typically contains a base of oil, such as soybean or canola oil, combined with vinegar, lemon juice, and various spices and seasonings.
One of the benefits of vegan mayo is that it is lower in calories and fat than traditional mayo, making it a healthier option. Vegan mayo is also often free of cholesterol and saturated fat, making it a good choice for those who are looking to improve their heart health.
The exact nutritional profile of vegan mayo can vary depending on the brand and specific ingredients used. However, it generally contains around 70-90 calories per tablespoon, with 6-9 grams of fat and 0-1 grams of protein.
When shopping for vegan mayo, be sure to read the ingredient label carefully to ensure that it is truly plant-based and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Some common vegan mayo brands include Just Mayo, Vegenaise, and Hellmann’s Vegan Mayo.
How is Vegan Mayo Different from Traditional Mayo?
The main difference between vegan mayo and traditional mayo is the absence of eggs in the vegan version. Traditional mayo is typically made with eggs, oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings. Eggs act as an emulsifier in traditional mayo, helping to combine the oil and vinegar/lemon juice into a smooth, creamy texture.
In vegan mayo, eggs are replaced with alternative ingredients that also act as emulsifiers. These can include aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas), soy milk, or mustard. The base of vegan mayo is typically oil, such as soybean or canola oil, combined with the emulsifying ingredient, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings.
Another difference between vegan mayo and traditional mayo is the texture. Vegan mayo can have a slightly thinner or more runny consistency compared to traditional mayo, which can be thicker and creamier due to the use of eggs.
Finally, vegan mayo is often lower in calories and fat than traditional mayo, making it a healthier option for those who are watching their diet.
Benefits of Choosing Vegan Mayo over Regular Mayo
There are several benefits to choosing vegan mayo over regular mayo. One of the main benefits is that it is a healthier option. Vegan mayo is often lower in calories and fat than regular mayo, and it is typically free of cholesterol and saturated fat. This makes it a great choice for those who are looking to improve their heart health and reduce their intake of unhealthy fats.
Another benefit of choosing vegan mayo is that it is suitable for people with certain dietary restrictions. Vegan mayo is completely plant-based, which means it is free of animal products like eggs and dairy. This makes it a great option for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, as well as those who have allergies or intolerances to these ingredients.
Vegan mayo is also a more environmentally friendly choice. The production of traditional mayo can be resource-intensive, as it requires the use of eggs and the farming of chickens. Choosing a plant-based alternative can help to reduce the environmental impact of your food choices.
Finally, many people enjoy the taste of vegan mayo just as much as, if not more than, traditional mayo. Vegan mayo comes in a variety of flavors and can be used in all the same ways as regular mayo, making it a versatile and delicious choice for sandwiches, salads, dips, and more.
Tips for Using Vegan Mayo in Your Favorite Recipes
Vegan mayo can be used in all the same ways as regular mayo, making it a versatile ingredient to have in your kitchen. Here are some tips for using vegan mayo in your favorite recipes:
Use vegan mayo as a spread on sandwiches and burgers. It adds a creamy and tangy flavor that complements a variety of fillings.
Mix vegan mayo with mustard and other seasonings to make a flavorful dip for vegetables, chips, or fries.
Use vegan mayo as a base for creamy salad dressings. Simply mix it with vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, and spices for a delicious dressing that can be used on salads or as a dip.
Add vegan mayo to mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a creamy and flavorful side dish.
Use vegan mayo as a binder in veggie burgers or other plant-based patties. It helps to hold the ingredients together and adds moisture to the mix.
Make a vegan version of your favorite sauces, such as aioli or ranch, by using vegan mayo as the base and adding seasonings like garlic, herbs, and spices.
Remember to always read the ingredient label carefully when using vegan mayo in your recipes, as some brands may contain allergens like soy or wheat.
Top Brands of Vegan Mayo to Try at Home
If you’re looking to try vegan mayo at home, there are several great brands to choose from. Here are some of the top brands of vegan mayo available:
Just Mayo: Just Mayo is a popular vegan mayo brand that is made with non-GMO ingredients and is free of cholesterol and dairy. It comes in a variety of flavors, including original, garlic, chipotle, and sriracha.
Vegenaise: Vegenaise is another popular vegan mayo brand that is made with non-GMO ingredients and is free of eggs, dairy, and gluten. It comes in several flavors, including original, garlic, and chipotle.
Hellmann’s Vegan Mayo: Hellmann’s is a well-known mayo brand that also offers a vegan version of their classic mayo. It is made with non-GMO ingredients and is free of eggs and dairy.
Follow Your Heart: Follow Your Heart is a vegan food company that makes a variety of plant-based products, including a vegan mayo called Vegenaise. It comes in several flavors, including original, garlic, and chipotle.
Trader Joe’s Vegan Spread & Dressing: Trader Joe’s offers a vegan mayo alternative that is made with canola oil and is free of eggs and dairy. It can be used as a spread, dip, or dressing.
These are just a few of the many vegan mayo brands available. Try different brands and flavors to find the one that you like best and that works well in your favorite recipes.
