Ecowiser

These 6 Vegan Mayo Brands Have It All This Year

vegan mayo brands to savour right away

Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Our Editors

Among the several plant-based substitutes for popular non-vegetarian delights, vegan mayo is a pantry staple that is becoming the new guilt-free favorite. Even vegans love a good dose of creamy mayonnaise in their salads and subs.

The creamy texture and the slightly tart taste is the reason for mayonnaise’s popularity. And it is not surprising that this popular egg-based delight has motivated people to make their own alternatives to replace the eggs but not the taste and the texture.

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For those who cannot imagine a sandwich without a rich coleslaw made in succulent, luscious mayonnaise, but also want the condiment to be entirely free of animal products, dairy-free mayo is an excellent option.

Several brands offer delicious, creamy, and egg-free mayo made from plant products. Culinary scientists have yet again proved their mettle when they developed this product for those who wish to make their life more attuned to what is vegan and cruelty-free.

Several people attempt to make vegan mayo at home to cut down on the costs of store-bought mayo. However, they are skeptical about trying this recipe as they think that vegan mayonnaise cannot be made without eggs. Although there are vegetarian mayo alternatives in the market, people are still apprehensive about making it the vegan way.

But here is where we come in with our own little 101 on vegan mayo- what and how is it, a homemade mayo recipe, and 6 dairy-free mayo brands that are most probably better than the original.

What Does Vegan Mayo Contain?

Firstly, we begin with a little bit of the science behind mayo making, before we actually get onto the topic of vegan mayonnaise. Mayonnaise is an emulsion which means that it is made of two ingredients that are usually not combined together. These two components are immiscible and when we mix them together, one liquid is dispersed into the other by vigorously mixing it.

But it is a question that when oil and water do not mix together otherwise, how can they actually form a colloidal emulsion such as some creamy mayonnaise without breaking apart into two layers?

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It is here that we add eggs. Eggs contain an emulsifier called lecithin which binds oil and water together and gives mayo its consistency.

Now, we should be able to understand the concept of mayo for vegans. If mayonnaise is indeed an egg-based product and needs lecithin for emulsification, how can vegans replicate the same without compromising on their animal-product-free credentials?

Usually, mayonnaise is made of two ingredients- that is oil and water, which are found in both vegan and non-vegan mayo variants. You can actually use any oil. Many brands like Hellman’s use rapeseed oil or sunflower oil, in addition to vinegar and maize starch to thicken the consistency.

However, the absence of lecithin might ruin the best of mayonnaise recipe. But it does not mean that the binding component in mayonnaise should always come from eggs for it to be vegan. It is a debate for another time whether vegan mayo is real mayo since it does not contain eggs, but let’s focus on the vegan substitutes that would help bind the oil, water, and various starches together.

The substitute for egg-based lecithin in dairy-free mayo is Xanthan gum or Guar gum which helps thicken the mayo, giving it the perfect creamy consistency. To further thicken it, vegan mayonnaise brands use modified starches such as Fava bean protein, pea protein, and stabilizers. To give it the tart taste that regular mayo has, you might find ingredients like lemon juice in vegan mayonnaise recipes.

Most importantly, like regular mayonnaise, mayo for vegans does not have to be plain and bland. It can be made more flavorsome with spices such as peri-peri, which is what the reputed brand Nando’s does. Yeah, we know it is famous for its chicken, but Nando’s makes its own dairy-free condiment that features on PETA’s list of recommendations. You can see Nando’s Vegan PERinese for yourself, right here!

Are Vegan Mayonnaise Brands Expensive?

As several people continue to embrace plant-based lifestyles, it is important to establish some facts about vegan alternatives including their affordability. One of the foremost questions is if vegan mayonnaise brands are really expensive for vegans to afford. Since mayonnaise is largely interpreted as a luxury ingredient, it is obvious to consider it expensive.

However, IT ISN’T TRUE! Several brands that offer vegan mayonnaise as condiments also offer them on a budget. So, you can invest in a jar. And if you are too apprehensive, try making it at home, which is actually easy-peasy lemon squeezy. (We kid you not, that lemon squeezy is going to make the recipe taste good.)

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Does Dairy Free Mayo Taste the Same as Regular Mayonnaise?

We wish we could enthusiastically tell you that dairy-free mayonnaise tastes just the same as regular ones. However, due to the difference in the ingredients, some of them might taste the same, and some might be different. However, it won’t be drastic. Some brands that use a formula replicating regular recipes will taste the same or even better than the regular variants featuring eggs. In this respect, mayonnaise that is flavored in a simple way with vinegar, salt, and lemon juice is the most akin to regular mayo.

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The Dark Truth About Egg-Based Mayo

People are also trying to shift their perspective from just replicating tastes to moving to a more ethical and nutritious alternative.

Mayonnaise is considered good when it is consumed in balance, and when we are talking about vegetarian and dairy-free mayonnaise, there are many who vouch for its health benefits. Switching vegan variants with the regular can help you evade the harmful amounts of cholesterol found in eggs.

Apart from health concerns, the environmental costs of the egg industry are humongous. Poultry farms are quite infamous for maltreating egg-producing chickens.

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The hens which live in battery cages and enriched cages have a restricted sphere of movement and with a caged space almost as small as an A4-sized paper, with no room for natural behavior, hens also tend to slip into depression and self-mutilate by pecking at themselves. Unfortunately, no matter how much we love eggs and egg products like mayonnaise, we also need to confront the dark truth about it.

Another ethical dimension concerns human rights in egg farming. Back in 2018, it was revealed that the Trillium Farms in Ohio housed several Guatemalans who were trafficked to work there and were subject to inhumane living conditions. It was a vegan documentary called ‘Trafficked in America’ that brought this fact to the forefront.

Several workers at Trillium were underaged and shockingly enough, the company’s vice-president refuted the allegations made on the basis of claims that were undeniable.

Many users do not know about these things that lie beyond the surface, but it is nevertheless imperative to know what you are eating and how is it produced. In an era of blatant consumerism, where everything is hidden from us behind a romanticized cover of attractive branding and greenwashing, to be an ethical consumer is somewhat of a curtailed experience, but it is a journey that never ends.

Most importantly, as truly ethical consumers who know what they eat, we should think about standing with the alternatives that are clearly a break from what we are offered- after investigating their nutritional profile and if it benefits the hands that produce it.

Follow This Homemade Vegan Mayo Recipe to Make Your Own Dairy-Free Mayo!

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Congratulations on taking a turn that is better and tastes good! Follow this easy recipe to make your own dairy-free mayonnaise which you can have as a dip, in your sandwiches, as salad dressing, or if you are feeling dairying enough (sorry for the bad pun, it’s tart) you can try making a vegan mayonnaise cake!

But before you open the doors to another lip-smacking culinary dimension, let’s pick up on this recipe for that delectable dollop to have with wedges or even vegan and gluten-free nachos and tortilla chips!

Homestyle Vegan Mayonnaise

Ingredients


120 ml or Half a cup of plant-based milk
A tablespoon of vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 tablespoon of salt
240 ml of any oil which is neutral
A pinch of sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions


To make mayo, use a food processor to thicken the plant-based milk, you can use aquafaba too. Add everything else except the oil, and turn it in for 30 seconds.

Add the oil slowly when you have blended the ingredients. Make no haste, and drop the oil continuously in a thin stream when the food processor is running slowly.

Once you have added all the oil, keep churning the mixture until it acquires a thick consistency for 10 more seconds. After that add salt and sugar to taste and your guilt-free mayo is ready. You can store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.

Look at These 6 Brands That Make the Best Mayo for Vegans!

If you feel that you don’t exactly have the Midas touch when it comes to cooking, you can buy mayo out of a jar from these vegan and ethical brands!

Follow Your Heart

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The brand aims to fulfill the aim of producing high-quality plant-based foods without a compromise since it was founded by 4 hippie-looking cool dudes who made a fab avocado, tomato, and sprouts sandwich on a Love Plate.

After being betrayed by their mayo supplier, one of the founders set off on a personal journey to make the ultimate egg-free mayo. Made in California, all of the brand’s Veganaise range is kosher, USDA Organic Certified, and Non-GMO Verified along with being made from ingredients and in a facility powered by solar power.

You can use their online store locator to find out if they sell in your area!

good & gather

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This Target product offers you a creamy delight with notes of mustard. Containing no synthetic flavors and colors, good & Gather is seriously good- it is kosher and vegan and is made from pea protein.

With several consumers vying for it, you don’t have a reason to miss this one!

Chosen Foods

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The mayo from Chosen is made from avocado oil and aquafaba made from garbanzo beans (it’s essentially chickpea) and contains everything organic. It will be a classic companion to go with salads, subs, sandwiches, and more. Visit their website to get yourself a jar of this goodness.

Sir Kensington’s

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Deli-tasted and vegan-approved, Sir Kensington’s mayo uses 100% avocado oil, 100% sunflower oil, and aquafaba made from chickpeas and is starch and soy free. Keto-certified and USDA Organic certified, this one will pack the flavor in your dreary lunch and give it a dash of creamy goodness.

Earth Balance

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This mayonnaise is everything nice and neatly packed into a little jar and will bring its mindful attitude to your plate. This delicious plant-based spread is egg-free and gives you everything an ideal serving of vegan mayo should.

O’dang Foods

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Last but not least is O’dang Foods’ egg-free vegan mayo which comes in delectable flavors that will leave you wanting more. Try their cucumber and dill-flavored mayo made from chickpeas that retain natural flavors and all the goodness. Make sure you are buying a jar from O’dang to jazz up your meals.

The Ecowiser Take on Vegan Mayo

Vegan mayo is one of the most popular trends out there that brings together good intentions, health, and innovation. However, it is all up to one’s tastes and preferences. We will try to encourage you towards mayo made from cage-free eggs if you really want to stick to your guns. But remember, it is always wise to stand with alternatives when they are better and more ethical.

Looking to explore sustainable and vegan food options? Discover a world of delicious, planet-friendly recipes and expert insights at Ecowiser. Visit us now to embark on a sustainable and cruelty-free culinary journey!

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