Does Mayo Have Dairy? (FIND OUT HERE!) - Meaningful Eats (2024)

There are so many tasty uses for mayonnaise. But what, exactly, is it made of? Is it dariy-free? Read on to find out.

Mayonnaise makes a tasty spread for sandwiches and burgers, and it’s an essential element in coleslaw, potato salad, and many salad dressings. But if you’re lactose intolerant, you may be wondering: Does mayo contain dairy?

Does Mayo Have Dairy?

White, creamy mayonnaise may look like a dairy product, but the major mayo brands do not contain animal milk or any other ingredients made from milk. Thus, mayo does not contain the milk sugar lactose that is difficult for people with lactose intolerance to digest.

Mayo does include eggs as one of its main ingredients, so regular mayo is not vegan, but it is usually free from dairy. Of course, make sure to check the nutrition information to make sure that milk products are not added to your particular brand of mayonnaise.

What Is Mayonnaise Made Of?

Mayonnaise is a permanent emulsion (it does not separate) made primarily from eggs, oil (i.e., vegetable oil, olive oil, or avocado oil), and vinegar. These ingredients give mayo its trademark creamy texture. Other ingredients are added to enhance flavor and preserve. For example, Hellman’s original mayonnaise contains the following ingredients:

• Soybean oil
• Water
• Whole eggs
• Egg yolks
• Distilled vinegar
• Salt
• Sugar
• Lemon juice concentrate
• Calcium disodium EDTA
• Natural flavors

While it is feasible for a brand to add milk or cream to their mayonnaise recipe, most store-bought mayo will not contain dairy ingredients.

Are Eggs Dairy?

Eggs are not considered dairy, because they do not contain milk or lactose (milk sugar). Eggs are safe to consume if you are lactose intolerant or if you have a dairy allergy.

Is All Mayo Dairy-Free?

Most mayonnaise is dairy-free; it is made primarily from eggs, oil, and vinegar. Mayo does not contain animal milk or milk products. However, individual manufacturers may choose to add milk or cream to their mayonnaise. For this reason, it’s important to check labels and make sure that the mayonnaise you’re buying is dairy-free.

Is Mayo Dairy and Gluten Free?

Mayo is almost always dairy-free (containing no milk ingredients) and gluten-free (containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten, as per the FDA). Most mayo is made from naturally gluten-free ingredients such as oil, eggs, and vinegar.

On the other hand, it’s important to check labels and make sure! A certified gluten-free label will verify that there is no cross-contamination with gluten at the manufacturing facility. Commercial brands of mayo that carry this certification will be safe to eat for someone with celiac disease.

For some favorite dairy-free recipes, try this dairy-free buffalo chicken dip, dairy-free spinach artichoke dip, dairy-free lasagna, dairy-free mashed potatoes and dairy-free mac and cheese.

You also might like to use mayo in this coleslaw recipe.

FAQs

The Bottom Line

Mayo does not typically contain dairy. It does usually contain eggs, which are not dairy. Mayonnaise works for a dairy-free diet, but always be sure to check the label. If you’re looking for vegan mayo that doesn’t contain eggs there are many brands available.