These Vegan Mayos Will Help You Make Next-Level Sandwiches
There are those inexplicable individuals who abhor mayonnaise, and then there are the rest of us who say mayonnaise deserves a lot more credit. It’s a classic French “mother” sauce, after all. It’s almost pure fat, and any chef will tell you that fat is the best vehicle for flavor, and it’s super-versatile, able to mix into dressings, lubricate sandwiches, and help create crispy breaded crusts.
But if you’re vegan, or just looking to cut down on saturated fat and cholesterol, you’re probably looking for an alternative to traditional mayonnaise, which is made with eggs. Turns out there’s a lot to choose from. Although you might find some in the condiment aisle, most of the eggless options can be found in the refrigerated section (near the tofu) at stores like Whole Foods.
We gathered up the most popular brands and pitted them in a side-by-side tasting to see which ones were the best. None were awful, but there were some big differences. Some were bright white, while others were tan. Some were thick and whipped, while others were loose and kind of runny. So which one tasted the closest to traditional mayonnaise?
Here are our three favorite brands.
1. Follow Your Heart Veganaise, $6.50 for 16 ounces at Jet
This one looked and tasted almost identical to traditional mayo: bright white, thick, and spreadable, with a rich flavor and luscious texture balanced by a citrusy brightness.
2. JUST Mayo, $13 for two, 12-ounce bottles
This was similarly spreadable, but it had a deeply savory flavor that tasted overwhelmingly of onions. That could be a great thing depending on what you’re making — or not.
3. Chosen Foods Vegan Avocado Oil Mayo, $13 for 12 ounces
With really pronounced acidity, this stuff would be great for citrus-lovers. But its tan color was oddly akin to tahini and its very soft, almost runny texture could make it hard to use. (Just two things to keep in mind!)
Or make your own: How To Make Easy Vegan Mayonnaise
Do you have a favorite brand of vegan mayo? Tell us about it in the comments below!