This may be a very unpopular opinion, but before I went vegan I wasn’t actually the biggest fan of mayonnaise. I found it a little bit too ‘eggy’ for my liking. It’s a shame that there weren’t any good vegan mayo alternatives back then because I probably would have quite enjoyed them!
Nowadays, I can’t get enough mayo. I eat it with absolutely everything. Burgers, wraps, chips, onion rings, sandwiches, you name it.
That’s because vegan mayo absolutely smashes it out of the park. It is delightfully creamy with a subtle tang that you expect from mayonnaise. But obviously, no overpowering egg flavour.
The best bit, there is egg-free mayo for all occasions. Be it a spicy mayonnaise to dollop inside your vegan toastie, a garlic mayonnaise to dip your mum’s crispy wedges into, or a good old plain mayonnaise to smother into a vegan chicken wrap.
Let me take you on a magical mayonnaise adventure and show you all of the best vegan mayo you can buy in the UK.
My top picks
- Best natural mayo: Dr. Will’s Vegan Mayo
- Best ‘bacon’ mayo: The Vurger Co Smoky “Bacon” Mayo
- Best chilli mayo: Rubies in the Rubble Chilli Mayo
- Best organic mayo: Mr Organic Egg-Free Organic Mayo
- Best garlic mayo: Hellman’s Vegan Garlic Mayo
- Best Korean mayo: Leon Korean Chilli Mayo
- Best sriracha mayo: Thai Dragon Sriracha Mayo
What is mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise is a creamy white condiment that is traditionally made using egg yolks, oil, vinegar and seasonings. It is typically served with burgers, sandwiches, fries and salads. While its exact origins are uncertain, it’s believed to have originated in Mahon, Minorca, where it was initially called “salsa mahonesa“, which later became “mayonnaise” as it spread throughout Europe.
What is vegan mayo made from?
Traditionally, egg yolks are used to emulsify the oil and liquid within mayonnaise. Most vegan mayo recipes and products use plant-based ingredients like aquafaba or soymilk to replace the egg. This is then emulsified with a high-quality oil like rapeseed oil (which is very healthy and high in omega-3s). By using these ingredients you can still achieve a thick creamy condiment that tastes just like mayonnaise.
Is vegan mayo better for you than regular mayo?
Compared to egg-based mayo, vegan mayo is generally considered to be a healthier option. This is because it is typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, unlike egg-based mayo which is chockablock with both of these. That being said, all mayonnaise should be eaten in moderation. Mayo is both high in calories and fat, no matter whether it is vegan or not!
Here is the best vegan mayo
In this guide, I’ll explore the best vegan mayo options available to buy in the UK. You’ll never know these are all egg-free, I promise you!
Best natural mayo
1. Dr. Will’s Vegan Mayo
Made with: Rapeseed oil
Calories per 100g: 651 kcal
Allergens: Mustard
Dr. Wills vegan mayo is made with only seven simple ingredients, including rapeseed oil, cider vinegar, mustard and lemon juice. It doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives or additives.
It has a creamy and smooth texture, and the flavour is very similar to that of traditional egg-based mayonnaise recipes. However, it does have a much more natural taste compared to some of the mass-produced mayonnaise brands like Hellman’s, which often have added sugars and other artificial flavours.
As this vegan mayonnaise is less ‘artificial’ tasing it may not be for everyone, but it’s a great option for anyone looking to eat clean and simple food. I love to use it in my vegan chicken wraps, as it adds a creamy and tangy flavour that pairs perfectly with the savoury taste of vegan chicken. I also recommend stirring some chopped garlic into it, it’s delicious!
Best ‘bacon’ mayo
2. The Vurger Co Smoky “Bacon” Mayo
Made with: Rapeseed oil
Calories per 100g: 642 kcal
Allergens: Soya
If you’ve ever eaten one of the delicious vegan burgers and The Vurger Co then I’m sure you’ll be just as excited as I was once I discovered they were selling their tasty condiments in supermarkets.
The Vurger Co’s vegan bacon mayo is truly addictive. It has a rich, smoky flavour that’s sure to satisfy any bacon-lover’s cravings. The best part? It’s completely vegan (and even created by a fully vegan brand) and made with all-natural ingredients, so you can indulge guilt-free.
The smoky flavour comes from a blend of spices and natural smoke flavourings, which are perfectly balanced to create a taste that’s both savoury and satisfying.
While the flavour may not be for everyone, it’s perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of excitement to their meals. I love to use it as a spread on my sandwiches (try it with a few slices of a vegan meat substitute), or as a dip for my favourite veggies. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t be able to get enough and you’ll be finding any excuse to eat it.
Best chilli mayo
3. Rubies in the Rubble Chilli Mayo
Made with: Rapeseed oil & aquafaba
Calories per 100g: 682 kcal
Allergens: Mustard
Rubies in the Rubble Chilli Mayo is packed with flavour and heat. It’s the perfect addition to any dish that needs a little kick. The chilli flavour balances perfectly with the creaminess of the mayo, creating a taste that’s both spicy and satisfying.
It’s made with fresh red chillies and a blend of high-quality rapeseed oil and aquafaba. The aquafaba works amazingly to create an egg-like texture to the mayo that is so often missed in vegan alternatives.
While the heat may not be for everyone, it’s a great way to add some excitement to your meals. I love to use it as a dip for my favourite snacks, or as a topping for my veggie burgers (like my vegan jackfruit burger). It’s also great mixed with some avocado for a spicy twist on traditional guacamole which you can then serve with these vegan quesadillas.
Best organic mayo
4. Mr Organic Egg-Free Organic Mayo
Made with: Sunflower seed oil & soybeans
Calories per 100g: 649 kcal
Allergens: Soya & mustard
Mr Organic Egg-Free Organic Mayo is a fully organic and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional mayonnaise. Made with all-natural, organic ingredients, this mayo is free from preservatives, additives, and artificial flavours.
However, it’s important to note that the taste of this mayo may not be as flavourful as other options. It has a mild and slightly tangy taste that may not appeal to everyone’s palate.
Because of the vinegary tang I like to use it as a base for dressings and sauces, instead of a dip or condiment. For example, I like to use it as a dressing for my salads served with a slice of tasty vegan quiche, or as part of a vegan tuna mayo using young jackfruit.
Best garlic mayo
5. Hellmann’s Vegan Garlic Mayo
Made with: Rapeseed oil
Calories per 100g: 662 kcal
Allergens: Mustard
Funnily enough, Hellman’s makes the best vegan substitute for their own well-loved non-vegan mayonnaise. It is so similar that I really don’t see why they continue to make their egg-based version (wishful thinking, I know).
There may be some people wondering whether Hellman’s vegan mayo is really vegan. Whilst Hellman’s isn’t a vegan company, meaning they also produce and sell non-vegan products like egg-based mayonnaise, their vegan mayo is definitely made with 100% vegan ingredients and it is certified vegan by V-Label. However, some may not deem it vegan since Hellman’s is a non-vegan company. This is down to personal choice!
So, if you are looking for a vegan mayo that is just like the egg-based ones you used to buy from the supermarket, made by brands like Hellman’s and Heinz, and you don’t mind buying from non-vegan companies, then you’ll absolutely love this one.
Like most traditional mayonnaise it is made using rapeseed oil, but it is paired with some less natural ingredients like sugar and modified corn starch. I buy this mayonnaise as a treat, more than a weekly staple.
This garlic-flavoured version works really well with breaded vegan chicken, especially inside a vegan chicken burger, as well as french fries.
Best Korean mayo
6. Leon Korean Chilli Mayo
Made with: Rapeseed oil & faba beans
Calories per 100 ml: 505 kcal
Allergens: Soya
Leon is one of my favourite fast-food chains that offer pretty good vegan options to eat on the go. One of the best things about its menu is its sauces. Many of these sauces, like the Leon Korean Chilli Mayo, are available to purchase at supermarkets.
This Korean Chilli Mayo is made using Korean red pepper flakes, making it a spicy and tangy mayo alternative.
I like adding it to vegan toasties with kimchi and smoked vegan cheese slices (check out my vegan kimchi toastie recipe), but it can also be used to add a spicy kick to many different dishes. I particularly love mixing it in with some vegan kimchi to create a tasty and probiotic-rich dip.
Best sriracha mayo
7. Thai Dragon Sriracha Mayo
Made with: Soybean oil
Calories per 100g: 240 kcal
Allergens: Soya & mustard
If you love both sriracha and mayonnaise, then this is the mayo for you! I used to waste a lot of time mixing together sriracha into my mayo and now I can get it straight out of the bottle. Magic.
This is an accidentally vegan mayo, meaning that when you see it on the supermarket shelves it isn’t necessarily being marketed to a solely vegan clientele. It just happens to be made with vegan ingredients. Therefore, more people will be eating vegan mayo without even knowing it – woop woop!
While this condiment may not be the healthiest option due to the use of preservatives, it’s a delicious treat. It’s perfect for dipping your favourite snacks in, like these vegan chickpea fries.
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