Carnivore Mayo: Can You Have Mayo on Carnivore Diet?

Can you have mayo on Carnivore Diet? Well, it depends on the kind of diet you are following and the mayo ingredients. Regular mayonnaise is yummy, but not Carnivore. However, you can buy or make Carnivore mayo using only animal-based ingredients. Let’s compare regular mayo and Carnivore mayo and learn how to make healthy and nutritious mayonnaise.

Carnivore Mayo: Can You Have Mayo on Carnivore Diet?
Highlights

What Is Mayonnaise?

Mayonnaise is a common dressing or sauce, which is made by mixing oil with egg yolks and adding an acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings like salt and mustard.

Mayo is an emulsion, meaning tiny droplets of oil are suspended in water from the egg yolk and vinegar or lemon. The egg yolk contains lecithin, a natural emulsifier that keeps the mixture stable and does not let it separate.

Many people love mayonnaise because it is smooth, rich, and creamy with a mild and slightly salty taste, which makes it a delicious sauce for sandwiches, base for dressings like ranch or aioli, dip, and in salads like potato or tuna salad.

Although mayo can be delicious on different dishes, it is not favored among those following zero-carb diets, especially the Carnivore Diet.

Why Is Regaular Mayonnaise a Big NO on the Carnivore Diet?

The main reason why regular mayo is not allowed on a Carnivore Diet is the plant-based oils used in mayonnaise. The Carnivore Diet doesn’t include plant-based foods, so industrial mayo is out of the Carnivore food list.

But what is the problem with plant oils? The short answer is that plant oils, especially canola or soybean oil, contain toxins, making mayo unhealthy for those who follow a Carnivore Diet and try to reduce inflammation.

Despite what many may believe, not everything coming from plants is healthy! Modern science approves that industrial vegetable oils cause inflammation and negative affect hormone signaling, which can lead to serious health issues, including:

  • All-cause Mortality [1]
  • Obesity [2]
  • Cancer [3]
  • Heart Disease [4]
  • Mental Illnesses: Depression [5]
  • Brain Disorders: Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease [6] [7].

Despite the concerns for Carnivore dieters, mayo contains ingredients and nutrients that can be used for those who are not on a zero-carb diet, like those who follow Keto, Low-Carb, or Vegan diets.

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Mayonnaise Ingredients and Nutrients

Industrial mayonnaise sauce is made from:

  • Plant-Based Oil: Soybean oil or another neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil
  • Egg Yolks: These act as emulsifiers, binding the oil and other ingredients together
  • Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Provides acidity to balance the flavors and helps with emulsification
  • Seasonings: Salt, mustard powder, and sometimes sugar or other flavorings

The mix of these ingredients provides different nutrients in mayo. The table below lists the nutrients found in 100 grams of regular mayonnaise sauce [8].

NutrientsAmounts
Calories 680 kcal
Protein 0.96 g
Total Fat 74.8 g
Carbohydrates 0.57 g
Fiber 0 g
Total Sugar 0.57 g
Calcium 8 mg
Iron 0.21 mg
Magnesium 1 mg
Phosphorus 21 mg
Potassium 20 mg
Sodium 635 mg
Zinc 0.15 mg
Copper 0.019 mg
Manganese 0.007 mg
Selenium 2.3 µg
Vitamin C 0 mg

Although you may think mayo is just mayo, there is not just one kind of mayonnaise. This sauce comes in different kinds with varying ingredients and nutrients, which can be suitable for different individuals on varying diets.

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Types of Mayonnaise

Each type of mayonnaise can be suitable for a specific group of individuals. You can choose the one that fits your diet, lifestyle, and preferences. Different types of mayo include:

  • Traditional Mayonnaise,
  • Light or Reduced-Fat Mayonnaise,
  • Olive Oil Mayonnaise,
  • Vegan Mayonnaise,
  • Avocado Oil Mayonnaise,
  • Flavored Mayonnaise,
  • Japanese Kewpie Mayonnaise, and
  • Carnivore Mayo.
Carnivore Mayo

Traditional Mayonnaise

It is the classic version made with oil, egg yolks, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings. It's creamy and rich, suitable for various dishes and sandwiches.

Light or Reduced-Fat Mayonnaise

Light mayo is made with less oil than traditional mayo or sometimes a mix of oil and other ingredients like water or yogurt to reduce fat and calories. Since it is lighter, it is more suitable for those watching their calorie intake.

Learn More: Can You Have Hot Sauce on a Carnivore Diet?

Olive Oil Mayonnaise

Olive oil mayo is made with olive oil instead of traditional vegetable oils like soybean or canola oil. It has a different flavor and a slightly different texture from mayo made with other oils, which some people may not like.

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Vegan Mayonnaise

Vegan mayo substitutes eggs with ingredients like plant-based oils, starches, and emulsifiers, such as pea protein or soy protein. As its name suggests, it is suitable for those following a vegan diet or individuals allergic to eggs.

Avocado Oil Mayonnaise

Avocado oil mayo is made with avocado oil instead of traditional oils. It is oilier than other mayo and has a special flavor because of avocado. It is sold as a healthier mayo due to the health benefits of avocado oil.

Flavored Mayonnaise

Some brands make flavored mayonnaise, such as garlic, chipotle, sriracha, or guacamole-flavored, barbecue-flavored, and herbal mayonnaise. These can be suitable for those who follow plant-based diets or relaxes Keto.

Learn More: Can You Have Tabasco Sauce on a Carnivore Diet?

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Japanese Kewpie Mayonnaise

Kewpie mayo is a popular Japanese mayonnaise, which is very creamy. It is made with egg yolks and a mix of rice vinegar and apple or malt vinegar, which give it a slightly sweeter taste than traditional mayonnaise.

Carnivore Mayo

Carnivore mayo is a mayonnaise that includes only Carnivore-friendly ingredients, like egg yolks and animal fat. You can add many different Carnivore-friendly ingredients and make your customized mayo a you prefer.

The table below shows the average nutrients found in 100 grams of different kinds of mayonnaise to help you choose the one that best fits your needs and goals [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15].

Please remember that different brands use different ingredients, which can result in different amounts of nutrients.

Learn More: Can You Eat Onions on a Carnivore Diet?

Mayo TypeCaloriesProteinTotal FatCholesterolCarbohydratesSugarSodium
Traditional 667 kcal 0 g 73.3 g 67 mg 0 g 0 g 467 mg
Light 238 kcal 0.37 g 22.2 g 16 mg 9.23 g 3.56 g 827 mg
Olive Oil 361 kcal 0.37 g 40 g 33 mg 0 g 0 g 800 mg
Vegan 232 kcal 0.3 g 19.2 g 24 mg 16 g 6 g 497 mg
Avocado Oil 692 kcal 0 g 76.9 g 115 mg 0 g 0 g 692 mg
Flavored 267 kcal 0 g 20 g 33 mg 26.7 g 20 g 733 mg
Japanese 2000 kcal 0 g 240 g 400 mg 0 g 0 g 2300 mg
Carnivore 600 kcal 7 g 74 g 221 mg 0.4 g 0.03 g 80 g

So, the best way is to avoid regular mayo, especially if you are on a zero-carb Carnivore, but if you love mayonnaise so much and have to have it in your diet, there might be an easy way for you!

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What Mayonnaise Is OK for a Carnivore Diet?

The only mayonnaise allowed on a Carnivore Diet is the one made with Carnivore-friendly ingredients.

Carnivore Mayo

Can You Have Mayo on Carnivore Diet?

Whether you can have mayonnaise on a Carnivore Diet depends on the type of mayo you use. Store-bought mayo is not allowed on a Carnivore Diet if it contains plant-based ingredients.

But if the store-bought mayo is made with animal-based ingredients, or if you make home-made Carnivore mayo, you can enjoy this yummy sauce.

Let’s compare Carnivore mayo and regular mayo and learn the details why you can buy Carnivore mayo or make Carnivore-friendly mayonnaise at home.

Learn More: Can You Eat Sauce on a Carnivore Diet?

Carnivore Mayo vs. Regular Mayo

The table below compares the features of store-bought mayo and Carnivore mayo:

FeatureStore-Bought MayoCarnivore Mayo
Oils Used Seed oils (soy, canola, sunflower) Animal fats (tallow, lard, ghee)
Additives Sugar, preservatives, stabilizers None
Inflammation Risk High (from vegetable oils) Low
Shelf Life 6-12 months (artificially preserved) 3-5 days (fresh)
Diet Compatibility Not Carnivore Fully Carnivore

Carnivore mayo is not only allowed because of its animal-based ingredients, but also due to its important health benefits.

Health Benefits of Carnivore Mayo

  • Healthy Fats: Carnivore mayo uses healthy, animal-based fat sources to help induce ketosis and provide steady energy.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Carnivore mayo is free from seed oils, which can cause chronic inflammation.
  • Hormone Health: Cholesterol and saturated fats in Carnivore mayo help hormone production.
  • Gut-Friendly: Animal-based mayo is easier to digest than store-bought mayo, which usually contains emulsifiers and additives.
  • Nutrient-Dense: Depending on the fat used, Carnivore mayo can provide vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

Learn More: Can You Eat Pickles on a Carnivore Diet?

The best Carnivore mayo you can have, is the one that is made using the following fats.

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The Best Animal Fats for Carnivore Mayo

If the Carnivore mayo you buy contains the following fats, it is one of the bests. If you are making Carnivore mayo at home, you can use these fats as the base.

Animal Fat Flavor ProfileBest Use in MayoNutritional Note
Beef Tallow Rich, savory Bold flavor mayo High in saturated fat
Pork Lard Mild, neutral Everyday mayo Softer texture, easy spread
Duck Fat Gourmet taste For special meals Adds umami depth
Ghee Nutty, smooth Creamier mayo Contains butyrate and CLA
Bacon Grease Smoky, salty Tasty mayo Adds crunch and a different taste
  • Tip: Mix fats, for example, half tallow with half lard to balance taste and texture.

If you are into hand-on experiences, let’s go for three easy and quick recipes that give yummy and healthy Carnivore mayo.

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The 3 Best Carnivore Diet Mayonnaise Recipes

The ingredients used in making Carnivore mayonnaise are similar in almost all recipes, as you need a source of animal fat and egg yolks as the base.

You can also check these Carnivore Diet recipes to make various yummy, easy, and affordable Carnivore meals to have with these types of mayo.

Carnivore Mayo Recipe 1

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole egg
  • 1/2 cup of chicken fat
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp mustard (optional)
  • 1 tsp Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Separate egg yolks from whites and place them in a bowl.
  2. Melt fat on the stove or in the microwave.
  3. Add the lemon juice, mustard, and salt to your egg yolk mixture (if using).
  4. Mix the yolk mixture until frothy.
  5. Add the melted fat to the yolk mix and blend for about 5 minutes until creamy.
  6. Add the egg white to the mixture and mix for about 10 seconds.
  7. Place the mixture in the fridge for about an hour.
  8. Enjoy your yummy Carnivore mayo!

Macros:

1007 calories, 9.6 g protein, 109 g fat, 0.7 g carbs

Learn More: Can You Eat Avocado on a Carnivore Diet? What About Avocado Oil?

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Carnivore Mayo Recipe 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of pork fat
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Place egg yolks in a large bowl.
  2. Add the apple cider to the yolks and whisk.
  3. Melt pork fat, add it to the yolk mix, and mix slowly.
  4. Add salt.
  5. Refrigerate it for an hour to become solid.
  6. Enjoy!

Macros:

1950 calories, 6.0 g protein, 217 g fat, 1.2 g carbs

Carnivore Mayo

Carnivore Mayo Recipe 3

Ingredients:

  • 150 g sour cream
  • 75 g cream cheese
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mix the sour cream and cream cheese.
  2. Add salt and lemon juice (if using) and blend well using a mixer/ blender.
  3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
  4. Enjoy!

Macros:

546 calories, 8.1 g protein, 54 g fat, 10 g carbs

Learn More: Can You Eat Pepper on a Carnivore Diet? What About Pepper Oil?

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Troubleshooting Carnivore Mayo Recipes

  • If mayo is not emulsifying, add fat slowly while whisking to let yolks absorb it.
  • If mayo is too runny, refrigerate it longer or add extra melted fat.
  • If its flavor is too strong, blend it with different fats to mellow the taste.
  • If it is too oily, add a little sour cream or cream cheese to stabilize.

Storage and Shelf Life of Carnivore Mayo

Homemade Carnivore mayonnaise is fresh and doesn’t contain preservatives, so you need to store it carefully.

  • Store home-made Carnivore mayo in a sterilized glass jar.
  • Keep it refrigerated at below 40°F (4°C).
  • Its shelf life is 3-5 days, depending on ingredients used.
  • If mayo smells sour, separates, or changes color, steer clear of it.

How to Use Carnivore Mayo?

You can use Carnivore mayo in the following ways:

  • As a dip for steak bites, grilled chicken, or burger patties
  • Mixed into ground beef to keep burgers juicy
  • As a binder for tuna, chicken, or egg salad
  • Spread over Carnivore bread or egg-based buns
  • Added to scrambled eggs for extra creaminess

Even if you find Carnivore mayo tricky and don’t want to try it or if you don’t like the challenge of making mayo at home, you can use the following alternatives.

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Carnivore Mayo Variations

  • Bone Marrow Mayo: Mix roasted bone marrow with egg yolks to make a nutritious mayo.
  • Butter Mayo: Use melted butter as the fat base to make a light, creamy mayo.
  • Bacon Mayo: Mix bacon grease with egg yolks to make a smoky, salty mayo perfect with beef.

Summary

So, you can have mayo on Carnivore Diet if only it is made with animal-based ingredients. Carnivore mayo can be a tasty sauce that goes well with different Carnivore meals.

FAQs

Let’s answer the most frequently asked questions about Carnivore Mayo.

Can You Have Mayo on a Carnivore Diet?

Yes, but only if you make it contains Carnivore-friendly ingredients such as egg yolks, animal fat, or dairy.

Can You Eat Mayo on a Carnivore Diet Every Day?

Yes, you can enjoy Carnivore mayo every day as long as it doesn’t harm your daily macros.

Is Mayonnaise Carnivore-Friendly?

Regular industrial mayonnaise is not Carnivore, but mayo made with animal fat and eggs is Carnivore-friendly.

What Is the Best Fat to Use in Carnivore Mayo?

Beef tallow, pork lard, duck fat, ghee, or even bacon grease are the best fats to use in Carnivore mayo.

Does Carnivore Mayo Help with Weight Loss?

Yes, Carnivore mayo is high in healthy fats, keeps you full longer, and as no processed oils that cause inflammation, so it can help fat loss.

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