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.
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.
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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:
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].
Nutrients
Amounts
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Profile
Best Use in Mayo
Nutritional 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:
Separate egg yolks from whites and place them in a bowl.
Melt fat on the stove or in the microwave.
Add the lemon juice, mustard, and salt to your egg yolk mixture (if using).
Mix the yolk mixture until frothy.
Add the melted fat to the yolk mix and blend for about 5 minutes until creamy.
Add the egg white to the mixture and mix for about 10 seconds.
Place the mixture in the fridge for about an hour.
Enjoy your yummy Carnivore mayo!
Macros:
1007 calories, 9.6 g protein, 109 g fat, 0.7 g carbs
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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