Mayonnaise is a creamy favorite in countless recipes, from potato salad to sandwich spreads. But if you are gluten-free, it is important to know whether mayonnaise and the popular Miracle Whip contain hidden gluten. Let’s look at what mayo is made from and which brands are gluten-free.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our Disclosure Policy.
Quick Answer:
Yes, most mayonnaise is gluten-free. Mayo is typically made from eggs, oil, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice, none of which contain gluten. However, always read the label, especially for flavored varieties or brands that don’t have a gluten-free certification. Also, keep an eye out for any that use malt vinegar, which is made with barley.
What Is Mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise is a creamy condiment made by emulsifying three ingredients:
- Eggs
- Oil (like soybean or canola)
- An acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar)
Some brands add preservatives or flavorings to extend shelf life and enhance taste. These additions are often gluten-free, but it’s still smart to double-check the label.
There are also specialty mayonnaise styles, such as Kewpie, a Japanese mayonnaise made with only egg yolks and rice vinegar. Kewpie has a very richer flavor.
Is Mayo Always Gluten-Free?
In most cases, plain mayonnaise is gluten-free; however, it’s still recommended to check the label. Watch out for:
- Flavored mayo (e.g., chipotle, garlic herb)
- Natural flavors or thickeners sourced from gluten
- Shared equipment if you are highly sensitive
Look for a gluten-free label or check the allergen statement. If you’re unsure or sensitive, choose certified gluten-free brands or make homemade mayo.
Brands Of Gluten-Free Mayonnaise:
Mayonnaise is often gluten-free, so you can feel safe using it to make your dishes creamier and richer. However, if you plan on buying a “flavored” mayonnaise, double-check the ingredients list to ensure it’s free from any gluten-containing ingredients. Here are brands that are considered gluten-free:
- Blue Plate
- Duke’s
- Heinz (Does not contain gluten ingredients.)
- Hellman’s Mayonnaise
- Kraft Mayonnaise
- Primal Kitchen
- Hain Mayonnaise
- Spectrum Mayonnaise
- Blue Marble Mayonnaise
- Sir Kensington’s Mayonnaise
- Trader Joe’s Mayo
- 365 Organic Mayonnaise (Whole Foods)
Is Miracle Whip Gluten-Free?
Miracle Whip is not labeled gluten-free. While it doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients, Kraft does not certify it as gluten-free, and it could be processed on shared equipment. It also doesn’t state what type of vinegar is used in Miracle Whip
Miracle Whip Ingredients:
WATER, VINEGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, SUGAR, SALT, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF NATURAL FLAVOR, EGGS, CELLULOSE GEL, MUSTARD, POTASSIUM SORBATE (TO PROTECT FRESHNESS), XANTHAN GUM, CELLULOSE GUM, SPICE, PAPRIKA, SUCRALOSE AND ACESULFAME POTASSIUM (SWEETENERS), DRIED GARLIC.
If you have celiac disease or are highly sensitive, it’s best to avoid Miracle Whip and choose a certified gluten-free mayo instead.
You can also check to see: Is Mustard Gluten-Free?
Email This Recipe To Me!
I will email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Recipes Using Mayo:
Not every product from these brands is gluten-free, but they have gluten-free mayonnaise options. Carefully examine the packaging before purchasing.
You can also make homemade mayonnaise really easily.
⚠️ Always double-check product labels and manufacturing practices, since brands can change ingredients or processing methods without warning.
