Are you someone who is trying to avoid soybean oil due to allergy or dietary restriction? Do you find yourself standing in the condiment aisle at your local supermarket or grocery store, staring at endless rows of mayonnaise bottles and trying to figure out which is free from soybean oil?
While it may seem like an insurmountable task, there are definitely brands of mayo that offer products without soybean oil in them.
In this article, we will discuss the science behind the production of mayo and the exact reason why soybean oil is added as an ingredient.
We’ll also explore some of the ingredients that can be used in place of soybean oil, and showcase some of the best soy-free mayonnaise products available in the market.
Why Is Soybean Oil Added To Mayonnaise?
Before getting to why soybean oil is added to mayonnaise, let us first understand what mayonnaise is and how it’s made, in brief.
So what is mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise is a creamy sauce made by combining two ingredients that dont ever want to combine: water and oil.
It is made by slowly pouring oil into a mixture of egg yolks, vinegar, mustard and water while continuously whisking with a fork or mixer until a smooth and creamy consistency is achieved.
This process of emulsification is what gives mayonnaise its unique texture and flavor.
Now in the process of making mayo, oil is added as a key ingredient. And most of the time, it is soybean oil. But why is that so, you may ask?
The reason why oil is added in mayo is because it aids in creating the emulsion.
As for the choice of soybean oil, it’s because soybean oil in particular, has several properties that make it an ideal ingredient for use in mayo.
For starters, soybean oil is neutral in flavor, which means that it doesn’t overpower other ingredients in the mayonnaise, allowing the flavors of other ingredients such as yolk and mustard to shine through.
Another reason why soybean oil is added to mayonnaise is because of its high smoke point, (around 450°F), which makes it ideal for cooking and frying applications.
Soybean oil also has a neutral color, which gives the mayonnaise its characteristic off-white (or cream) appearance. If an oil with color is used, then the visual appeal of the mayo is lost, although it can still be marketed as “new type of mayo”.
Is Soybean Oil Unhealthy?
Whether soybean oil is healthy or not is a question that depends on a variety of factors such as the type of soybean oil, the amount of it consumed, and an individual’s unique health needs.
To begin with,
Soybean oil has high amounts of polyunsaturated fats, which are fats considered to be healthy and can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol (which will consequently result in a lower risk of heart disease).
Furthermore, soybean oil has a high smoke point which means that it will take really high temperatures for the fats in it to break down and release disease causing compounds called free radicals. This makes it a great choice for cooking applications that involve high heat such as frying or roasting.
Soybean oil is also rich in vitamins, minerals and compounds, all of which provide certain health benefits to the body.
With that said however, it is important to note that soybean oil also contains high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. This is a compound which when consumed in excess can contribute to the development of chronic diseases and even inflammation.
Additionally, many commercially available soybean oils are highly processed which leads to a depletion of their nutritional content.
Then there’s genetically modified soybean oil (GMO), which is derived from soybeans that have been genetically modified in order to increase their yield and to provide resistance to pests and diseases.
While some studies suggest that genetically modified soybean oil may be safe for consumption and have no adverse effects on health.
Others base their arguments on the fact that the long-term effects of consuming GMOs are not yet fully understood and that they may have negative consequences on health.
It’s also important to note that some individuals can develop an allergy to soy which can trigger serious reactions that would require medical intervention.
Is There Mayo Without Soybean Oil?
Many mayonnaise brands exist that do not contain soybean oil as an ingredient.
These typically contain a different type of oil to serve as a replacement for soybean oil.
Some of the replacement oils used include:
Sunflower oil: This oil is derived from the seeds of the sunflower plant and just like soybeans oil, has a mild flavor and high smoke point.
Avocado oil: Avocado oil is obtained from the flesh of avocado fruit, and is a very healthy and nutritious alternative to soy sauce. It also has a neutral flavor which makes sit great for use in mayonnaise.
Canola oil: Canola oil is obtained from the seeds of the rapeseed plant “canola” and it has low levels of saturated fat (which is food), has high smoke point and is also neutral in flavor.
Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is also another healthy and flavorful alternative to soybean oil, although it can affect the flavor and taste of the final mayo due to its strong flavor.
Grapeseed oil: As the name implies, grapeseed oil is derived from grape seeds. It is a neutral tasting oil that is light in texture and rich in vitamins.
These oils can be used on their own or in combination to create a product with a targetted flavor, texture, and nutritional profile.
What are Popular Brands Of Mayonnaise That Don’t Contain Soybean Oil?
Here are some popular brands that offer soybean oil free mayonnaise.
- Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo
- Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayo
- Chosen Foods Classic Avocado Oil Mayo
- Hellmann’s Olive Oil Mayo
- Spectrum Naturals Organic Mayonnaise with Olive Oil
- Trader Joe’s Organic Mayonnaise
Does Mayo With Soybean Oil Taste Better Than Without?
The palatability of mayonnaise, with or without soybean oil, remains a highly subjective matter.
Some people may find themselves drawn to the taste of mayonnaise made with soybean oil due to its neutral profile which allows other ingredients to shine through in the mix.
Some may also prefer the smoother and more velvety consistency of mayo with soy that without it.
On the other hand, some may assert that mayonnaise produced with alternative oils, such as olive or avocado oil, boasts a more distinguished and captivating flavor profile that can serve to elevate the overall taste of their cuisine.
Such a preference for alternative oils may also stem from a desire to incorporate healthier and more nourishing ingredients into their diet.
At the end of the day, the choice of oil in mayonnaise all boils down to personal preference and taste.
Whether one opts for soybean oil, avocado oil, or olive oil, the critical element is to ensure that the mayo complements the dish it accompanies, resulting in a delectable culinary experience.
