Looking for a creamy, lowcarb mayo that wont wreck your macros? In just a few minutes you can whisk together egg yolks, a splash of lemon juice, a touch of mustard, and the right oil for a silkysmooth spread thats totally ketofriendly.
Forget the pricey, mysteryfilled jars you see on the shelf when you make it yourself you control every ingredient, dodge hidden sugars, and get a fresher flavor thatll make your sandwiches sing. Lets dive straight into the recipe and the knowhow that keeps it from splitting, staying safe, and tasting amazing.
Why Make Keto Mayo
First off, why bother with a DIY version when the store already has sugarfree mayonnaise? Heres the lowdown:
Health perks of a lowcarb, sugarfree mayo
- Zero net carbs means steady bloodsugar levels a big win on keto.
- Good fats (especially from avocado or olive oil) support heart health and keep you full longer.
- No hidden syrups or refined vegetable oils that can sneak in unwanted calories.
Potential pitfalls & how to avoid them
Homemade mayo can split if the oils added too fast, or it can get a strange offflavor if you use the wrong oil. Raw eggs raise a salmonella concern for somedont worry, well cover safety tricks.
Expert tip
According to the USDA National Agricultural Library, eggs are a safe source of protein when theyre fresh or pasteurized, and the risk of salmonella drops dramatically with a brief blanch.
Personal anecdote
The first time I tried a keto mayo, the mixture curdled like a bad shampoo. After a quick rescue with a fresh egg yolk and a steady hand, it turned into a glossy, dreamy sauce. That moment taught me the importance of a slow oil stream and a sturdy immersion blender.
Core Ingredients
All you really need are four pantry staples. You can swap a few things to suit your taste or dietary quirks thats the beauty of a simple recipe.
Egg yolks the emulsifier
Egg yolks contain lecithin, a natural emulsifier that binds oil and water together. Without it, youd end up with a greasy puddle instead of mayo.
Mustard flavor & stability
Traditional recipes call for Dijon mustard. If youve ever wondered how to make keto mayonnaise without mustard, you can skip it, but know that mustard adds a little acidity that helps keep the emulsion stable.
Oil choices
- Avocado oil high in monounsaturated fats, neutral taste, perfect for a buttery mouthfeel.
- Extralight olive oil a keto mayonnaise recipe with olive oil works great if you prefer the subtle fruitiness of olives. Just avoid extravirgin olive oil; its strong flavor can overpower the mayo.
Acid lemon juice or whitewine vinegar
A splash of citrus brightens the flavor and adds an extra safety layer against bacterial growth.
Nutrition snapshot
| Ingredient | Calories | Net Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 large egg yolks | 110 | 0g | 9g |
| 1tsp Dijon mustard | 5 | 0g | 0.3g |
| 1tsp lemon juice | 1 | 0.3g | 0g |
| 1cup avocado oil | 960 | 0g | 108g |
StepbyStep Recipe
Ready to roll up your sleeves? This version uses an immersion blender because its fast, messfree, and perfect for beginners. If you dont have one, well also cover the foodprocessor and goodold whisk methods.
Classic 4Ingredient Method (Immersion Blender)
- Gather a tall, narrow container (the kind that comes with many immersion blenders).
- Add 2 egg yolks, 1tsp Dijon mustard, and 1tsp lemon juice. Give it a quick whirl to combine.
- Start the blender on low and very slowly drizzle 1cup avocado oil in a thin, steady stream. Patience is key the slower the pour, the smoother the emulsion.
- Continue blending until the mixture thickens to a glossy, spoonable consistency (usually 3045 seconds).
- Season with a pinch of sea salt and, if you like, a dash of black pepper. Taste and adjust lemon or salt as needed.
Alternative Tools
If you dont own an immersion blender, no worries. Heres how to adapt:
Food processor
- Pulse the yolks, mustard, and lemon juice a few times.
- While the processor runs, drizzle oil through the feed tube slowly.
- Stop and scrape the sides as needed; the texture should be thick and creamy.
Whisk & MasonJar shake
Combine the wet ingredients in a large mason jar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously while adding oil in a thin stream. This method takes a bit more arm power, but its a fun party trick.
Variation: Keto Mayo with Boiled Eggs
If youre nervous about raw eggs, you can use hardboiled yolks instead. Peel two hardboiled eggs, mash the yolks, then follow the same oildrizzling steps. The mayo will be a tad thicker, perfect for spreading on burgers.
Troubleshooting checklist
- Split mayo: Add a fresh egg yolk and blend again.
- Too thin: Blend longer or add a tiny bit more oil.
- Gritty texture: Ensure your oil is at room temperature; very cold oil can cause graininess.
Flavor & AddIn Ideas
Once youve mastered the base, the skys the limit for flavor twists. All stay ketoapproved.
Herb & spice boosters
- Fresh dill + a pinch of garlic powder for a classic herbed mayo.
- Smoked paprika + a splash of chipotle for a smoky kick.
- Ground cumin + lime zest for a Mexican flair.
Sweetfree twists
If you crave a whisper of sweetness (think a honeymustard vibe), add a pinch of erythritol or monk fruit. This turns the spread into a sugar free mayonnaise recipe that still feels indulgent.
Regional twist: Keto Mayonnaise Recipe South Africa
South African palates love bold, spicy flavors. Stir in tsp periperi seasoning or a spoonful of chakalaka relish, and youve got a condiment that pairs perfectly with braai meats or grilled veggies.
StoreBought vs. Homemade Which Is Truly Keto?
Lets settle the ageold question: is a grocerystore jar ever as good as a homemade batch?
Is Hellmans Mayonnaise Keto Friendly?
Hellmans regular mayo lists 0g carbs per serving, but the sugarfree version sneaks in a few hidden carbs from modified food starch. A quick glance at the label shows ~0.5g net carbs per tablespoon marginal, but still a point to consider if youre counting every gram.
Top SugarFree Mayonnaise Brands (2025)
| Brand | Net Carbs/ tbsp | Main Oil | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| KetoCo | 0g | Avocado | 5.99 |
| Primal Kitchen | 0g | Olive | 6.49 |
| Chosen Foods | 0g | Olive | 5.79 |
| Hellmans (Zero Sugar) | 0.5g | Soybean | 3.99 |
These brands all tout no added sugar, but the oil profiles differ. Avocadooil mayo often has a richer mouthfeel and more monounsaturated fats than soybeanoil versions, which can be a deciding factor for hearthealthconscious folks.
Safe Handling, Storage & Shelf Life
Fresh mayo is a delight, but its also perishable. Follow these guidelines to keep it safe and tasty.
Refrigeration guidelines (710days)
Store your homemade mayo in a clean, airtight jar. Keep the temperature below 40F (4C). If you notice any offsmell, discoloration, or a foamy surface, toss it better safe than sorry.
Freezing keto mayo?
Freezing is possible, but the texture may become grainy once thawed. If you do freeze, use smaller portions, thaw slowly in the fridge, and give it a quick whisk before serving.
Visual & scent checklist for spoilage
- Smell: sour or eggy odors are red flags.
- Appearance: any pink or purple tints indicate bacterial growth.
- Texture: excessive watery separation means the emulsion has broken beyond repair.
Quick Recap & CalltoAction
In a nutshell, the perfect keto mayo is just four ingredients away: whisk two yolks, a teaspoon of Dijon, a splash of lemon, and slowly blend in a cup of avocado or extralight olive oil. The result is a silky, zeronetcarb spread that outperforms most storebought sugarfree jarsincluding the oftenquestioned Hellmans version.
Now that youve got the basics, experiment! Add a dash of periperi for a South African spin, toss in fresh herbs for a gardenfresh vibe, or mix in a pinch of erythritol for a caramelkissed dip. Share your favorite flavor combos with friends, tag a fellow keto enthusiast, or save this page for your next grocery run.
Whats your goto mayo makeover? Let us knowyou might just inspire the next kitchen triumph!
FAQs
Can I use raw eggs safely in keto mayonnaise?
Yes, if you use fresh or pasteurized eggs the risk of salmonella is minimal. For extra safety, briefly blanch the eggs or buy pasteurized egg yolks.
What oil works best for a keto-friendly mayo?
Avocado oil provides a neutral taste and high monounsaturated fats, making it ideal. Extra‑light olive oil is also great; avoid extra‑virgin olive oil as its strong flavor can dominate the mayo.
How long does homemade keto mayo keep in the refrigerator?
Store it in an airtight jar at ≤ 40°F (4°C). It stays fresh for 5–7 days. Discard it if you notice a sour smell, off‑color, or watery separation.
Can I make keto mayonnaise without mustard?
You can omit mustard, but it helps stabilize the emulsion and adds subtle acidity. If you skip it, blend the oil even more slowly and consider adding a pinch of extra lemon juice.
Is freezing keto mayonnaise possible?
Yes, but the texture may become slightly grainy after thawing. Freeze in small portions, thaw slowly in the fridge, and whisk briefly before using.
