Does mayonnaise contain egg? Is it safe for egg allergies?
Avoid
Standard mayonnaise is an egg-yolk emulsion — egg is the defining ingredient. Anyone with an egg allergy must avoid regular mayonnaise and any dish made with it.
Why this verdict
- Egg yolks are the emulsifier in mayonnaise — without them it is not mayo.
- Even reduced-fat or 'light' mayonnaise still contains egg yolk.
- Mayonnaise is hidden in coleslaw, potato salad, tuna salad, Caesar dressing, and many sandwich spreads.
Watch out for
- Aioli — essentially garlic-flavoured mayonnaise, always contains egg.
- Restaurant salads dressed with mayo-based dressings that are not labelled.
- Burger sauces and 'secret sauce' blends — almost always mayo-based.
Safer alternatives
- Vegan mayo (aquafaba or soy-based) — widely available in supermarkets and some restaurants
- Hummus as a sandwich spread
- Mustard or avocado-based spreads
What to ask staff
- Is the mayo or aioli made with egg? Is there an egg-free alternative?
- Does the coleslaw, potato salad, or sandwich sauce contain mayonnaise?
Frequently asked
Is vegan mayo egg-free?
Yes — vegan mayonnaise uses aquafaba (chickpea water), soy protein, or other plant-based emulsifiers instead of egg. Brands such as Hellmann's Vegan and Follow Your Heart are common and egg-free.