Mayonnaise has a way of getting to your taste buds irrespective of use case. I can imagine a week passing by without having some mayonnaise, be it on my sandwiches, shawarma, steak, salads, corn dogs, etc.
However, being diabetic means we can’t just eat recklessly without considering the impact each food could have on our overall health. So, my mayonnaise journey so far has been strictly tailored not to be of any concern to my blood sugar levels, and this article contains just everything you need to know concerning the best mayo for diabetics.
Understanding Diabetics
When you’re diagnosed with diabetes, either type 1 or type 2, it simply means your body is insulin deficient or inefficient—producing less or not making at all. In the absence of insulin, blood sugar spikes are guaranteed—causing numerous health problems.
Type 1 diabetic patients need that daily shot of insulin and a well-tailored diet plan that ensures they utilize their shots and keep their blood sugar within the targeted range.
As for prediabetics and type 2 diabetics, exercise and a strict eating regimen will effectively help reverse diabetes in the case of prediabetics and manage the condition in the case of type 2 diabetics. However, in cases where exercise and dieting can’t do it alone, your healthcare provider may recommend insulin shots.
Also, high cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels are common, necessitating the need to avoid overboard consumption of fatty foods.
This may seem a bit counter-logic since I always recommend the intake of fats to help slow down how quickly carbs are converted to glucose and transported into the bloodstream. However, the amount and source of fat are what matter here.
What is the best mayonnaise for diabetics?
- Kewpie
- Avocado Mayo
- Veganaise
- Baconnaise
- Duke’s Mayonnaise
- Hellmann’s and Best Foods
Kewpie
There is a sea of mayonnaise out there, but kewpie mayonnaise or Japanese mayonnaise is one of the best mayonnaises for diabetics as it contains zero carbs. However, it has a slightly higher cholesterol level due to the use of only egg yolks as opposed to the use of yolks and egg whites in regular mayonnaise.
This mayonnaise is made with pasteurized eggs, vegetable oil, MGS (mostly in the versions sold in Japan), a mix of apple cider and rice vinegar (sometimes malt vinegar may be used, making it not gluten-free), and salt. You will be glad to know that kewpie mayo contains both the healthy fat and protein needed to regulate your HbA1c levels (the ability of your body to regulate blood sugar).
Kewpie mayo has a rich taste that can easily shine on a steak, sandwich, salad, or whatever the use case may be. The use of only egg yolks makes it creamier than the regular mayonnaise, and it has a rich umami flavor that never fails to excite the taste buds.
Avocado Mayo
The good thing about my list of the best mayonnaise for diabetics is that you will get to learn about mayonnaise you haven’t heard of before, but I’ll try to keep it simple—because if I should take you through my entire cache of mayonnaise—you will be blown away. Mayonnaise can be made from almost anything.
Unlike you are currently thinking, this mayonnaise isn’t made from avocado fruit flesh; rather, it is made from oil derived from avocado instead of the regular vegetable oil used in other mayonnaise. Avocado mayo contains 15 mg of cholesterol and zero grams of sugar or carbs per tablespoon.
As I mentioned earlier, fat is great at slowing down how quickly glucose enters the bloodstream, but the source of the fat matters. Avocado mayo boasts of healthy monosaturated fat that helps regulate sugar without messing with your waistline. You can whip this mayo at home and be guaranteed a creamy, less airy condiment with a hint of avocado.
Vegan mayo
If you want to eat from, eat the biggest one to get the complete experience. Likewise, if you want to try vegan mayonnaise, what other brand than the OG itself—the pioneer of the vegan mayo movement—Veganaise?
My first experience with this mayonnaise was traumatizing. Prior to that event, I had never seen someone eat mayonnaise and rice close up. My friend who introduced the mayonnaise to me mixed the mayo into a bowl of rice and ate it like that. I sincerely threw up!
However, after that event, I had to try the mayonnaise for myself, and it turned out to be a great experience. Vegan mayonnaise has zero carbs and can be made oil-free or nut-based, depending on the brand—making it easy to find your preference if you have allergies. The most common ingredients are mustard, sweeteners, aquafaba (chickpea brine), and vinegar.
Baconnaise
If you appreciate the taste of bacon, you’ll love mayonnaise—a bacon-flavored food spread that is kosher-certified and vegan. The brand has kept its main recipe a secret, but this condiment doesn’t contain bacon or artificial flavors. Its ingredients include soybean oil, egg yolk, yeast extract, stabilizer, modified food starch, xanthan gum, etc. Like other mayonnaise, it contains zero carbs per tablespoon.
Duke’s Mayonnaise
Duke’s mayonnaise is not only a smooth and creamy condiment that pairs easily with your use case but also one of the best mayo for diabetics on the market. Duke’s mayo uses soybean oil, egg, water, distilled cider vinegar, paprika, salt, and natural flavor and contains zero carbs.
Hellmann’s and Best Foods
This list can’t be complete without one of America’s finest; Hellmann’s and Best Foods. While marketed by those two names, they basically have the same taste and ingredients. Beyond mayonnaise, they also produce ketchup, mustards, and a whole lot of condiments.
As for the taste, you should expect a mildly tart, creamy, and airy condiment with a hint of lemon. You can use it for your sandwiches and salads, and be sure that it won’t overpower the entire flavor of your dish. Like the other mayonnaise on this list, you should expect zero carbs per tablespoon, but do confirm from the labels of the particular product.
Summing Up
Diabetics can enjoy mayonnaise just like everyone else, as most of them are rich in fat and protein and won’t lead to a blood sugar spike since they also have zero carbs. However, your entire meal should be put into consideration and not exceed your carb quota.
