Hi there! I'm Chef Mike, and I've been whipping up delicious meals and teaching people about food for over 20 years. Mayonnaise is a staple in many kitchens, and I'm happy to break down the ingredients in Hellmann's, a brand many people know and love.

Let's start by clarifying that ingredient lists can vary slightly depending on the country and specific product variation. However, the core ingredients in classic Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise are generally consistent:

1. Soybean Oil: This is the primary ingredient in Hellmann's and most commercial mayonnaises. Soybean oil provides the characteristic rich texture and mouthfeel. It's also relatively shelf-stable, which is important for a product like mayonnaise.

2. Water: Water is crucial for creating the emulsion that makes mayonnaise what it is. Without water, you'd simply have a thick paste of oil and egg yolks.

3. Eggs and/or Egg Yolks: Eggs are the emulsifier that binds the oil and water together. The lecithin in egg yolks is a natural emulsifier, meaning it helps the oil and water droplets disperse evenly and remain stable. This prevents the mayonnaise from separating.

4. Vinegar: Vinegar adds a tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the oil. It also contributes to the preservation of the mayonnaise. Distilled vinegar is the most common type used.

5. Salt: Salt is a flavor enhancer and also acts as a natural preservative, inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

6. Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added to balance the tartness of the vinegar and enhance the overall flavor profile.

7. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice provides a bright, citrusy note that complements the other flavors. Like vinegar, it also acts as a natural preservative.

8. Natural Flavors: This is where things get a little less specific. "Natural flavors" is a broad term used to describe flavoring agents derived from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, or even dairy products. The exact composition of natural flavors can vary and is often a trade secret. In the case of mayonnaise, these natural flavors likely enhance the eggy, buttery notes.

9. Calcium Disodium EDTA: This is a chelating agent. In simpler terms, it binds to metals, like iron, that can be naturally present in ingredients. By binding to these metals, it prevents them from interacting with the mayonnaise and causing undesirable changes in flavor, color, or texture. This helps to extend the shelf life of the mayonnaise.

It's important to note that some variations of Hellmann's mayonnaise might contain additional ingredients. For example, "Light" or "Reduced Fat" versions might use modified food starches to create a similar texture with less oil. Flavored variations, like olive oil mayonnaise, will contain those additional ingredients as well.

Always refer to the ingredient list on the product packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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The actual list of ingredients in Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise are (those that are likely directly or indirectly GMOs are bold): soybean oil, water, whole eggs and egg yolks, vinegar, salt, sugar, lemon juice, calcium disodium EDTA (used to protect quality), natural flavors.read more >>