What Does Vegan Mayo Taste Like?

Veganism has gained popularity over the years due to environmental and ethical concerns.

As a result, vegan substitutes are now available for most animal-based products.

Mayonnaise is one such item where people opt for vegan versions.

But does vegan mayo taste like the original?

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about vegan mayo’s taste, including alternative ingredients used to replace eggs.

Vegan mayo has a slightly different taste than traditional mayonnaise. It is creamier and less tangy, with a milder flavor. Vegan mayonnaise comes in several varieties, including soy, aquafaba, and nut-free options.

What Is Vegan Mayo?

Before we dive into the taste of vegan mayo, let’s first understand what it is.

Traditional mayonnaise is a thick, creamy condiment made of oil, egg yolk, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasoning.

Vegan mayo replaces the egg with plant-based ingredients, resulting in a healthier and animal-free alternative.

VEGANAISE®, a leading vegan mayo brand, was first produced in 2002, since then, several other brands have popped up on shelves.

The vegan mayonnaise market has been growing over the years, with more and more food manufacturers hopping on board to expand their vegan product line.

Vegan mayo, like traditional mayo, is used as a dip, spread, or dressing for sandwiches, salads, and burgers.

What Does Vegan Mayo Taste Like?

The taste of vegan mayo is similar to traditional mayo but differs slightly.

It has a creamier mouthfeel and is less acidic than the original.

The texture may not be as thick as traditional mayo.

Vegan mayo also has a less pungent smell due to the absence of eggs.

It has a milder taste, making it suitable for people who have a low tolerance for tangy flavors.

As vegan mayo doesn’t contain eggs, it has a different flavor profile.

Egg yolks provide mayo with a distinct flavor, and its omission affects its taste.

The removal of eggs results in a smoother and lighter taste.

So, those who don’t enjoy the taste of eggs in their mayo can opt for vegan versions instead.

Many vegan mayonnaise brands use apple cider vinegar in place of white vinegar, making it less tangy.

You may find that certain brands are saltier than others.

Some may have a slightly sweet taste.

How Is Vegan Mayo Made?

There isn’t one definitive answer about how vegan mayo is made.

Different brands use separate ingredients to achieve their vegan mayo variation.

The primary plant-based ingredient used in vegan mayo is either soy or aquafaba.

Soy-based vegan mayo uses soy milk, vinegar, oil, salt, and sugar to achieve its taste profile.

On the other hand, aquafaba veganaise uses aquafaba, lemon juice, mustard, oil, and salt to make the mayo.

Aquafaba is the liquid remaining after cooking chickpeas or other beans in water.

It has similar properties to egg whites, which is why it works well as a vegan egg substitute.

Some vegan mayonnaise brands may also use nut-based ingredients, like cashews or almonds, to make their products.

Variations of Vegan Mayo

Just like traditional mayonnaise, vegan mayo is available in many varieties.

While soy and aquafaba are the most common base ingredients, vegan mayonnaise can be made using several plant-based substitutes.

Here are some examples:

• Aquafaba-Based Vegan Mayo: This vegan mayo is made using chickpea water, lemon juice, olive oil, dijon mustard, salt, and sugar. Aquafaba is what provides the thick and creamy texture, while the other ingredients add flavor.
• Soy-Based Vegan Mayo: Soy-based vegan mayo, like Vegenaise, is a popular choice. It is made using soy milk, vinegar, canola oil, and mustard. This mayo is a good alternative to traditional mayo and is rich in flavor.
• Nut-Free Vegan Mayo: Some people may have nut allergies but still want to try vegan mayo. Nut-free vegan mayo uses aquafaba, vinegar, mustard, oil, and sugar. Instead of nuts, it may use other plant-based ingredients like coconut milk to achieve a mayonnaise substitute.
• Avocado-Based Mayo: Avocado-based mayo is a healthier alternative to traditional mayo, but it isn’t vegan. However, you can easily create a vegan version using vegan-friendly ingredients like aquafaba, lemon juice, and oil. The creamy texture of avocados makes for a delicious vegan mayo option.

Conclusion

The taste of vegan mayo is subjective, and it may differ from brand to brand.

However, some things are constant, like the absence of eggs making the flavor profile less tangy.

The use of different plant-based ingredients like soy, aquafaba, or nuts provides variations in taste and texture.

While some people might prefer traditional mayo, vegan options offer a healthier and sustainable alternative.

It is also perfect for people who are lactose intolerant or have egg allergies.

So, the next time you want to add some flavor to your sandwich or salad, try some vegan mayo instead.

You never know, you might like it more than the original.