Is Plant Based Mayo Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Hellmann's
This page reviews Plant Based Mayo by Hellmann's as a sauce condiment. Its current score is 60/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Calcium Disodium Edta.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes rapeseed oil and modified starch, which are common in mayonnaise. However, the presence of calcium disodium EDTA as an antioxidant raises quality concerns due to its synthetic nature.
Main concern
Calcium disodium EDTA is a synthetic antioxidant that raises concerns about the use of artificial preservatives.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains rapeseed oil, a common base for mayonnaise, providing a familiar texture.
- Natural flavorings derived from mustard contribute to the flavor profile without artificial additives.
- Lemon juice concentrate adds a natural acidity, enhancing the overall taste.
- Paprika extract is used for color, providing a natural alternative to synthetic colorants.
Concerns
- Calcium disodium EDTA is a synthetic antioxidant that raises concerns about the use of artificial preservatives.
- Modified starch is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to those seeking minimal processing.
- The inclusion of sugar may be unnecessary for a condiment, raising concerns about added sweetness.
- Thickener xanthan gum, while common, is a processed ingredient that some consumers may wish to avoid.
Who should avoid this product?
You may want to be cautious with this product if you are:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this sauce condiment and why it matters.
-
Is Rapeseed Oil safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Rapeseed Oil is used here as base. Rapeseed oil serves as the primary fat source in this mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture. While it is a common ingredient, concerns about processing methods exist.
Role in formula: base
Original: rapeseed oil (52%)
-
Is Water safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is a fundamental ingredient that helps achieve the desired consistency in mayonnaise without adding calories or flavor.
Role in formula: base
Original: water
-
Is Spirit Vinegar safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Spirit Vinegar is used here as acidulant. Spirit vinegar adds acidity, which is essential for flavor balance in mayonnaise. It is a natural ingredient that enhances preservation.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: spirit vinegar
-
Is Modified Starch safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Modified Starch is used here as thickener. Modified starch is used to improve texture and stability in the product. However, it is a processed ingredient that may not align with clean label preferences.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modified starch
-
Is Sugar safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is included to enhance flavor, but its necessity in a mayonnaise product can be questioned, as it may contribute to unwanted sweetness.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a common seasoning that enhances flavor in mayonnaise. It is essential for taste but should be monitored for overall intake.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Natural Flavourings safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Natural Flavourings is used here as flavor. Natural flavourings derived from mustard contribute to the product's taste profile without the use of artificial flavors, though their exact composition is unspecified.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavourings (contain mustard)
-
Is Lemon Juice Concentrate safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Lemon Juice Concentrate is used here as acidulant. Lemon juice concentrate provides natural acidity and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the mayonnaise without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: lemon juice concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Lemon Juice Concentrate
-
Is Xanthan Gum safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a common thickening agent that helps stabilize the product. While it is widely used, it is a processed ingredient that some consumers may avoid.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: thickener (xanthan gum)
-
Is Calcium Disodium Edta safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Calcium Disodium Edta is used here as antioxidant. Calcium disodium EDTA is a synthetic antioxidant used to prevent spoilage. Its presence raises concerns about the use of artificial preservatives in food products.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: antioxidant (calcium disodium edta)
-
Is Paprika Extract safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is used for coloring, providing a natural alternative to synthetic colorants. It also adds a mild flavor, enhancing the product's appeal.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: paprika extract
-
Is Sunflower Oil safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is another fat source that contributes to the creamy texture of the mayonnaise. It is a common ingredient but may raise concerns about processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: sunflower oil
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 4222035
More from this brand: Hellmann's products in Zerotox
Similar products: sauce_condiment in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: mustard
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.