Does Mayo Have Dairy?
No — mayo is dairy free.
Mayonnaise contains eggs but no milk. Confusion comes from its creamy texture and the way restaurants store it near dairy-based sauces.
Classic mayo is dairy free but not egg free.
The emulsion is made from egg yolks, oil, acid, and salt. Those ingredients keep mayo dairy free, but not vegan. Only aioli’s served with crème fraîche or sour cream-based sandwich spreads contain dairy.
- Eggs ≠ dairy, but mayo is not vegan.
- Creamy dressings that blend mayo with yogurt become dairy products.
- Avocado- and olive-oil mayo offer cleaner fats.
Ingredient Analysis
Egg yolks + oil
Naturally dairy free ingredients.
Acids
Distilled vinegar or lemon juice keeps the emulsion bright and dairy free.
Restaurant mixes
Some sauces mix mayo with sour cream or buttermilk—ask for ingredient lists.
Is it GF/DF/Vegan/Healthy?
Gluten-Free
See our gluten-free mayo entry for details.
Dairy-Free
No milk ingredients are used.
Vegan
Egg yolks make mayo unsuitable for vegans.
Healthy
Choose clean-oil mayo and moderate portions.
What to Look for on Labels
Read combo sauces
Ranch, Thousand Island, and creamy dressings often mix mayo with dairy.
Mind cross-contact
Shared deli scoops can pick up sour cream from other dips.
Spot vegan callouts
Vegan mayo uses aquafaba or pea protein instead of eggs.
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