Kraft Mayonnaise is a popular condiment made by Kraft Heinz. Many people enjoy using mayonnaise in sandwiches, salads, and various recipes. However, some may be concerned about the carb content of mayonnaise, especially if following a low-carb or keto diet. In this article, we’ll take a look at the nutrition facts for Kraft Mayonnaise to find out if it contains carbs.
Nutrition Facts for Kraft Mayonnaise
Here are the nutrition facts for a 1 tablespoon (14g) serving of Kraft Real Mayonnaise:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 90mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
As you can see from the nutrition label, Kraft Mayonnaise contains 0g of total carbohydrates and 0g of sugar per serving. This means that it is essentially a zero carb food.
Ingredients in Kraft Mayonnaise
To understand why Kraft Mayonnaise contains no carbs, let’s take a look at the ingredients:
– Soybean Oil: The main component of mayonnaise is oil. Soybean oil contains no carbs.
– Water: Plain water does not contain carbs.
– Vinegar: Vinegar is made from fermented carbohydrates but the carb content is negligible in the small amounts used in mayo.
– Egg Yolks: Egg yolks contain almost no carbs. Most of the calories come from fat and protein.
– Salt: Sodium chloride does not contain carbs.
– Sugar: Traditional mayonnaise recipes contain a small amount of sugar to balance flavors. However, Kraft Mayonnaise contains no added sugars.
– Spices and Natural Flavor: These minor ingredients do not add any significant carb content.
So in summary, the ingredients in Kraft Mayonnaise do not contain any carbohydrates, which explains the 0g carbs stated on the nutrition label.
Does All Mayonnaise Have Zero Carbs?
While Kraft Mayonnaise contains no carbs, this may not be true for all brands and recipes. Here are some points to consider:
– Homemade mayonnaise made with sugar will contain some amount of carbs from the added sugar. About 1/4 cup of sugar per cup of mayo would add around 36g of carbs.
– Low-fat mayonnaise can contain added starch thickeners like modified food starch, which may contribute a small amount of carbs. Always check labels.
– Flavored mayonnaise, like chipotle or sriracha, could potentially add a small amount of carbs from the extra ingredients. Check labels to be sure.
– Non-mayo condiments like miracle whip, salad dressing, and aioli often have added sugars and should not be assumed to be zero carb.
The bottom line is that plain mayonnaise made with oil, egg, and vinegar contains no carbohydrates, but other varieties could contain at least a small amount based on the specific ingredients used. Checking nutrition labels is the only way to know for sure.
Benefits of Using Kraft Mayonnaise on a Low-Carb or Keto Diet
Here are some of the benefits of using Kraft Mayonnaise on a carb-restricted diet:
– Adds flavor and moisture to low-carb sandwiches made with ingredients like deli meat, cheese, avocado, and veggies.
– Can be used to make quick low-carb salad dressings when combined with vinegar and seasoning.
– Works as a condiment for low-carb burger recipes made with veggie or turkey patties rather than high-carb buns.
– Provides added fat and richness in keto-friendly recipes like egg salad, chicken salad, or coleslaw.
– Can be used sparingly to add moisture, binding, and flavor when making low-carb baked goods like breads, muffins, and waffles.
– Since it’s shelf-stable, mayo makes a convenient high-fat, zero-carb option to have in the pantry for quick meals and snacks.
So in moderation, Kraft Mayonnaise can be a useful staple ingredient for creating delicious low-carb meals and snacks. Just be mindful of total calories, as mayo is high in fat.
Potential Downsides of Eating Too Much Mayonnaise
While mayonnaise is fine in moderation on a low-carb diet, eating too much could have some potential downsides:
– High in calories and total fat – Each tablespoon of mayo contains 90 calories and 10g of fat. This can quickly add up if using large amounts.
– High in omega-6 fat – Soybean oil contains inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. Balance with omega-3s from other foods.
– Not enough protein or fiber – Large amounts of mayo in place of whole foods can displace more nutrient-dense options.
– Gastrointestinal issues – Some people may experience diarrhea or cramps from eating large amounts of straight oil.
– Not enough micronutrients – Overuse can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies long-term.
– Suboptimal ketosis – Excess calories from mayo could reduce ketone levels by providing too many dietary fat calories.
To avoid these issues, use Kraft Mayonnaise and other oil-based condiments reasonably as part of an overall healthy low-carb or keto diet focused on whole foods. Don’t rely on mayo as a primary fat source.
Healthier Alternatives to Kraft Mayonnaise
For those concerned about the highly processed nature of conventional mayo, here are some healthier alternatives to consider:
– Homemade mayonnaise made with avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil instead of soybean oil.
– Vegan mayonnaise made from oils like avocado, olive or coconut. Brands like Just Mayo use egg alternatives.
– Aioli made from olive oil and garlic instead of soybean oil and vinegar. Can flavor it in many ways.
– Pesto mayonnaise made with olive oil, basil, pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan cheese for added nutrition.
– Greek yogurt lemon mayo made from blending Greek yogurt and lemon juice. Lower in fat than oil-based mayo.
– Hemp seed mayonnaise made using hemp seeds instead of egg yolks. Contains healthy omega fats.
– Sauces like tahini sauce, guacamole, and Baba Ghanoush provide creamy alternatives to mayo in some recipes.
Choosing one of these options can allow you to reduce omega-6 intake, boost nutrition, and avoid highly processed ingredients while still enjoying a zero or low-carb condiment. But Kraft Mayo can still fit into a healthy diet in moderation.
Should You Refrigerate Kraft Mayonnaise After Opening?
Kraft Mayonnaise is shelf-stable before opening, meaning it can be stored at room temperature. However, refrigeration is recommended after opening the jar. Here are some key points on storing and refrigerating open mayonnaise:
– Refrigerating prevents bacterial growth. Mayonnaise is prone to contamination once exposed to air. Cold temperatures slow bacteria growth.
– The high pH of mayonnaise also promotes bacterial growth at room temp. Refrigeration inhibits this.
– Kraft recommends refrigerating after opening and using within 2 months. Their testing shows safe quality within this timeframe.
– Mark the opening date on the jar. Using within 2 months of first opening is ideal for safety and quality.
– Keep the jar towards the back of the fridge, not the door. The door experiences more temperature fluctuations.
– Never return mayo to the pantry after refrigerating. Keep refrigerated consistently once opened.
– Do not freeze mayonnaise. Freezing and thawing causes separation and texture issues.
Following these refrigeration guidelines after opening Kraft Mayonnaise can help prevent foodborne illness while maintaining the signature creamy texture. Tightly seal and store away from refrigerator odors as well.
Conclusion
Kraft Mayonnaise contains zero grams of carbohydrates per serving, making it a keto and low-carb friendly condiment choice. The absence of carbs is explained by the oil-based ingredients. However, moderation is still key to prevent excessive calorie, fat, and omega-6 intake. Homemade or boutique brands offer low-carb alternatives. Once opened, be sure to refrigerate Kraft Mayonnaise and use within 2 months for food safety. Enjoy your zero carb mayo on low-carb burgers, salads, sandwiches, and dips!