Chick-fil-A is a popular fast food restaurant chain known for its chicken sandwiches and signature sauces. One of the sauces often used on Chick-fil-A sandwiches and waffle fries is the creamy, tangy Chick-fil-A mayonnaise.
Ingredients
According to the Chick-fil-A website, the ingredients in Chick-fil-A mayonnaise are:
- Soybean Oil
- Water
- Vinegar
- Eggs
- Egg Yolks
- Salt
- Sugar
- Lemon Juice
- Calcium Disodium EDTA (to protect flavor)
- Natural Flavor
The main ingredients in Chick-fil-A mayonnaise are soybean oil, water, vinegar, eggs, and egg yolks. This combination of ingredients gives the mayonnaise its smooth, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for a serving size of 1 oz (28g) of Chick-fil-A mayonnaise are:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 0g |
As you can see, the majority of the calories and fat in Chick-fil-A mayonnaise come from the soybean oil. There is also some cholesterol from the egg yolks. The mayonnaise provides almost no protein, fiber, or sugars.
How Chick-fil-A Mayonnaise is Made
Chick-fil-A mayonnaise is made using a careful process to achieve its signature taste and texture. Here are the key steps:
- The soybean oil, egg yolks, and most of the water are combined together and homogenized to form an emulsion.
- The vinegar, salt, sugar, lemon juice, and flavorings are blended together separately.
- The emulsion and flavor blend are then combined and homogenized again to make the mayonnaise.
- The mayonnaise is pasteurized to kill any potential pathogens.
- Finally, calcium disodium EDTA is added as the mayonnaise is packaged to help maintain its stability, texture, and flavor.
Creating an emulsion with the oil and egg yolks gives Chick-fil-A mayonnaise its thick, creamy texture. Careful blending of the flavors results in the tangy, savory taste.
Uses for Chick-fil-A Mayonnaise
Chick-fil-A mayonnaise has a versatile flavor profile that pairs well with many foods and recipes. Here are some of the most popular uses for Chick-fil-A mayonnaise:
- As a condiment on Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwiches and waffle fries
- As a creamy base for coleslaw recipes and potato salads
- As an ingredient in creamy salad dressings, dips, and sauces
- Spread on a sandwich or wrap in place of plain mayo
- Swirled into soups like chicken noodle for added richness
- Baked into savory breads, biscuits, and muffins
- Used to make chicken, egg, or tuna salad
- As a creamy sauce for grilled or roasted vegetables
The tangy, eggy flavor of Chick-fil-A mayonnaise adds a delicious creaminess and moisture to a wide variety of foods beyond just sandwiches and fries.
How to Make Homemade Chick-fil-A Mayo
If you love the signature taste of Chick-fil-A mayo, you can recreate it at home with this easy recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup soybean or canola oil
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, blend the egg yolk, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, salt, sugar, and cayenne until smooth.
- With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in the oil and blend until thick and creamy.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more lemon juice for tanginess or cayenne for a kick.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using to allow flavors to meld.
- Store homemade mayo in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Making your own Chick-fil-A-style mayo at home gives you total control over the ingredients. You can play around with different oil, vinegar, and seasoning combinations to customize the flavor.
Chick-fil-A Mayonnaise vs Regular Mayonnaise
So how does Chick-fil-A mayonnaise stack up against traditional store-bought mayonnaise varieties? Here’s a detailed comparison:
| Attribute | Chick-fil-A Mayonnaise | Regular Mayonnaise |
|---|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Soybean oil, egg yolks, water, vinegar | Soybean or canola oil, egg yolks, water, vinegar |
| Texture | Thick, creamy, smooth | Thick and creamy, or light and smooth |
| Flavor | Tangy, savory, eggy | Mild, slightly sweet |
| Uses | Sandwiches, salads, marinades, dips | Wide variety of uses |
| Calories and fat | 90 calories and 10g fat per serving | 80-110 calories and 8-12g fat per serving |
| Sodium | 125mg per serving | 90-180mg per serving |
As you can see, Chick-fil-A mayo is quite comparable to regular commercially made mayonnaises in its nutrition profile. The main differences are that Chick-fil-A mayo has a tangier, more prominent flavor thanks to extra egg yolks and lemon juice.
Potential Health Concerns
For most people, eating Chick-fil-A mayonnaise in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet should not pose any health risks. However, there are a few things certain individuals may want to keep in mind:
- Food allergies – Chick-fil-A mayo contains egg and soy ingredients, which are common food allergens.
- Sodium – The 125mg of sodium per serving may be high for those limiting salt in their diets.
- Trans fats – While Chick-fil-A mayo does not contain trans fats, the soybean oil may include small amounts of trans fats formed during processing.
- Cholesterol – The egg yolks add dietary cholesterol, which some people aim to restrict.
As with any food, your individual dietary needs and restrictions should guide how much Chick-fil-A mayonnaise you can enjoy. Consulting a doctor or dietitian can help determine if this condiment fits into your nutrition plan.
Chick-fil-A Mayonnaise Reviews
Chick-fil-A fans are quite passionate about the signature mayonnaise sauce. Here are some reviews of the flavors and textures:
“This tangy, creamy mayo is what makes Chick-fil-A sandwiches so tasty. It adds a delicious creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.”
“Their mayo has the perfect balance of rich egg flavor and bright lemon and vinegar notes. I love drizzling it on top of those hot, crispy waffle fries too!”
“Compared to regular mayo, Chick-fil-A’s version has so much more dimension of flavor. It’s almost lemon-aioli-esque with the zesty citrus taste.”
“Between the juicy chicken, soft bun, and cool crunch of lettuce and tomato, the mayo pulls it all together. It’s an essential condiment for any Chick-fil-A sandwich.”
“Some mayo is too heavy, but the mayo at Chick-fil-A is light and creamy without being greasy. It’s mayo perfection!”
Most reviews praise the tangy lemon notes, creaminess, and well-balanced flavor that makes this condiment the perfect accompaniment to Chick-fil-A’s famous chicken. The mayonnaise is truly one of the keys to the signature taste their fans crave.
Where to Buy Chick-fil-A Mayonnaise
If you want to enjoy Chick-fil-A mayonnaise outside the restaurant, here are a few ways to purchase it:
- Buy it in restaurants – Ask for extra mayo packets with your meal or order a side of mayo for dipping.
- Online – Chick-fil-A sells their mayonnaise by the bottle online for delivery nationwide.
- Grocery stores – Some grocery chains like Walmart, Target, and Kroger have started selling Chick-fil-A mayo bottles.
- Amazon – Third-party resellers offer cases of Chick-fil-A mayo bottles on Amazon.
- Make it – Follow copycat recipes to recreate the flavor at home.
The availability of Chick-fil-A mayonnaise online and in stores has expanded in recent years due to popular demand. Fans no longer have to go just get their fix at the restaurant.
Final Thoughts
Chick-fil-A mayonnaise is more than just your average condiment – it has an almost cult-like following! The unique blend of savory egg flavor, tangy lemon, and creamy texture make it the perfect complement to Chick-fil-A’s signature chicken. With simple ingredients like soybean oil, egg yolks, and vinegar, this mayo has a versatility that allows it to enhance everything from waffle fries to coleslaw. Though it has similar nutrition stats to regular mayo, the distinct flavor profile gives it an edge for true Chick-fil-A fans. Next time you bite into a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, savor the creamy goodness that is their beloved mayonnaise sauce.