Mayo

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Mayo scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch*): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate* And Calcium Disodium Edta): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Dressings & Mayo, this product is more processed than about 71% of the 5,534 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Mayo's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Steak Sauce (Tomato Puree [Water, Tomato Paste], Vinegar, Corn Syrup, Salt, Raisin Paste, Crushed Orange Puree, Spice, Dried Garlic, Caramel Color, Dried Onions, Potassium Sorbate [To Preserve Freshness], Xanthan Gum, Celery Seed).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Phosphoric Acid*.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vitamin E Acetate, Phylloquinone.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.