Mayo

Why Does This Score Highly Processed?

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

• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)*): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum*): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Dressings & Mayo, this product is more processed than about 23% 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: Sugar.

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: Lactic Acid*.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Beta-Apo-8' -Carotenal (For Color)*.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Disodium Edta.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.