With summer quickly coming, one thing is certain: there will be an increase in the amount of backyard barbecues and picnic potlucks in your life! Of course, this is accompanied with a bevy of creamy, beautiful salads. Whether you prefer macaroni salad over potato salad or want cool green salads drenched in thick, velvety sauces.
If you’ve had any of these recipes, you’re already familiar with the exceptional flavor of condiments like mayonnaise and Miracle Whip. So what distinguishes these two items from one another? How do you know when to choose one over the other, and does it really matter?
Although they may seem and function similarly, Miracle Whip and mayonnaise differ significantly in key respects. Let’s learn all there is to know about these two popular condiments, which will perhaps help you decide whether to buy mayo or Miracle Whip the next time you go grocery shopping.
Contents
- What is Miracle Whip?
- What is Mayonnaise?
- Other Mayonnaise and Miracle Whip Questions
- Comparing Mayonnaise and Miracle Whip: Final Thoughts
- FAQs
- Is Miracle Whip better for you than mayonnaise?
- How is Miracle Whip different than mayo?
- Can I substitute Miracle Whip for mayonnaise?
- Why is it called Miracle Whip?
- Why can’t Miracle Whip be called mayonnaise?
- What is the healthiest mayonnaise to eat?
- What are the little red dots in Miracle Whip?
- Which is better for you Hellman’s mayonnaise or Miracle Whip?
- Does Miracle Whip have to be refrigerated?
- How healthy is Miracle Whip?
What is Miracle Whip?
Maybe the most distinctive feature of Miracle Whip is that it is a trademarked phrase that refers to a completely distinct product made and distributed by a single company: Kraft Foods. Miracle Whip immediately gained popularity in the condiment aisle after making its debut at the 1933 World’s Fair (yes, that long ago!). Miracle Whip is not truly mayonnaise since, according to the FDA, any product advertised as such must contain at least 65% vegetable oil, which Miracle Whip does not fulfill.
While being advertised as a less expensive alternative to salad dressing, Miracle Whip evolved to be used in many of the same ways as mayonnaise, whether spread over sandwiches or mixed with all sorts of salads.
The distinct taste and new texture of this salad dressing unlike other salad dressings of the period stayed with me! When the low-fat diet fad erupted in the 1980s, products like Miracle Whip gained a competitive advantage by having a nutritional label that had significantly less fat than oil-based condiments like mayonnaise.
Types of Miracle Whip
There are various varieties of Miracle Whip to pick from:
- Original Miracle Whip: the original form of this crave-worthy condiment!
- Miracle Whip Lite has somewhat fewer fat and calories than the original.
- Miracle Whip Olive Oil: instead of using soybean oil and high fructose corn syrup, this variant uses olive oil and genuine sugar.
- Miracle Whip with 50% Reduced Sodium and Cholesterol: the original recipe has been modified to contain half the quantity of salt and cholesterol.
What is Miracle Whip Made of?
Miracle Whip is made up of various components, the most important of which are listed below. The foundation is made of water and vinegar, as well as soybean oil and high fructose corn syrup, and is thickened with eggs and cornstarch. Miracle Whip gets its distinctive taste from seasonings including paprika, garlic, mustard powder, and, of course, salt. The precise proportions of these components are unknown, and additional crucial flavorings are merely labeled as spice on the ingredients label, making the Miracle Whip formula a trade secret!
So how can all of these components combine to produce such a light and creamy texture? Everything about the product’s whipped texture (even its name!) is due to a significant advancement in food technology. Kraft had developed a sophisticated emulsifying machine that was exceptionally successful at whipping ingredients into a cohesive, creamy dressing with a flawlessly spreadable consistency. This machine was named The Miracle Whip, and they chose to name their flagship product after it as well.
What Does Miracle Whip Taste Like?
Since Miracle Whip includes added sugar, it has a sweet flavor that may surprise someone who hasn’t tried it before or is expecting it to taste like mayonnaise. The recipe’s healthy dosage of vinegar adds a noticeable acidic flavor, while the extra spices and herbs lend a distinct flavor punch to the dressing.
Miracle Whip Nutrition
Miracle Whip has almost half the fat and calories of mayonnaise! This is fantastic news for anybody managing their fat consumption or calorie intake. Miracle whip achieves this fat and calorie decrease by using less oil and substituting it with other stabilizing components such as cornstarch.
The drawback is that there is more sugar, which is regrettably in the form of high fructose corn syrup. This commonly used sweetener is still controversial, but the main conclusion is that it seems to be unhealthy. High fructose corn syrup seems to contribute to inflammation, obesity, and liver damage in ways that conventional table sugar does not.
Although the levels of high fructose corn syrup and other processed components in a serving size of Miracle Whip are very modest, the main fact is that this is a processed product with limited nutritious value.
Where to Get Miracle Whip
Whether you’re a long-time Miracle Whip fan or want to experience the sweet and tangy flavor for the first time, you’ll be pleased to know that Miracle Whip is readily accessible and can be found on the shelves of most large grocery shops and supermarket chains. It may be found in the condiment aisle, right among all of the mayonnaise alternatives, which may be one of the reasons Miracle Whip is sometimes mislabeled as a sort of mayonnaise when, in fact, it is a totally distinct product.
What is Mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise is an emulsified sauce, and a very essential one at that! According to some accounts, it is one of the basic mother sauces of traditional French cuisine, alongside hollandaise and tomat, to mention a few. Unlike Miracle Whip, which is a single product sold by a single brand, mayonnaise is merely a sort of sauce, which means that anybody may create and sell a version of mayonnaise and call it that!
Numerous additional sauces and condiments, such as rmoulade and tartar sauce, are developed from mayo. Aioli is a trendy spin on mayonnaise that is often featured on restaurant menus. Aioli, which is often considered identical with mayonnaise, has certain unique qualities of its own while borrowing taste and texture from mayonnaise.
Types of Mayonnaise
One trip to the condiment aisle will show you exactly how many mayonnaise possibilities there are! There are various prominent national brands, as well as small-batch alternatives and handmade ones galore!
- The Best Foods Genuine mayonnaise: the name varies by location, but both of these mayos are the same! Hellmans
- Kraft Genuine Mayonnaise: Indeed, the same firm that makes Miracle Whip also makes numerous varieties of true mayonnaise, ranging from fat-free to avocado-infused.
- Heinz Real Mayonnaise: This well-known ketchup company also produces a variety of other condiments, including fluffy white mayonnaise.
- Dukes Genuine Mayonnaise: Dukes is a Southern staple known for its extra vinegary taste and ultra-creamy texture when compared to other mayonnaises.
- Kewpie Mayonnaise: This Japanese-style mayonnaise is thicker than other versions and is flavored with umami-rich MSG.
- Store Brands & Regional Varieties: From Trader Joe’s to Walmart and Whole Foods, several major grocery store chains sell their own variations of this popular condiment.
What is Mayonnaise Made of?
Although Miracle Whip has a fairly narrow ingredient list, the fact that mayonnaise refers to a sort of sauce rather than a specific variety means that a far broader range of components is employed. Most mayonnaises, however, are based on a small number of components.
To begin, most traditional mayonnaise recipes call for actual eggs (either whole eggs, egg yolks, or a mix of the two) and some form of vegetable oil, most often soybean, canola, or olive.
The qualities of the egg yolk emulsify mayonnaise, giving it a thick, creamy, almost gelatinous texture. Most mayonnaises are then seasoned with acidity in the form of vinegar or lemon juice (or both! ), salt, sugar, and sometimes other special spices or seasonings.
What Does Mayonnaise Taste Like?
Mayonnaise’s flavor may vary greatly depending on the kind and amount of ingredients used. Certain mayonnaises are more eggy in flavor, while others are more lemon or vinegar-forward. The flavor will also be greatly influenced by the oil used to create the emulsion, as olive oil-based mayonnaise will taste robust and fruity, whilst soybean oil-based mayonnaise would taste considerably lighter. The one thing that all mayonnaise has in common is that it tastes fatty, rich, and frequently salty.
Mayonnaise is a very adaptable condiment because of its absence of other spices and ingredients. It is basically a black canvas that can be changed to take on different flavorings, hence changing the taste of the mayonnaise. Spicy red pepper may be used to make a spicy chipotle mayo, and fresh herbs can be mixed in to make green goddess dressing.
Mayonnaise Nutrition
The main disadvantage of mayonnaise is that it is heavy in fat, sometimes providing approximately 10 grams every tablespoon! Regrettably, when oil is required, as it is in egg yolks, this high fat level is unavoidable. The good news is that some of these fats are in the form of beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids!
Another piece of good news is that most store-bought mayonnaises do not include high fructose corn syrup (but check the label!). Moreover, if you create your own mayonnaise at home, you have complete control over the quality and amount of components utilized. Make no mistake, mayonnaise is not a health food, but it may be a component of a balanced diet when used responsibly.
Where to Get Mayonnaise
The majority of significant brands of mayonnaise are available in big grocery store chains and supermarkets. If you have your heart set on a regional favorite, such as Dukes, bear in mind that because to a lack of popularity in specific locations, some retailers may choose not to stock all variations.
Several independent merchants and restaurants sell homemade or small-batch mayo. How can you tell which one is which? It might be difficult to distinguish, but most store-bought mayonnaise is practically white and highly frothy in texture, while homemade mayonnaise is more light yellow in color and thicker.
Other Mayonnaise and Miracle Whip Questions
Whether you favor one over the other or have a soft spot in your heart for both, here are some additional tips, tactics, and frequently asked questions regarding these two famous condiments!
Ideas for Using Mayo and Miracle Whip
When it comes to making a turkey sandwich, you may just go for the container of mayo or Miracle Whip. Yet, there are plenty different ways to enjoy either product! Here are some lovely dinner and snack ideas that you don’t have to be a skilled cook to pull off.
Baked Goods
or as an oil replacement in most baking recipes. You’ll be amazed by the extra-moist chocolate cake or flawlessly chewy cookies that result. Mayonnaise in baked goods? Indeed, you read it correctly! You may use either mayonnaise or Miracle Whip as an egg substitute.
Deviled Eggs
You’re probably accustomed to using mayo in deviled egg dishes, but this is also a fantastic spot to employ Miracle Whip’s sweet, tangy, spicy taste.
Grilled Cheese
Did you know that mayonnaise and Miracle Whip may help you make your grilled cheese crisper? Instead of grilling your sandwich in butter or oil, brush the outsides of the bread with Miracle Whip or mayonnaise before putting it in the pan. These two products’ spreadable consistency makes them ideal for getting into all the nooks and crannies, and the added taste on the surface of your grilled cheese is also a fantastic combo.
Dipping Sauces
Get inventive with your creamy sauce! For a chicken finger or veggie crudit dipping sauce, combine Miracle Whip or mayonnaise with minced fresh herbs, roasted garlic, chopped capers, or roasted red peppers. Just add equal parts miracle whip and your favorite barbecue sauce to make a creamy BBQ style dip!
Is Miracle Whip Healthier Than Mayonnaise?
When comparing these two goods, this is perhaps the most common question. Although it is true that Miracle Whip has less fat and calories than mayonnaise, the reality is that Miracle Whip is much more processed than most mayonnaises. It includes a number of unhealthy components, including high fructose corn syrup and refined soybean oil, both of which are known to contribute to general health problems.
Yet, as the saying goes, everything in moderation! If, according to your tastes, nothing rivals the distinct flavor of Miracle Whip, go ahead and use it! But keep a close eye on the serving size, as with any saturated-fat-rich mayonnaise.
Are There Alternatives to Miracle Whip and Mayonnaise?
What should you do if you have an egg allergy, eat a plant-based diet, or just choose to avoid both mayonnaise and Miracle Whip? Here are some other suggestions!
- Yogurt or sour cream: both have a distinct taste than mayo and Miracle Whip, but they provide an egg-free alternative to get a comparable creamy consistency in your recipes.
- Plant-Based Mayo: If you are a plant-based eater, these products are a terrific condiment alternative, but keep in mind that they are likely to be highly processed.
- Vinaigrette-Based Dressing: It may seem obvious, but try substituting vinaigrette-based salad dressings for Miracle Whip or mayo in your favorite potato and chicken salads! The end product will not be creamy, but it will be tasty.
- Hummus: a low-fat alternative to all of the above! This spread is delicious and rich in flavor, and it can replace mayo or Miracle Whip on sandwiches like our Vegan BLT Sandwich! Instead, thicken the hummus with water and whisk it into a salad dressing!
Comparing Mayonnaise and Miracle Whip: Final Thoughts
We hope our in-depth look into mayo and Miracle Whip has left you feeling totally prepared for barbeque season! The major message is that, although these two goods sit next to one other on grocery store shelves and have the same fundamental ingredients, they are actually distinct products in every manner, from flavor and processing to nutritional content.
Mayonnaise is richer, oilier, and more diversified in taste than Miracle Whip, which is sweeter and more strongly seasoned. Miracle Whip includes less fat and oil than mayonnaise, although it does contain more processed components. The good news is that, despite their differences, these two items may be utilized in the majority of the same applications and can absolutely be substituted for one another as required!
There is enough of condiment love to go around, whether you are a member of Team Miracle Whip or a member of the Mayonnaise Club.
FAQs
Is Miracle Whip better for you than mayonnaise?
Which is the healthier option? While Miracle Whip has fewer fat and calories, mayonnaise is less processed and may be a better option. Instead of inflammatory seed oils like soybean, canola, or maize oil, look for mayo produced with healthy oils like olive or avocado oil.
How is Miracle Whip different than mayo?
Miracle Whip, created by KraftHeinz in 1933, is prepared with the same components as mayonnaise, plus a few additions including sugar, mustard, and “spices,” according to its ingredient label. Miracle Whip tastes substantially sweeter than conventional mayonnaise due to the sugar used in its production.
Can I substitute Miracle Whip for mayonnaise?
In most recipes, Miracle Whip dressing, a Kraft Foods product, may be used in place of mayonnaise. Yet, since Miracle Whip has a distinct sweet and spicy taste, it isn’t always the greatest alternative for mayonnaise’s mellower flavor.
Why is it called Miracle Whip?
Miracle Whip, which debuted at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair and was called after Charles Chapman’s emulsifying machine, was a combination of mayonnaise and less costly salad dressing.
Why can’t Miracle Whip be called mayonnaise?
Since Miracle Whip includes less oil, it isn’t actually mayonnaise. Instead, the FDA classified it as a “dressing.”
What is the healthiest mayonnaise to eat?
As “healthier” alternatives, canola oil, avocado oil, and olive oil mayonnaise are available. Both are richer in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, but have the same number of calories. Moreover, olive oil-based versions usually blend olive oil with other vegetable oils to keep the taste from being too strong.
What are the little red dots in Miracle Whip?
You may see microscopic crimson particles in your Miracle Whip from time to time. These are paprika specks.
Which is better for you Hellman’s mayonnaise or Miracle Whip?
Miracle Whip has around half the calories and fat of mayonnaise, although it does have more sugar than other mayonnaises.
Does Miracle Whip have to be refrigerated?
If not properly kept, an unsealed jar of non-refrigerated miracle whip cream may only survive up to one week at room temperature. Foods made with mayonnaise, such as tuna salad, that are not refrigerated may degrade quickly.
How healthy is Miracle Whip?
The good news first: Miracle Whip is just 40 calories per tablespoon. Also, although it contains 3.5 grams of total fat, it has no trans fat. Miracle Whip is also high in vitamin K (more than 10% of the daily required dose).