Miracle Whip and mayo are two condiments that look so alike that it may seem impossible to tell them apart. They are both comprised of pretty much the same ingredients, including eggs, vinegar and soybean oil. Even while Miracle Whip and mayonnaise appear to be similar, there are a few notable differences between them.
Our objective today is to distinguish between Miracle Whip and mayo. Before we tell them apart, we will explore more about each product individually. Read on to learn more about the difference between Miracle Whip vs. mayo.
Miracle Whip Vs Mayo
Miracle Whip
Miracle Whip is believed to have been invented in 1933 as a cheaper substitute to mayonnaise. It contains the same basic ingredients—vinegar, eggs, and oil—but also made up of extra spices and sugar. This less expensive alternative to mayonnaise also exhibits a lower proportion of fatty gradients, including vegetable oil and eggs. According to the FDA, Miracle Whip should be classified as a “dressing” and not technically mayonnaise because it contains less oil.
Mayonnaise
Often abbreviated as mayo, mayonnaise is a thick, cold sauce or dressing that is typically used as a condiment. Often added to sandwiches to enhance their taste, it is made with egg yolks, oil and either lemon juice or vinegar. The egg yolks are used for bonding the liquid from the lemon juice (or vinegar) and the fat from the oil. The FDA requires anything labeled as “mayonnaise” to contain 65% vegetable oil by weight. Mayo can be found in different cuisines across the world, including the US, Russia, France, and Japan.
Miracle Whip & Mayo: Fat & Caloric Content
The first way to differentiate between the Miracle Whip and mayo is through their fats and calories content. Miracle Whip consists of less fat and fewer calories compared to mayonnaise. In terms of composition, Miracle Whip contains 50 calories, 5 grams fat, 0 grams protein and 2 grams carbohydrates.
On the contrary, the mayonnaise boasts of 94 calories, 10 grams fat, 0 grams protein and 0 grams carbohydrates. Miracle Whip might be a better alternative for people who are counting calories, because it is composed of half the calories of mayonnaise. Even so, the fat content of mayonnaise is not a health risk, with many studies proposing that dietary fat does not pose any health concern to the heart.
Miracle Whip or Mayo: Sweetness
Miracle Whip is uniquely sweet and contains additional ingredients, whereas mayo is rich and tangy. What makes Miracle Whip sweeter than mayo is the addition of sugar and spices like garlic, mustard, and paprika. Miracle Whip is sweetened with a refined high-fructose corn syrup, which is (unfortunately) linked to several health issues like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Miracle Whip also entails soybean oil, which is associated with induced inflammation in some animals. It also consists of additives, which include potassium sorbate used as a preservative, modified cornstarch used as a thickener, and natural flavors. While some mayonnaise brands include processed seed oils or additives, it is possible to prepare a homemade mayo or find healthier brands at natural grocers or online. Make sure to opt for brands containing fewer ingredients.
Which one is a Healthier Alternative?
Although Miracle Whip contains less fat and fewer calories, mayo is not highly refined and would be a better option for health-conscious folks. A healthier mayonnaise choice is made with healthy oils like avocado or olive oil, rather than inflammatory seed oils like corn oil, soybean or canola. In a nutshell, mayonnaise containing healthy oils is better than Miracle Whip. Even so, both condiments may have no significant health effects when used in moderation.