Miracle Whip vs. Mayo: What’s the Difference?

Are Miracle Whip and Mayonnaise the same thing? Not really! Even though they sit side-by-side on grocery shelves, the two are different products with some real differences. So let’s get down to it: Miracle Whip vs. mayo!

Although both are thick, creamy, and often used interchangeably in recipes like my Old Fashioned Chicken Salad Sandwich, Million Dollar Whip, and potato salad, Miracle Whip and mayonnaise are not the same.

If you thought they were, you are not alone! Here’s how they measure up.

Miracle Whip vs. Mayo: What’s the Actual Difference?

Believe it or not, Miracle Whip is not a brand of mayonnaise! In fact, these two creamy condiments are completely different products.

• Miracle Whip Is a Dressing – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies Miracle Whip as a “dressing,” because it does not contain at least 65% vegetable oil by weight, the standard requirement for any product to be marketed and sold as “mayonnaise.”
• The Ingredients Are Different – Mayonnaise originates from French cuisine and is made with an emulsion of raw egg yolks and oil combined with acidic lemon juice or vinegar. While Miracle Whip, created by KraftHeinz in 1933, contains the same basic ingredients, it also includes water, mustard, and spices.
• Miracle Whip Also Has Sugar – The added sugar gives Miracle Whip an undeniably sweet taste that people either love or hate. Granted, some brands of mayonnaise, such as Hellmann’s, also contain sugar or mustard, but it’s not enough for it to alter the tangy taste or dilute the mixture enough for it to be called anything other than mayonnaise, according to the FDA’s requirements.

When Should I Use Miracle Whip?

Since Miracle Whip is much sweeter tasting, it is a great option for recipes that benefit from added sweetness, such as this Chicken Salad Sandwich or chilled pasta salads. 

When Should I Use Mayonnaise?

Mayonnaise is ideal to use if you want a richer, slightly tangy taste in your recipes. It’s great for French Fry Dipping Sauce, Coleslaw Dressing, Macaroni Salad, and much more!

Mayonnaise is also your best option when baking since the higher fat content from the eggs and oil will reduce the risk of separation when it’s exposed to heat. 

What Happens If You Use Miracle Whip Rather Than Mayonnaise?

Miracle Whip and mayonnaise can be used interchangeably in most recipes. But again, be mindful that the lower fat content in Miracle Whip could result in the condiment separating when exposed to heat. You’ll have a sweeter-tasting result, too.

Which Is Healthier: Miracle Whip or Mayonnaise?

• Miracle Whip contains about half of the total fat and calories of mayonnaise which makes it a great choice for anyone watching their calorie intake.
• Miracle Whip is sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup and contains more sugar than mayonnaise. This is definitely something you want to keep in mind if you have Type 2 diabetes or want to reduce your overall sugar intake.
• Miracle Whip also contains a greater amount of additives than store-bought mayonnaise, all of which could be avoided by making homemade mayonnaise. 

To summarize, Miracle Whip is lower in fat and calories than mayonnaise but it contains more refined or processed ingredients than mayonnaise and often more sugar, too. The healthiest choice comes down to your specific dietary preferences and needs.

Ingredients for Homemade Mayonnaise

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of mustard – Dijon is preferred.
• 1 cup of neutral flavored oil
• 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and ground black pepper 

How to Make Homemade Mayonnaise

1. Blend the ingredients: Combine all of the ingredients, except the oil, in a blender, and blend into a smooth consistency. 
2. Add the Oil: Slowly pour in the oil while the blender runs at a low speed until fully incorporated. 

How to Store It

Store the homemade mayo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Give it a good stir before use.

FAQs

Does Miracle Whip vs. Mayo Really Matter?

Yes and no! Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:

• Do you prefer the richer, more tangy taste of mayonnaise or the sweeter taste of Miracle Whip?
• Are you looking for less refined ingredients in your cooking? If so, mayonnaise is the better option.
• Are you trying to reduce your overall calories for weight loss? You may want to opt for Miracle Whip.
• Do you intend to use the condiment when baking or in other dishes where it will be exposed to heat? If so, mayonnaise is the better choice.

At the end of the day, nothing is stopping you from experimenting with these two creamy condiments to discover which you like best. Let me know which you prefer, I’d love to hear from you!

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