Miracle Whip vs Mayo – Their Similarities and Differences
If you think mayo and Miracle Whip are the same thing or wonder if Miracle Whip is a type of mayonnaise?
The short answer is No. They are different from each other. And Miracle Whip doesn’t fulfill the requirement to be any type of mayonnaise.
Miracle Whip and mayo both mostly sit next to each other on store shelves and are packaged in similar jars. Both of them have creaminess and are used as a sandwich spread and salad dressing. Though they share many similarities, they also have distinct characteristics to tell apart.
What is Mayonnaise?
Mayo is a flavorsome combination of water and fat held in suspension by an egg. The egg bonds the liquid from the lemon juice or vinegar and the fat from the oil. It also gives mayonnaise a solid, thick, and spreadable consistency and makes it perfect for salad dressing.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “mayonnaise” must contain at least 65% vegetable oil by weight.
What is Miracle Whip?
Miracle Whip was actually developed as a cheaper mayonnaise substitute back in 1933. It is also made from the same ingredients: oil, eggs, and acid ( vinegar or lemon juice).
Additionally, it contains sugar and spices. It comes in varieties such as light, original, and fat-free versions.
They Serve Similar Purposes
Both Miracle Whip and mayo are used as sandwich spreads, salad dressings, and bases for dips. They are commonly used in recipes like chicken, tuna, and egg salad.
So, as they work the same in the recipe, you can easily substitute one for another.
Just be sure to check your ingredients label when swapping in fat-free or reduced-fat mayo. Because if they don’t contain real eggs, heat can separate the mayo, make it greasy, and your baked good may not rise
Similarities in Their Ingredients
Both mayo and Miracle Whip are made from eggs, oil, and vinegar or lemon juice.
Different Ingredients
Though both of them include oil, Miracle Whip contains far less amount of oil in it. And this is one of the biggest differences between them. Because Miracle Whip doesn’t satisfy the rule of 65% oil, it isn’t mayonnaise at all and the FDA named it “dressing”.
Miracle Whip also includes water and a blend of many unique spices like paprika, garlic, and mustard. It contains more sugar than mayonnaise.
On top, Miracle Whip contains additives such as a thickener, potassium sorbate as a preservative, and natural flavors, and sometimes it is even made from soybean oil.
However, some brands of mayo also contain processed seed oil and additives.
Difference in Taste
Mayo has a rich and tangy flavor. On the other hand, Miracle Whip is spicier and sweeter than mayo. Though it has a bit of a tangy flavor, it’s sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup.
Nutrient differences Between Mayo and Miracle Whip
| Elements | Mayo ( 1 Tablespoon) | Miracle Whip ( 1 Tablespoon) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | O gram | 2 grams |
| Fat | 10 grams | 5 grams |
| Calories | 94 | 50 |
Because Miracle Whip contains far fewer calories than mayo, it is a better option for those who want to reduce their calorie intake.
But there isn’t much difference in fat content between the two for you to get alarmed. Also, recent studies show that dietary fat may not be as harmful as we believe.
You may also like: How Long Does Heavy Cream Last?
Is Miracle Whip Healthier than Mayo?
Miracle Whip contains fewer calories and higher water content, so it may seem healthier than mayonnaise. However, it has more additives and sugar content than mayonnaise.
Miracle Whip is made with high fructose corn syrup which is associated with diseases like some non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. So, it can’t be said for sure that it is healthier than mayo.
On the other hand, mayo is less refined but contains more fat, especially more calories. So, it also can cause problems for those who are counting their calorie intake. But mayo that uses healthy oils like avocado oil, or olive oil is better than Miracle Whip.
However, if you use these condiments in little quantities, they will not affect your health significantly.
A Healthy Alternative to Mayo and Miracle Whip
If you’re looking for a healthy substitute for mayo and Miracle Whip, you can use plain Greek yogurt. Because it provides a similar tanginess and texture along with more protein and fewer calories.
How Long Does Miracle Whip Last?
- Miracle Whip can stay fresh as long as you freeze it.
- Unlike mayonnaise, Miracle Whip doesn’t have much fat content and that’s why it’s ideal for freezing.
- Frozen Miracle Whip is safe to use for up to three or four months if you don’t contaminate the contents by repeated opening and freezing. So, it’s better to freeze it in smaller batches.
- Miracle Whip, unopened and left in the pantry, will last 1 week past the printed use-by date.
- Opened Miracle Whip will last for a month past its use-by date if it is stored in the refrigerator.
Dishes prepared with Miracle Whip go bad faster, so you must refrigerate them and consume them within three days.
Is Miracle Whip Gluten-Free?
Yes, it is gluten-free. Because Miracle Whip doesn’t include any ingredients that contain gluten.
Miracle Whip is a product of Kraft food. Though Kraft doesn’t label it as a gluten-free spread, you can easily tell it from the list of ingredients that are used to make miracle Whip.
Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe
Making mayonnaise at home couldn’t be any easier. To make healthy mayonnaise at home you will need:
Ingredients
- 1 raw egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of ground black pepper
Instruction
- Whisk the egg yolk first.
- Then blend the egg yolk, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper in a blender till smooth.
- Next, add the olive oil steadily to the running blender. Keep blending until the mixture becomes perfectly smooth.
You can store homemade mayo in your refrigerator in an airtight container for around a week.
Homemade Miracle Whip Recipe
Making Miracle Whip is also very easy. Some recipes that need this condiment as a must. And if you ever run out of your favorite Whip, just follow the recipe to make your own spread or salad dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 egg yolk
- 4 tsp sugar
- 5 tsp vinegar
- 1 cup canola oil
- ¼ tsp dry mustard
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of paprika
- Pinch of garlic powder
Instructions
1. Whisk the egg yolk for 15 seconds.
2. Mix the sugar, vinegar, and salt in a bowl. Stir in the sugar and salt until they are completely dissolved. Then pour half of the mixture into the egg yolk and whisk them.
3. Drizzle a few drops of canola oil into the yolk and keep adding oil steadily while whisking non-stop.
Then add the remaining solution to it and mix it with the paprika, mustard, and garlic powder. Keep blending until it smooths.
4. Pour your homemade Miracle Whip into an old mayonnaise jar and seal it tightly. It will last for 7 to 10 days in your fridge.
Wrap Up
Though mayo and Miracle Whip look similar and serve almost similar purposes, they are clearly different from each other because they contain different types of ingredients with different measurements.
But they can be substituted with each other if you have no problem with little bit changes in tastes.
