Tag: Substitute

Mayonnaise – an essential in many kitchens, yet often surrounded by health concerns. While its creamy texture makes it a favorite, there are healthier alternatives that don’t skimp on flavor.

You may also like : How to Tell If Mayo is Bad? How to Store It Right!

Why Reconsider Your Mayo Usage?

Mayo, though creamy and delightful, comes with a baggage of health concerns. While it offers a distinct taste to dishes, the saturated fats and high-calorie content can’t be dismissed. Wondering how it impacts your diet? Let’s delve in.

Mayo’s Nutritional Backlash

A seemingly innocent tablespoon of mayo carries 103 calories and a whopping 12 grams of fat. Surprising, right? Especially when you compare it to nutrient-rich foods. For instance, an apple, which offers various nutrients, contains only 90 calories.

Considering mayo in your daily diet? Be cautious. When combined with other calorie-loaded condiments or foods, it might be an unsuspecting culprit behind weight gain or stalled weight loss efforts. Dive deeper with our comparison between mayo and Miracle Whip to see how healthier alternatives stack up.

Decoding Mayonnaise: What’s Inside?

To some, mayo is just a delicious spread. But what’s really inside?

The Main Components

Standard store-bought mayo primarily consists of eggs, oil, and vinegar. While these ingredients might sound basic, it’s their proportions and the type of oil used that’s concerning. Often, commercial mayos use oils high in saturated fats.

👩‍🍳Tip: Always check the ingredient list and opt for mayo made with healthier oils, like olive or avocado.

10 Healthy and Tasty Mayo Alternatives

Searching for healthier options that are just as flavorsome? Look no further.

01. Greek Yogurt:

Best for:

• Dips
• Salad dressing
• Tuna
• Chicken
• Potatoes
• Sandwiches 

Not Recommended for:

• Grilled cheese sandwich 

We tried many different mayo substitutes to check which one works the best. We had to agree that Greek yogurt is definitely the winner in this case. 

Greek yogurt is rich in protein and calcium while being excellent for your gut health. It also has calcium, iodine, and potassium which helps with weight loss. If you have heart issues, the healthy nutrients of greek yogurt can maintain heart health. 

Greek yogurt is excellent for your gut health. Filled with useful probiotics, Greek yogurt helps with digestion and keeps your stomach well. Doctors advise eating greek yogurt every morning on an empty stomach. 

However, the selling point for us is how versatile it is in many different dishes. 

You can use greek yogurt on chicken, egg salad, tuna, potatoes, sandwiches, as spreads, as dippings and so many other things. You can even eat it as it is, without any added sugar or fat. 

Greek yogurt is excellent on different curry dishes too. A lot of Indian recipes use greek yogurt to thicken the gravy. It’s a good food item to add to your daily diet. This is a good substitute for mayo in tuna salads. 

Some of the key health benefits of Greek Yogurt includes:

• It improves bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. This is because it has a high calcium level.
• If you are on a diet, Greek yogurt can help to reduce appetite. It keeps you fuller for longer. 
• If you are trying to increase your metabolism type, then Greek yogurt is excellent. It is a high-protein diet option. So it boosts the metabolism. 
• Greek yogurt balances the good bacterias in your gut. This provides better gut health. 
• Some studies say the probiotics in Greek yogurt can help to make your mood better. So it helps to reduce stress and depression. 
• Greek yogurt helps to lower your blood pressure level. 
• If you have type 2 diabetes or are at risk of getting one, eating greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise can help to control it.  

Amazon Product Recommendations:

[amazon box=”B008U5OSTQ, B000R49IRK”]

When it comes to buying greek yogurt, the fresher the better. If you want a non-fat plain version try the Chobani Non-fat Greek Yogurt. It’s creamy and rich with minimal calorie intake. 

For a full-fat version, our favorite is The Greek Gods traditional plain yogurt. It contains several live and active cultures that help with the daily protein intake. Plus, it’s so delicious!

02. Hummus:

Best for:

• Salads
• Dippings
• Spreads 
• Burritos
• Shawarma 

Not Recommended for:

• Grilled cheese sandwich

We just love the creaminess of hummus. It is so similar to mayonnaise without being unhealthy or fatty. 

Hummus is made from chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s very flavorful and aromatic. Not only is it low in calories, but it’s also high in protein and fiber. As it’s totally vegan, this is a great vegan mayo substitute too!

Hummus originates from Mediterranean and middle eastern cuisine where they use it for all types of bread-based dishes. 

You can use hummus as a dipping for baby carrots, bell pepper, and cucumbers or you can add it to your grilled turkey sandwich for an extra dash of flavor. The creaminess of hummus works excellently on egg salads too. 

Middle eastern and Moroccan cuisine spread hummus on a tortilla-like nun bread and then add some kebabs to eat. It’s mouthwatering and delicious. This is a great alternative for mayo. 

Here are some key health benefits of hummus:

• Hummus is an excellent plant-based protein source. 
• Hummus contains iron, phosphorus, folate, and Vitamin B all of which are essentials for our body.
• The rich ingredients in hummus help to fight off inflammation. It has a lot of antioxidants that strengthen our immunity system. 
• The high dietary fiber content of hummus is excellent for those who hate eating veggies every day. You get the goodness of vegetables without actually eating them. 
• The low glycemic index of hummus is great at controlling the blood sugar level. So for diabetic or high cholesterol patients, this is excellent. 
• Hummus can help with reducing the risk of heart disease. Chickpeas are great at fighting bad cholesterol called LDL. 

Amazon Product Recommendations:

[amazon box=”B07YVMCY26″]

If you don’t have time to make it every morning, we get it. But the toughest part of making hummus is preparing tahini. So we like to use a store-bought organic one SoCo All Natural Sesame Tahini because it’s made by slow-roasting the sesame seeds. This helps with the flavor a lot. 

03. Olive Oil:

 Best for:

• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Salad dressing

Not Recommended for:

• Dippings 
• Spreads 

The most popular chef recommended substitute for mayonnaise is olive oil. Most chefs do not even like to use mayo on anything. They just use olive oil to add richness and flavor to any dish.

Olive oil is a staple in many cuisines around the world. It is very good for your health as it’s jammed with monounsaturated fatty acids. 

Do we have to explain how useful and tasty olive oil is in every recipe? It goes with everything. Mix equal parts of olive oil and vinegar, add salt and pepper to make your own salad dressing.

There is a reason why chefs just love to drizzle olive oil on everything. It adds a mouth-feel to any food that most people find very pleasurable. The heat changes the flavor though. This is why you see chiefs are always adding a few drops at the end of each dish. 

Olive oil is probably the healthiest alternative to mayonnaise. Also the most classic. This is a  good substitute for mayo in recipes. 

Some of the health benefits of olive oil include:

• Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat which is also known as oleic acid. This is basically 73% of the total oil content. 
• Oleic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Extra virgin olive oil has powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants are so active that they can help with chronic diseases. 
•  Olive oil is amazing for high cholesterol patients. If you have high blood pressure, replace your vegetable oil and mayonnaise with olive oil. 
• Olive oil helps to lower the risk of heart disease by protecting blood cholesterol from oxidation. 
• The strong anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil work similarly to ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug. 
• If you consume olive oil on a regular basis, you have a much lesser chance of strokes. 
• Olive oil improves the lining of your blood vessels. This can help to prevent blood clotting. 
• A fun fact about olive oil is, you can not gain weight by having too much of it. It actually helps to lose excess fat due to the increased antioxidants in the blood. 
• Some studies suggest that olive oil can fight Alzheimer’s disease. 

We can go on and on about the benefits of olive oil. There are numerous studies done only on this particular oil. So you can understand why we are pushing it so much to you.

Amazon Product Recommendations:

[amazon box=”B005HGFZ34″]

Look, there are tons of olive oil brands but Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil will always have a special place in our heat. It’s so flavorful that it can transform a bland tuna salad in seconds!

Known as the Chef’s favorite olive oil, the California Olive Ranch Destination Series Extra Virgin Olive Oil is known for its balanced and blended notes. Both of these are really good and compliments both sweet and savory dishes. 

04. Avocado:

Best for:

• Sandwiches
• Guacamoles 
• Chips
• Salad dressing

Not Recommended for:

• Grilled sandwich 

We are already obsessed with avocados. If we could, we would eat it with everything. So here’s another excuse for you to buy more avocados. 

Mashed avocados are so creamy and tasty that you can easily use them as spreads. Just try using mashed avocado instead of mayo for your sandwich. 

The taste will speak for itself. The best thing is, it has all the good monounsaturated fats and fiber. You get a healthy dose of vitamin c and folate from avocados. 

Imagine adding some rock salt and black pepper with a drizzle of olive oil on top! Heavens! 

According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, one serving (one-fifth of an avocado, approximately 40 grams) contains:

• Calories: 64
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrate: 3.4g 
• Sugar: Less than a gram
• Fiber: 3g 

You can read more about it here in this article. 

Some of the health benefits of avocados include:

• Avocados are a great source of vitamin C, E, K, and B6. All of these are great for our skin, body, and hair. 
• Avocados have omega-3 fatty acids that have a protective effect on our brain and nervous system. It works all over our body including our brain, retina, and cells.  
• Avocados contain 25mg of beta-sitosterol which can help to maintain the cholesterol level if taken on a daily basis. 
• If you have weak vision, try eating avocados more. It has lutein and zeaxanthin. Both of these protect our eyes from ultraviolet light. 
• If you have the risk of getting osteoporosis, eat avocados more. Avocados contain vitamin K which is essential for bone health. 
• Some studies have shown avocados can help to prevent a wide range of cancers including stomach, cervical, and colon cancer. 
• Pregnant women should replace mayo with avocados as it has a high level of folate this helps to protect your baby in the womb. 
• Can you believe avocados can reduce depression? We are what we eat. The high folate level is very beneficial in controlling our mood, sleep, and food habits.

Amazon Product Recommendations:

[amazon box=”B0789N27H5″]

If you live somewhere with no fresh avocados, buying avocado spreads can be a compromise. We like this underrated brand called Goavo Spread Avocado Jalapeno which is both non-GMO and Gluten-free. 

It is a vegan version. They call this “the new way to mayonnaise”. We are not sure whether to call it that but it sure is delicious!

05. Nut Butter:

Best for:

• Salad dressing
• Sandwiches 

Not Recommended for:

• Dipping

When you think of nut butter, you probably think of peanut butter. But that’s not all. There are so many different types of nuts and each can be turned into nut butter. We personally really love almond butter for its high nutritional value. 

There are many variations of nut butter in the market. Most of them are made out of peanuts or almonds. Not only do they taste divine, but they are also a great source of protein and vitamins. 

Usually, there are six key nuts that are used to make nut butter:

1. Almonds
2. Macadamias
3. Peanuts
4. Cashews
5. Walnuts
6. Hazelnuts

Nut butter contains a good amount of fiber and vitamin A and E. The taste is richer and more intense than mayonnaise. 

If you eat them side by side, after trying nut butter mayonnaise will taste like bland old frozen oil. Sounds gross but that’s what mayonnaise really is. It’s a mixture of egg yolk and oil. This is a good substitute for mayo in tuna salads or sandwiches. 

Some people think nut butter will make them gain tons of weight. This is a misconception. The truth is, almonds are very good at helping you to lose weight. 

Even though it has a high-fat content, that fat is good for you. If you are a vegan, nut butter should be a staple in your diet as you might not get enough protein and fat from a plant-based lifestyle.

Here are some of the key health benefits of nut butter:

• Nut butter contains a high dose of protein. If you are on a high-protein diet, nut butter can be a great source for that. 
• Unlike mayonnaise, the fats in nut butter are actually good for you. It’s not saturated fat. 
• Almonds and other nuts are an excellent source of fiber. This helps with digestion and your gut stays healthy. 
• Nut butter has vitamin E, B6, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and niacin. All of them are essentials for our body. 
• The high protein from nut butter helps you to stay full for longer. So you don’t get hungry too soon. This is why you lose weight. 
• The vitamin C and vitamin E in nut butter provide antioxidant properties which help to repair cells. 
• If you have high cholesterol, replacing nut butter with mayo is a very wise choice as it does not clog your arteries. 
• Almond butter contains vitamin B7 which is also known as biotin. This is necessary for keeping the blood sugar level in check.

For these reasons, we think nut butter is an excellent substitute for mayonnaise. 

Amazon Product Recommendations:

[amazon box=”B01M06S98E”]

The NuttZo Power Fuel Nut Butter is an excellent option for those who want the benefits of all types of nuts. This one is made using 7 different nuts and seeds. It has cashews, almonds, brazil nuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, hazelnuts, and pumpkin plant-based protein. 

Another good one is Barney Almond Butter which is both paleo and keto-friendly. Its crunchy and flavorful taste will make you a fan for sure.

06. Pesto:

Best for:

• Salad dressing
• Pasta
• Sandwiches
• dippings

Not Recommended for:

• None! 

We all love pesto. It’s one of those classic foods that Italian cuisine has blessed us with! 

Who knew blended basil, olive oil, and pine nuts can taste so good.

Pesto is an excellent substitute for mayonnaise because it is packed with amazing flavors. Pesto is like a kick of flavor. When your food tastes blad, add a spoon of pesto and bam! Pesto takes simple dishes to a whole new level and we love it for that. 

So why not use it as an alternative to mayonnaise. It is super healthy and rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Your body will thank you for it.  This is a  good substitute for mayo in recipes.

This versatile summer sauce goes with so many different things. No wonder it has won the heart of so many of us. 

Here are some of the key health benefits of pesto:

• One of the key ingredients in pesto is basil, which is known for its rich antioxidant properties. 
• Basil helps to neutralize damage free radicals and helps you repair the damaged cells. The free radicals are responsible for cancer, chronic illness, and many other diseases. 
• The next key ingredient is olive oil. Do we really have to explain this one? From doctors to chefs, everyone swears by olive oil. It is excellent at replacing saturated fat. 
• Olive oil is known as “the heart-healthy fat”. Olive oil has zero saturated fat so it helps to regulate your cholesterol level.
• Consuming pesto regularly can help reduce blood sugar levels significantly. 
• Garlic is known to be a great item for blood pressure patients. It helps to decrease higher-blood pressure. 

Overall, pesto is one of those magic food items that not only tastes good but also has unbelievable benefits. We really wonder why everyone doesn’t eat it every day. 

Amazon Product Recommendations:

[amazon box=”B01M2AD9HS”]

Making pesto is not that hard but not all of us have fresh basil lying around. There are a few brands that make organic, fresh pesto. Mezzetta Basil Pesto Sauce is a good one because they use a classic Italian recipe for Pesto Alla Genovese.

If you are looking for a vegan choice, Zest Coriander & Basil Pesto is particularly good. It has no artificial preservatives or flavoring either. 

07. Mustard:

Best for:

• Salad dressing
• Sandwiches
• Burgers
• Dipping sauce

Not Recommended for:

• None!

Mustard is already a very popular condiment for sandwiches and wraps. Replacing it with mayonnaise just makes sense. 

Made from the Mustard plant, this Mediterranean ingredient is loved by everybody. And there are so many different options to choose from.

Mustard is very low in calories with a high level of flavors. One spoon of mustard contains roughly 10 calories. Compared to mayonnaise, it’s nothing. 

Mustard is super light and comes in a range of varieties. There are dijon, yellow, spicy, money mustard and so many more. 

One advantage of mustard as a substitute for mayo is its versatility. You can use mustard for burgers, sandwiches and also for many different salads. Honey mustard in grilled chicken salad is just phenomenal!

Not only that, you can use mustard in many cooking dishes. It adds a certain boost to an otherwise mundane recipe.  What people don’t know is that mustard is an excellent item that promotes good health. This is a quick and tasty substitute for mayo in recipes.

Here are some of the key health benefits of mustard:

• Mustard is a great source of nutrients especially if you are on a diet. 
• Mustard paste has vitamin C, A, and K, all of which are essential for a healthy body.
• You get calcium, copper, selenium, magnesium, and manganese from mustard. 
• Mustard is rich in fiber which is great for your gut health. 
• It contains many useful antioxidants that increase your immune system to fight against infectious diseases. 
• Some studies show that mustard can help prevent cancer cells from growing. 
• Mustard has been used for anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial issues for centuries. It has excellent healing properties too. 

Amazon Product Recommendations:

[amazon box=”B00CJ8K9KW”]

Even though you can find mustard basically anywhere, we prefer the brands that make organic and healthier versions than the store-bought ones. So we really like the Grey Poupon Classic Dijon Mustard because they have been creating them since 1777. If you are looking for something very spicy, Beaver Extra Hot Chinese Mustard is a great choice. 

08. Sour Cream:

Best for:

• Salad dressing
• Sandwiches 

Not Recommended for:

• Dipping sauce

We have no idea why people don’t use sour cream more. It is light, tangy, creamy, and healthy. So it’s excellent on a wide range of food items. 

You can substitute mayo for sour cream very easily due to the creaminess and consistency. 

Sour cream is made by combining lactic acid with the cream which causes a thickening effect. It is not the same as curd which is much thinner and sweeter. Sour cream has a tart taste which feels very refreshing especially during summertime.  

You can use sour cream as a salad dressing or for sandwiches. The tanginess of sour cream is very similar to the vinegary taste of mayo. So you can easily swap one for the other. This is a good substitute for mayo in tuna salads. 

Some of the key health benefits of sour cream include:

• It has vitamin A which helps to improve your vision and immune system. Vitamin A has a big role in our Iron absorption, which is very crucial for body energy. 
• Sour cream contains phosphorus which helps our cell to function normally. 
• Sour cream helps with our teeth and bone strength because it contains calcium.
• Vitamin B2 is needed for our overall energy which can be found in sour cream. This vitamin helps us to reduce tiredness and fatigue. 
• Sour cream is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. We all know these acids are very important to keep our heart and cholesterol levels stable. 

Amazon Product Recommendations:

[amazon box=”B000R4DF9W, B00H4450FU”]

The Daisy Sour Cream is a good all-natural option that contains zero artificial additives. It is kosher with 50% less fat content than regular sour cream. 

Breakstone’s All Natural Sour Cream is another good one that is made from grade A milk and cream. It has a classic sour cream taste that goes very well with some nachos or chili. 

09. Vegan Mayo/ Vegenaise:

Best for:

• Everything mayonnaise does

Not Recommended for:

• High blood pressure patients

Most people just assume the vegan version of regular food tastes bad. Let us tell you a secret, vegenaise actually tastes better than standard mayo! Added bonus: it has less saturated fat!

Vegan mayonnaise is made out of non-GMO canola oil with zero preservatives and additives. This means it’s better for your body. 

If you have a high cholesterol level, replacing mayo with vegenaise can be a small but helpful change to your high-fat food habits.  

Unlike normal mayonnaise, veganaise contains no cholesterol and has less saturated fat. What that means is, when you consume vegan mayonnaise, it won’t clog your arteries. Sounds like an important thing to me!

We recommend not having any mayonnaise at all if your cholesterol is too high. But if you are really craving mayo, vegenaise can be a good alternative for mayo. 

Most non-vegan people also prefer vegan mayonnaise. That’s because vegenaise simply tastes smoother, balanced, and creamier. 

When you are getting an alleviated version of mao for the fraction of cholesterol level, why wouldn’t you want to use that instead? 

Amazon Product Recommendations:

[amazon box=”B07JMV5MK4″]

We looked at many different vegan mayo options but found the Hellmman’s Vegan Mayonnaise to be the best vegan version. It has 6g of polyunsaturated fat and 2g of monounsaturated fat. Both of these are known as “good fats”. 

This certified vegan option is so similar to mayo that you won’t be able to tell the difference. Just Mayo is another favorite that has the lowest sodium level with all organic ingredients. 

10. Homemade Cashew Mayo:

Best for:

• Salad dressings
• Dippings
• Spreads
• Sandwiches 
• Chicken 

Not Recommended for:

• Tuna 

If you don’t want to buy anything as a substitute and are looking for a healthy, homemade option, cashew mayo is a great choice. 

Cashew mayo has the same texture and flavor as mayo but it’s healthier and vegan. 

Being made out of cashew nuts, you can understand its nutritional value is pretty high. If you are on a high-protein vegan diet, using this cashew mayo is a great choice for your everyday breakfast and snacks. 

You can use it as a dipping sauce too. Honestly, it tastes good with anything. Making cashew mayo at home is super easy. All you need is some pre-soaked raw cashews and seasoning. 

Here’s what you need to make delicious and creamy cashew mayo:

• 1 cup pre-soaked raw cashews 
• 1 tablespoon lemon justice
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon rock salt
• ¼ cup of water. 

Now all you have to do is blend them all together until you create a smooth, creamy paste. Taste it and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you don’t want garlic or onion powder on your mayo, simply don’t add them. But try this recipe once and you will thank us!

Signs of Spoiled Mayo: Safety First

While choosing healthier alternatives, ensure your mayo, if you still use it, is fresh. Using spoiled mayo can lead to health issues. Unsure how to spot the bad ones? We have a guide on how to tell if mayo is bad that can help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

01. What is a Good Substitute for Mayo?

It depends on what food you are making but for regular sandwiches and spreads, we love to use greek yogurts a lot. It adds a rich creamy taste while being very nutritionally better for you. Yogurt is also filled with good bacterias that help to maintain your gut health. 

If you want a mayo alternative for your salads, we suggest trying out hummus or mashed avocados. They both add that rich-creaminess we all love about mayonnaise. 

Pesto is also very good to add a dash of flavor to any boring dish. Honestly, there are so many others to try. 

02. How to Substitute Mayo for Eggs?

If you are making a dish that asks for a full egg, you can relapse it with three tablespoon of mayonnaise. This might seem like an unnecessary thing to do as mayonnaise is also made from eggs. 

But sometimes, we don’t have eggs at home. We have mayo which can easily be used as a replacement!

The downside is, mayonnaise is made out of eggs and oil. So you should minimize the amount of oil in that recipe if you decide to use it as an egg substitute. 

03. What is a Healthier Alternative to Mayonnaise?

If you are trying to cut back on your calories, then mayonnaise is something you should stay far away from. Having said that, a large number of recipes require mayonnaise to make. 

So what to do about it? There are some healthy alternatives that you can use. 

You can use hummus as an alternative to making sandwiches or burritos. It will actually taste better and more flavourful. Another ingredient we love to use is mustard. 

Yes, use mustard instead of mayonnaise to add a dash of tang to any dish. For salads, you can use a drizzle of olive oil or pesto. There is actually no going back when you explore all the different options there are. 

All of these substitutes are great as an alternative to mayonnaise yet they do not compensate for the taste or flavor. They actually enhance it. And they all are super healthy too!

04. Why is Mayo Bad for You?

Mayonnaise is a very useful and tasty ingredient to use in a wide range of dishes and snacks. However, it’s not the healthiest tithing to try. 

Mayonnaise is made from oil and egg, two very fatty and high-protein ingredients. It’s a very high-fat food that is not ideal for people with high blood pressure or health problems. 

If you are overweight and trying to lose it, mayonnaise is the last thing you should be eating. As it’s very dense, you can easily over consume it without even realizing it. 

05. How Many Calories are in a Spoon of Mayo?

Mayonnaise is a very high-fat food item that should be used in moderation. Each spoonful of mayo contains 102 calories. Compare that to an apple which contains 95 calories only! 

So you can understand how easy it is to gain weight if you incorporate mayonnaise into your daily food habit.

06. Can You Substitute Sour Cream for Mayo?

Sour cream is a great ingredient to use instead of mayonnaise. It is creamy, tangy, and adds a rich, dairy flavor to any item. You can use it as a dressing and for your sandwiches. 

The refreshing taste of sour cream feels lighter. So you can consume them without feeling bloated or heavy. 

07. Can You Use Greek Yogurt in Place of Mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt has a tart and tangy flavor that can be an excellent alternative to mayo. You can use it for dressing, tuna, salmon salad, green beans, sandwiches and so much more. 

Try swapping it with mayo for egg salad. The richness of the yolk contrast very nicely with the freshness of the yogurt. The result is a tasty, healthy dish for everyone to enjoy. 

08. Is Greek Yogurt Better Than Mayonnaise?

Yes, Greek yogurt is better than mayonnaise when it comes to your health. Greek yogurt is not as high in calories as mayo, neither is it too fatty. 

It has good bacterias that are excellent for your gut health. Eating Greek yogurt daily can enhance your digestive power.

09. What Do Vegans Use instead of Mayonnaise?

Vegan mayonnaise is made out of soy milk which tastes quite similar to normal mayo. It has the same consistency and can be used for all sorts of recipes. Some people prefer vegan mayo because of its high nutritional value. 

Bottom Line

Anything in moderation is good, but when it comes to mayo, that fine line can be crossed very easily. Hopefully, with our mayo substitutes, you will be able to preface this bad habit with a good one. 

It’s not going to be hard. Because all the other options on the list are super yummy, nutritious, and most importantly absolutely delicious! There is no point in missing mayo anymore!

Which mayonnaise substitute did you like the most?  

Do you have some better ideas? Let us know in the comments. 

Stay healthy!

Pin Later

Deggi Mirch, a charismatic blend of Indian red chillies, is an unsung hero behind the robust flavours of many traditional Indian dishes. Its radiant hue and hearty, smoky flavor infuse life into the heart of Indian curries and tikkas. The scarcity of this spice in countries where Indian cuisine isn’t often found, makes the need for a Deggi Mirch substitute rise to prominence.

Breaking Down the spice: What Exactly is Deggi Mirch?

Originating from the spice-laden land of Rajasthan, Deggi Mirch finds an irreplaceable place in Indian kitchens worldwide. Not too overpowering, nor too mild, this chilli blend offers just the right amount of ‘heat’ to your food. It infuses a warm, smoky, and slightly spicy character that truly complements both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. However, its rarity outside countries familiar with Indian cuisine can often lead to a frantic search for a reliable Deggi Mirch substitute.

Understanding the Need for a Substitute

The quest for an alternative isn’t always necessitated by the unavailability of the spice. Variations in preferred heat levels, the subtle nuances of different flavor profiles, and specific dietary restrictions often give rise to the need for a substitute. After all, isn’t the culinary experience all about stirring up traditional recipes and adding a personal touch? Be it due to the scarcity of traditional Deggi Mirch, or a spur of creative cooking, these prospective substitutes accentuate the potential to embark on new culinary adventures.

Appreciating the Three Great Substitutes

Navigating the labyrinth of spices is at once intriguing and intricate. Each spice has a distinct palate and flavour profile of qualities that are uniquely its own. Let’s delve deeper beyond the surface level and delve into the core characteristics of three stunning substitutes of Deggi Mirch.

Substitute	Origin	Heat Level	Flavor	Benefits	Known For
Cayenne Pepper	Central and South America	High (30000-50000 SHU)	Sharp, Vibrant	Aids digestion and cardiovascular health	Used world-wide
Paprika	Mexico	Mild	Sweet, Slightly Smoky	Rich in vitamins A, E, C and antioxidants	Core ingredient in Hungarian cuisine
Kashmiri Chili Powder	Jammu & Kashmir, India	Low (1000-2000 SHU)	Mild, Colorful	Lower spice levels	Key ingredient in Northern Indian cuisine

Cayenne Pepper: A Harmony of Sharpness and Vibrancy

Cayenne Pepper, often overlooked as a commonplace spice, is indeed a culinary diamond in the rough. It finds it roots back to Central and South America, this fiery spice is now widely cultivated in various parts of the world, from India to the Caribbean, and stretching as far as the United States.

Bearing a striking red colour, cayenne pepper offers an unparalleled sense of heat, making it a promising contender as a Deggi Mirch substitute. With its bold spice level – rated at 30000-50000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) – it promises a similar kick to dishes that Deggi Mirch offers.

However, the heat quotient of cayenne pepper should not be underestimated. It surpasses Deggi Mirch, a characteristic that should be approached with caution and eased into dishes instead of directly poured in. Start sparingly, and gradually increase until you reach your desired level of heat.

Beyond its fiery aspects, cayenne pepper can indeed be a hidden trove of health benefits. From aiding in digestion to supporting cardiovascular health, cayenne pepper offers more than just an upgrade in taste!

Paprika: A Symphony of Sweetness & Smokiness

Paprika, having its origins in Mexico, offers a unique blend of sweetness and mild heat. It’s closely associated with Hungarian cuisine, where it’s a core ingredient, rightfully deserving attention for its delectable sweet and slightly smoky flavours.

One can’t resist but savour the delicious hearth undertones it imparts in a recipe, distinctly milder compared to the fire-full spiciness of its counterparts. Its radiant red colour and sweet tang make it an excellent alternative in dishes, where overpowering heat of Deggi Mirch might have marred the subtleties.

Furthermore, the benefits of Paprika extend to health domains too. Packed with vitamins A, E, and C, and an impressive amount of antioxidants, it’s not just a treat to your taste buds but a boon to your health.

Kashmiri Chili Powder: The Gentle and Colorful Substitute

Kashmiri Chili Powder, often overshadowed amidst a diverse array of Indian spices, is a hidden gem. Originating from the northern Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, this spice forms an integral part of an Indian kitchen.

Its defining characteristic, a brilliant crimson hue, justifies its top spot amongst Deggi Mirch substitutes. With a lower heat quotient (rated at about 1000-2000 SHU), it provides a gentle warmth, making it suitable for those who prefer lesser spice.

Expert Tips for Successful Substitutions

Substituting Deggi Mirch is an art which goes beyond mere replacement. It’s about invariably leaving an imprint of the original taste while introducing new flavors. Here’s a roadmap to successful substitutions – stir, experiment and relish!

Adjusting the Heat-to-Flavor Ratio

The contribution of spices extends beyond just heat to a recipe. They bring nuanced flavors that are crucial to any dish. Be a cautious experimenter when trying substitutes with a higher or lower heat-index than Deggi Mirch. Start with less; you can always add more!

Balancing the Symphony of Spices

A blend of spices can result in a harmony of flavors that a single spice couldn’t achieve. Play around with a DIY homemade substitute recipe using a concoction of spices. Complement the sweet undertone of Paprika, for instance, with the audacious boldness of cayenne pepper.

Wrapping It Up

Remember, the perfect Deggi Mirch substitute depends upon your recipe and your palate. Whether it’s due to a lack of availability or a flash of culinary creativity, you’re merely a spice away from striking the right note with your Indian recipes.

Tell Us Your Spice Stories!

So, how did your Deggi Mirch substitute experiment pan out? Did you discover a newfound love for Paprika, or has the Kashmiri chili variety taken precedence in your kitchen? Share your culinary tales, yays and nays, and if possible, drop a picture or two. Can’t wait to read your scrumptious stories!

FAQs