Mayonnaise or fry sauce? For many people it's a simple taste choice, but if you want to eat more consciously you may wonder which of the two is the healthiest option.

The surprising answer is that fry sauce usually contains fewer calories than traditional mayonnaise, but that doesn't automatically mean it's the best choice. The amount of fat, sugar and the ingredients also play a role.

In this blog we compare mayonnaise and fries sauce, explain the differences and show when a low calorie mayonnaise can be an interesting alternative.

What is the difference between mayonnaise and fry sauce?

Although they resemble each other a lot, mayonnaise and fry sauce are two different products.

Mayonnaise

According to the Dutch Commodities Act, mayonnaise must contain at least 70% fat and 5% egg yolk. That gives mayonnaise its full, creamy flavor and firm texture. Because mayonnaise consists largely of oil, it contains relatively many calories.

The main ingredients are:

• Vegetable oil
• Egg yolk
• Vinegar

Mayonnaise has been one of the most popular sauces in the Netherlands for many years. From a portion of fries to a sandwich or a fresh potato salad: for many people a spoonful of mayonnaise simply belongs. Yet many people wonder: is mayonnaise healthy?

The answer is less black-and-white than you might think. Regular mayonnaise contains relatively a lot of fat and calories, but that does not automatically mean you should avoid it entirely. It mainly depends on the amount you use and how often you eat it.

In this blog we explain what mayonnaise is made of, how many calories it contains, which types exist and when a low calorie mayonnaise can be a smart choice.

What is mayonnaise made of?

According to the Dutch Commodities Act, mayonnaise consists of a combination of:

• Vegetable oil
• Egg yolk
• Vinegar or lemon juice
• Mustard
• Salt
• Herbs and spices

The oil largely determines the nutritional value. Oil provides about 900 kcal per 100 grams, which makes mayonnaise relatively energy-dense as well.