Choosing the right condiments can make a significant difference when managing PCOS. Mayonnaise, a staple in many kitchens, deserves special attention since its ingredients and nutritional profile can either support or hinder your PCOS management efforts. This guide examines the best mayonnaise options for women with PCOS, focusing on ingredients that help balance hormones and stabilize blood sugar.
Why Mayonnaise Matters for PCOS
Women with PCOS often experience insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances. The oils, additives, and overall nutritional profile of mayonnaise can impact these conditions. Traditional mayonnaise contains eggs, oil, and sometimes additives that might affect hormone levels and inflammation. Making informed choices about this common condiment can support your overall PCOS management plan.
Best Mayonnaise Types for PCOS
Avocado Oil Mayo for PCOS
Avocado oil mayonnaise stands out as one of the best mayo options for women with PCOS. Avocado oil contains monounsaturated fats that help improve insulin sensitivity—a key factor in managing PCOS symptoms. These healthy fats can also support hormone production without triggering inflammation.
Top avocado oil mayo brands include:
- Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo (contains no added sugars or inflammatory oils)
- Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Mayonnaise (made with cage-free eggs)
- Sir Kensington's Avocado Oil Mayonnaise (contains organic ingredients)
Olive Oil Mayo for PCOS
Olive oil mayonnaise offers anti-inflammatory benefits that can help reduce the chronic inflammation often associated with PCOS. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil may help improve cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity.
Recommended olive oil mayo brands:
- Spectrum Organic Olive Oil Mayonnaise
- Thrive Market Organic Olive Oil Mayo
- Stonewall Kitchen Olive Oil Mayonnaise
Egg-Free Mayo Options for PCOS
Some women with PCOS may experience egg sensitivities or follow plant-based diets. Egg-free mayo alternatives can provide similar taste and texture without potentially inflammatory ingredients.
Top egg-free mayo brands for PCOS include:
- Follow Your Heart Vegenaise (contains no cholesterol or eggs)
- Sir Kensington's Vegan Mayo (made with aquafaba instead of eggs)
- Chosen Foods Vegan Avocado Oil Mayo (combines avocado oil benefits with plant-based ingredients)
Ingredients to Avoid in Mayonnaise When You Have PCOS
Inflammatory Oils
Many conventional mayonnaise brands contain soybean, canola, or vegetable oils. These highly processed oils can promote inflammation and potentially worsen insulin resistance—a key concern for women with PCOS. Avoiding mayo made with these oils is recommended for better hormone balance.
Added Sugars
Some mayonnaise products contain added sugars, which can destabilize blood sugar levels and exacerbate insulin resistance. Always check ingredient labels and choose options with zero added sugars to support your PCOS management.
Artificial Preservatives
Certain preservatives in conventional mayonnaise might disrupt hormone balance. Ingredients like calcium disodium EDTA and artificial flavors may negatively impact gut health, which is increasingly linked to hormone regulation in PCOS.
Making Your Own PCOS-Friendly Mayonnaise
Creating homemade mayonnaise allows complete control over ingredients—an excellent option for women with PCOS who want to avoid problematic additives.
Basic PCOS-friendly mayo recipe:
- 1 organic egg
- 1 cup avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Combine in a food processor or with an immersion blender until thick and creamy. Store in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutritional Profile: What to Look for in Mayo for PCOS
Healthy Fat Content
Look for mayonnaise with quality fats that support hormone production. Avocado oil and olive oil provide monounsaturated fats that can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation associated with PCOS.
Low or No Sugar
Choose mayo options with zero added sugars to prevent blood sugar spikes that can aggravate PCOS symptoms. Always check the nutrition facts panel—many brands advertising as "healthy" may still contain hidden sugars.
Clean Ingredient List
The shorter the ingredient list, the better for PCOS management. Ideally, mayonnaise should contain only eggs (if not vegan), oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and minimal natural seasonings.
How Mayo Fits Into Your PCOS Meal Plan
While choosing the right mayonnaise is important, how you use it in your diet matters too. Mayo can be part of a balanced PCOS-friendly eating plan when used mindfully:
- Pair with protein and fiber to slow digestion and minimize blood sugar impact
- Use as a base for homemade salad dressings with anti-inflammatory herbs
- Incorporate into hormone-balancing dressings with additional PCOS-supportive ingredients
- Use as a marinade base for proteins to increase satiety and slow carbohydrate absorption
Practical Tips for Choosing Mayo When You Have PCOS
When shopping for PCOS-friendly mayonnaise:
- Always read ingredient labels, not just marketing claims
- Choose organic options when possible to minimize exposure to pesticides that may disrupt hormones
- Consider refrigerated mayonnaise over shelf-stable varieties (often contains fewer preservatives)
- Look for certified non-GMO products, especially if choosing mayo containing soy derivatives
- Rotate between different healthy mayonnaise options to get varied nutrients
Frequently Asked Questions About Mayonnaise and PCOS
Is mayonnaise bad for PCOS?
Mayonnaise isn't inherently bad for PCOS, but the type matters significantly. Conventional mayonnaise made with inflammatory seed oils and preservatives may worsen inflammation and insulin resistance. However, mayo made with avocado oil, olive oil, or other anti-inflammatory ingredients can be part of a balanced PCOS diet. Focus on quality ingredients and proper portion sizes.
Can women with PCOS eat egg-based mayonnaise?
Yes, women with PCOS can eat egg-based mayonnaise if they don't have egg sensitivities. Eggs provide protein and nutrients beneficial for hormone balance. The key is choosing mayo made with quality eggs (preferably organic or pasture-raised) and healthy oils like avocado or olive oil rather than inflammatory vegetable oils. If you suspect egg sensitivity, consider tracking symptoms or trying egg-free alternatives.
How much mayonnaise can I eat with PCOS?
Women with PCOS should consume mayonnaise in moderation—typically 1-2 tablespoons per serving. While healthy-fat mayonnaise offers benefits, it's still calorie-dense. The best approach is incorporating it into balanced meals containing protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates to minimize blood sugar impact. If weight management is a PCOS concern, measure portions rather than eating mayo freely.
Does vegan mayonnaise help with PCOS symptoms?
Vegan mayonnaise can be helpful for PCOS if it's made with anti-inflammatory ingredients like avocado oil and doesn't contain added sugars or inflammatory oils. Plant-based mayo eliminates potential dairy and egg sensitivities that might exacerbate inflammation in some women with PCOS. Look for vegan options with clean ingredient lists and healthy fats rather than those using high-omega-6 seed oils.
Can mayonnaise affect fertility in women with PCOS?
The specific ingredients in mayonnaise may impact fertility in women with PCOS. Quality mayonnaise made with anti-inflammatory oils can provide healthy fats that support hormone production and egg quality. Conversely, mayo containing inflammatory oils or endocrine-disrupting preservatives might negatively affect reproductive hormones. Choose organic mayo with clean ingredients to support fertility goals while managing PCOS.
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