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Mayo might just be the most versatile condiment on the planet. It’s not only responsible for some of our favorite salad dressings , but it’s...

What’s the Difference Between Mayonnaise and Miracle Whip?

Mayo might just be the most versatile condiment on the planet. It’s not only responsible for some of our favorite salad dressings, but it’s also an essential component of a good BLT. In fact, there are all kinds of surprising uses for mayonnaise, including making a crispier grilled cheese and baking a moist chocolate cake.

Miracle Whip isn’t just a specific brand name of mayonnaise; it’s actually a completely different product. So what’s the difference between mayonnaise and Miracle Whip, and can you use one as a substitute for the other?

What Is Mayonnaise?

It’s a delicious combination of fat and water held in suspension by an egg. The egg works like a magnet, bonding the fat from the oil and the liquid from the vinegar (or lemon juice). Unlike salad dressings that separate, the egg makes mayonnaise emulsified, giving it a thick, solid and spreadable consistency.

There are some rules, though: According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), anything labeled as “mayonnaise” must contain 65% vegetable oil by weight.

Want to know if you’ve got the best mayo at home? Our Test Kitchen sampled seven options to find the best.

What Is Miracle Whip?

Miracle Whip was developed in 1933 as a cheaper alternative to mayonnaise. It has the same basic ingredients—eggs, oil and vinegar—but it also contains extra sugar and spices. And remember that 65% vegetable oil rule? Since Miracle Whip contains less oil, it’s not technically mayonnaise at all. The FDA classifies it as a “dressing” instead.

Miracle Whip vs Mayonnaise

When it comes to nutrition, Miracle Whip contains about half the fat and calories as compared to mayonnaise, so it’s often the go-to choice for those counting calories. That said, it’s sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, and it contains more sugar than most brands of mayonnaise.

As far as flavor goes, Miracle Whip is usually described as sweeter and spicier than mayo, which some people prefer.

When it comes down to it, they work the same in recipes. Feel free to substitute equal parts Miracle Whip for any recipe that calls for mayonnaise (and vice versa) depending on your taste preferences. Just make sure to check your ingredients label when swapping in reduced-fat or fat-free mayonnaise; not all of these products contain real eggs. That means your baked goods might not rise or the mayo could separate and become greasy when exposed to heat.

Read on to learn about the best and worst condiments for sugar content.

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Lindsay D. Mattison