Hellmann's

Light mayonnaise

Barcode 8722700479451

Scanned 129 times by Nomi users

Yes — Light mayonnaise is ultra-processed.

Ultra-processed; best enjoyed occasionally rather than every day.

Light mayonnaise is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and formulations: modified corn starch, thickeners (guar gum and xanthan gum), antioxidant calcium disodium EDTA, natural mustard flavouring, and paprika extract. These ingredients are UPF markers under the NOVA-based criteria. The remaining ingredients, such as rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, sugar, vinegar, egg yolk, mustard flour, and lemon juice concentrate, do not change the classification.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
OK

rapeseed oil

A pressed oil from rapeseed (canola); widely used culinary oil rich in unsaturated fats.
OK

spirit vinegar

A clear, distilled vinegar typically made from fermented alcohol (ethanol) and used for pickling, flavoring, and preservation.
UPF

modified corn starch

A processed starch produced from corn by modifying its starch molecules for improved stability and texture.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

salt

Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
OK

free range egg yolk (1,5%)
OK

cream powder (milk)

Dried cream, a dairy product with fat and protein; a processed dairy ingredient used to impart creaminess in foods.
OK

citrus fibre

Fibrous material derived from citrus fruits, used as dietary fiber and texturizer in foods.
UPF

guar gum and xanthan gum thickeners

Hydrocolloid thickeners used to improve texture and viscosity in foods.
OK

mustard flour

Ground mustard seeds used as a spice or condiment; a basic, natural ingredient derived from mustard seeds.
OK

lemon juice concentrate

Concentrated lemon juice, a tart citrus flavoring derived from lemons.
UPF

calcium disodium edta

A chelating agent and antioxidant used in small amounts in food to bind trace metals and extend shelf-life.
UPF

natural mustard flavouring

A flavoring extract derived from mustard used to impart mustard-like aroma and taste.
UPF

paprika extract

Concentrated flavor ingredient derived from paprika (capsicum) used to impart paprika flavor without the physical pepper pieces.
OK

sunflower oil

A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

SO organic Mayonnaise

Duchy Organic Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise 100% Olive Oil

Hunter & Gather

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

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Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Light mayonnaise

Is Light mayonnaise ultra-processed?

Yes — Light mayonnaise by Hellmann's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Light mayonnaise is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and formulations: modified corn starch, thickeners (guar gum and xanthan gum), antioxidant calcium disodium EDTA, natural mustard flavouring, and paprika extract. These ingredients are UPF markers under the NOVA-based criteria. The remaining ingredients, such as rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, sugar, vinegar, egg yolk, mustard flour, and lemon juice concentrate, do not change the classification.

Which ingredients in Light mayonnaise are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Light mayonnaise as ultra-processed markers: modified corn starch, guar gum and xanthan gum thickeners, calcium disodium edta, natural mustard flavouring, paprika extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Light mayonnaise?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Olive Oil Mayonaise by Marks & Spencer, SO organic Mayonnaise by Sainsbury's, Real Mayonnaise by Stokes. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.

Light mayonnaise

Ingredients

Healthier alternatives

Swap it for something less processed

Common questions about Light mayonnaise

Is Light mayonnaise ultra-processed?

Which ingredients in Light mayonnaise are ultra-processed?

What are healthier alternatives to Light mayonnaise?

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan it yourself,right in the aisle

Scan it yourself,
right in the aisle