Food - News
The Real Difference Between Mayonnaise And Miracle Whip
By MARIA SCINTO
If you've always thought Miracle Whip was a type of mayonnaise, you’d be wrong. The FDA requires that any product labeled "mayonnaise" must contain at least 65% vegetable oil by weight, and Miracle Whip — which is labeled as a “salad dressing” — does not meet this standrad. What are the other differences between these condiments?
Taste
Real mayonnaise is made with eggs, vegetable oil, and an acid such as lemon juice, plus optional spices like mustard, paprika, and garlic. Miracle Whip follows a similar recipe, but also includes corn syrup, which gives it a distinctive sweetness that some might call cloying, but others find enjoyable.
Regional Preference
The American people's preferences for mayo or Miracle Whip are largely regional. The Northeast is all about Hellman’s brand mayonnaise, while the West Coast prefers Best Foods mayo; neither of these areas are big on Miracle Whip, but the Midwest and Deep South can’t seem to get enough of the Whip.
Nutritional Differences
On average, Miracle Whip has half the calories of mayonnaise, since it’s made with less oil; however, it also contains high fructose corn syrup; soybean oil, which can increase inflammation; and more additives overall. Miracle Whip is highly processed overall, making mayo a healthier choice.
Homemade Miracle Whip?
You can make your homemade Miracle Whip by following one of the many copycat recipes posted online. You can even turn regular mayo into "Miracle Whip" by adding vinegar, cornstarch, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and ground mustard, which are boiled together and then mixed into the mayo.