It took me two months to finally write this review … well over a month has passed since our first finished jar, several weeks have passed since our second finished (jumbo) jar … yes, it seems when I find a new favorite, consuming rather than writing becomes the first thing on my mind.
I will start this review with a quick primer. There are four varieties of Vegenaise, Original, Organic, Expeller Pressed, and Grapeseed. I chose the Grapeseed as I prefer using grapeseed oil to canola oil (Original, and Expeller Pressed) and try to limit the soy in our diet (Organic). There is a bit of soy protein in the Grapeseed version, but it was a ways down the ingredient list, which I have included below.
While I rarely have cravings for mayonnaise, it is a nice creamy replacement that is almost always dairy-free. I (used to) keep a jar on hand for emergencies, but since my husband and I were trialing the vegan diet, Vegenaise seemed like an interesting product to try.
As for the look, it had a very slight greenish/gray tint to distinguish it from traditional mayo (no doubt the tinge of the grapeseed oil). The consistency was perfect, thick, creamy, spreadable, and remarkably like the egg-based competitor.
The taste was also pretty impressive. While I could tell that it was slightly different from regular mayo, it was in some ways incredibly alike. Really, oddly enough, I actually liked it better! It had a fresher taste. Amazingly, my carnivorous husband also loved it. I began using it to make creamy salad dressings for pasta salads and greens … just adding a touch of rice milk to thin it, and the herbs and spices that served our mood. The Lemony Dill seasoning from Vegetarian Express turned out to be a real winning combination. Soon, my husband was requesting Vegenaise dressings, and said that I didn’t need to buy those other salad dressings anymore. Here it is in action …
Seriously, we are now addicted. Egg-based mayo and bottled salad dressings are out … Vegenaise is in! Who would have known?
Vegenaise now offers a “Gourmet” line of mayonnaise that includes some fun flavors like Sriracha, Pesto, Chipotle, and Barbeque. These are a perfect way to spice up any meal! Great for salad dressings, potato or pasta salads, and on sandwiches.
My Extra Notes:
- Ingredients: Grapeseed oil, purified water, apple cider vinegar, brown rice syrup, soy protein, sea salt, lemon juice, mustard.
- Vegenaise comes in two sizes: a good-sized smaller jar and what I refer to as the jumbo size (32 ounces). The jumbo size goes for just over $4 at my local natural food store (while the smaller is just under $4) … a real deal for how long it lasts and how much salad dressing it can make!
Where to Purchase: Vegenaise is sold in the refrigerated section; so don’t look for it next to the other mayos on the shelf. In large grocery stores, don’t overlook the mini-fridge often found hiding in the natural food aisles. Oh yes and you can also buy Vegenaise direct from the Follow Your Heart website. Recently, we noticed a little snafu with their website, if you have any difficulties, contact them directly at (818) 725-2820 or info@FollowYourHeart.com.
The Facts on Vegenaise
Certifications: Vegenaise is Certified Kosher Pareve and Non-GMO Verified.
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Vegenaise is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, vegan / plant-based, vegetarian. Soy-free varieties are offered. Nonetheless, always read the ingredient statement and check with the company on their manufacturing processes for all varieties if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. Processes and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company / product.
For More Product Information: Visit the Follow Your Heart website at followyourheart.com
12 Comments
Have you tried the soy free version? If so, how does it compare to the grapeseed one. I’ve had the grapeseed one in the past and loved it but am curious about the soy free version.
Yes – I haven’t noticed a huge difference in them. Mainly the organic one is different in texture, but the others seem similar. We still like the grapeseed one best though.
Have you checked Amazon? It’s $80 for one jar.
Wowsers, that’s insane! It’s just $5 in store here – sometimes cheaper if on sale. I think you can buy direct on their website for much less expensive, too.
Hi, I was a diehard Hellman’s addict all my life. About five years ago I tried Vegenaise at
the suggestion of a friend. There is no comparison. Vegenaise is superior in taste,
consistency…And of course, so my healthier. I’m curious about the pricing that you gave
$4.00? In NJ the small jar is around $7.00 and the large $ll.00. Well worth the price.
Hoping they will carry it in the grocery store as Whole Foods and the Health Food store
that carries it is a bit of a trip…
I guess there is a much bigger mark-up out east! I’m on the west coast – I’ve seen prices here up to $7 or $8 for the large jar (though cheaper at most stores), but never as high as you are seeing. Wow!
Thanks to your review, I’m now a convert too. My favorite vegenaise recipe is Fettucine Alfredo (following recipe is for 1 person).
Boil whole wheat angel hair for 1 person. Saute handful of spinach with 1/2 clove garlic, add a little bit of fresh basil at the end (when the spinach is wilted). When pasta and veggies are done, add both to the following Vegenaise “cream”: 2 tablespoons of Vegenaise, tiny squirt of regular mustard, squirt of lime and salt and pepper.
The warm pasta and heat from the veggies will warm the “cream” and will make everything gooey and delicious! You can also add pre-cooked chicken. To die for!
That sounds delish Ingrid! Thanks for sharing. I’ll have to give it a go.
I also prefer the taste over mayonnaise. I wanted to share my new recipe. I’ve been eating healthier and I never thought I would forgo my butter on artichokes. I add juice from 1/2 lemon to a few tables spoons of vegenaise, generously add garlic powder and italian seasoning. I’ll try your recipe for salads.
This sounds great – thanks for sharing Lauren!
Thank you so much for your review of Vegenaise! I’ve been wanting to try it, but wondered if it was worth it at all. I love mayo in certain sandwich fillings (tuna/salmon and egg salad) and I’m so happy to think that I can choose a healthier and more natural option now. Vegenaise, here I come!
Good article. I avoid canola (rapeseed) like the plague and normally don’t use mayonnaise but this brand is an exception. My wife is the mayo connoisseur and the grapeseed variety is her favourite.