Know the difference between regular and low-cal mayonnaise.
In burgers, sandwiches, potato salad and deviled eggs, mayonnaise is king. Mayonnaise has a simple recipe, but there are several big differences between traditional mayonnaise and low-cal mayonnaise. If you're watching your calorie intake, those differences can mean a world of difference in how and when you use this creamy, rich sauce.
Ingredients
Traditional mayonnaise is a mixture of oil, egg yolk and an acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar. The type of oil may include grape seed, vegetable, olive, canola or peanut oil. The biggest difference between regular mayonnaise and low-cal mayonnaise is the amount of each ingredient used. Low-cal mayonnaise tends to use more egg whites than whole eggs and less oil.
Calorie Content
Regular mayonnaise contains about 57 to 90 calories per tablespoon; low-cal mayonnaise contains about 35 calories. One of the most effective ways a low-cal mayonnaise will cut the caloric value is by using mostly egg whites instead of whole eggs with yolks. One 1.8-ounce egg contains 78 calories, but the egg whites of the same egg contain only 17 calories. Using egg whites also cuts down on the fat content of the mayonnaise.
Fat Content
Low-cal mayonnaise is also typically lower in fat than regular mayonnaise. This is especially true in cases where mostly egg whites and fewer yolks are used. Traditional mayonnaise contains about 10 grams of fat per tablespoon, while low-cal mayonnaise contains about 3.5 grams of fat per tablespoon. The fat in mayonnaise, both regular and low cal, comes predominantly from the oil and eggs.
Substitutions
To reduce the number of calories you consume, it's possible to use low-cal mayonnaise in the place of regular mayonnaise. The rich, creamy taste shouldn't be compromised or even noticeable between the two. When substituting mayonnaise in a recipe, use only the amount indicated in the ingredients list, to preserve the taste and texture of the recipe. If you are concerned about calorie intake, do not increase portion sizes just because mayonnaise has been substituted with low-cal mayonnaise.
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