Why is Light Mayonnaise classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The product combines refined ingredients such as vegetable oil, modified starch, and egg with industrial preservatives and emulsifiers, a hallmark of ultra‑processed foods; it specifically includes sorbic acid (E200) as a preservative and calcium disodium EDTA (E385) as a stabiliser.

How does the low sugar and low salt content of Light Mayonnaise affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

Both sugar (0.8 g/100 g) and salt (0.275 g/100 g) are well below typical condiment levels, making the spread suitable for diabetic or hypertensive meal plans, although the modest fat content should still be considered within overall daily limits.

Is Light Mayonnaise suitable for a vegan diet?

No. The ingredient list includes eggs, which are a major animal-derived component, so the product is not vegan despite containing soy and plant‑based oil.

Hellmann's • 15 g

Light Mayonnaise

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Light Mayonnaise by Hellmann's is a reduced‑fat condiment classified in the “Fat and sauces” and “Dressings and sauces” PNNS groups. It earns a Nutri‑Score of B thanks to low sugar (0.8 g/100 g) and low salt (0.275 g/100 g), while its fat content is modest at 3.5 g per 100 g, but it remains an ultra‑processed product (NOVA 4) with additives sorbic acid (E200) and calcium disodium EDTA (E385). The formulation contains egg and soy allergens and provides 233 kcal per 100 g, making it a lighter alternative to regular mayonnaise though not a clean‑label choice.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal233 kcal

Fat3.5 g

Saturated Fat0.5 g

Monounsaturated Fat1 g

Polyunsaturated Fat2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average light mayonnaise, this product contains far less fat (3.5 g vs 12 g), saturated fat (0.5 g vs 2.1 g), sugar (0.8 g vs 11 g) and salt (0.28 g vs 5 g), but its energy density is higher at 233 kcal per 100 g versus the category average of 183 kcal.

Ingredients

WATER, SOYBEAN OIL, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH (CORN, POTATO), EGGS, SUGAR, SALT, VINEGAR, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, SORBIC ACID AND CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA (USED TO PROTECT QUALITY) (SORBIC ACID (USED TO PROTECT QUALITY) AND CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA (USED TO PROTECT QUALITY)), NATURAL FLAVOR, EXTRACTIVES OF PAPRIKA, VITAMIN E. **INGREDIENT NOT IN MAYONNAISE

84%

35%

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