Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise (Eggless) — ENGINEERED

Name: Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise (Eggless)
Brand: Hellmann's

Munch or Dump rates Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise (Eggless) by Hellmann's ENGINEERED — score 30/90.

Refined soybean oil emulsified with two modified starches, sugar and a preservative into a lab-built spread. The 'good fats' pitch can't hide that this is a NOVA-4 formula.

Why this verdict

Refined soybean oil is the #1 ingredient — calorie-dense, highly processed fat
Two modified starches (E1442, E1450) do the emulsifying — a lab-built texture
Sugar is the third ingredient in a savory condiment
Chemical preservative (E202) plus sequestrant (E385) and 'nature identical' flavour
NOVA 4 ultra-processed formula despite the 'real' branding

Ingredients (12)

Refined Soybean Oil (fortified with Vitamin A & D) (moderate) — Highly refined seed oil, very calorie-dense and the dominant ingredient; the vitamin fortification is a minor perk on top of a lot of refined fat.
Water (safe) — Added back as a filler/texture agent; harmless but dilutes.
Sugar (concerning) — Added sugar, third by weight, feeds yeast and adds sweetness with no nutritional benefit.
Thickener E1442 (hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate) (moderate) — Chemically modified starch used to fake a creamy, stable texture without egg; a hallmark of ultra-processing.
Thickener E1450 (starch sodium octenyl succinate) (moderate) — Second modified starch acting as the emulsifier that holds oil and water together; industrial, not kitchen, ingredient.
Natural vinegar (safe) — Acid for tang and mild preservation; a genuinely simple ingredient.
Iodised Salt (safe) — Small amount for flavor balance; iodine is beneficial.
Spices & Condiments (safe) — Flavoring blend; minor and generally benign.
lemon juice concentrate (safe) — Minor acidity/pH adjuster, benign.
Preservative E202 (potassium sorbate) (moderate) — Synthetic preservative to extend shelf life; generally recognized as safe but a marker of processed food.
Nature-identical and natural flavouring substances (moderate) — Lab-made flavour compounds engineered to mimic 'natural' taste; vague and industrial.
Sequestrant (E385, calcium disodium EDTA) (moderate) — Chelating agent that binds metals to stop the oil going rancid; a purely functional additive.

Healthier alternatives

Chosen Foods Classic Avocado Oil Mayo
Chosen Foods Classic Mayo
MAYO Real Mayonnaise made with Avocado Oil
Simple Truth Organic Thick & Chunky Mild Salsa
Tabasco Premium Salsa