Mayonnaise vs. Miracle Whip: What’s the Distinction?

Drop “mayonnaise or Miracle Whip” in a dialog, and other people have emotions — loads of them. Although discovered close to one another in a grocery retailer, these creamy condiments are sometimes talked about like they don’t even exist in the identical universe. Passionate opinions apart, there are some vital technical variations between mayo and Miracle Whip. Right here’s what to know.

What’s mayonnaise? 

Mayonnaise is a thick and creamy condiment that’s an emulsion of oil, acid (usually vinegar or lemon juice), and egg yolks. In his guide, On Meals and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen, writer Harold McGee defines an emulsion as “a mix of two incompatible liquids, considered one of them damaged up into tiny droplets which can be suspended all through the opposite.” In mayo’s case, the incompatible liquids (oil and acid) are slowly added to, and emulsified by, the egg yolks. This emulsion, when finished correctly, creates the traditional condiment for egg salad, salad dressings, and dips.

The Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) additionally has its personal (very particular) definition of the multi-purpose sauce. In line with its tips, to ensure that a product to be labeled and bought as mayonnaise within the U.S., it should include vegetable oil, acidic substances (equivalent to vinegar or lemon juice), and “egg yolk-containing substances” like liquid, frozen, or dried entire eggs or egg yolks.

What’s Miracle Whip?

Miracle Whip is a creamy, spreadable, mayonnaise-like condiment that’s technically a dressing. First launched on the World’s Truthful in Chicago in 1933 by Kraft (then referred to as the Kraft-Phenix Cheese Company), Miracle Whip was marketed as a less expensive different to mayonnaise throughout the peak of the Nice Despair. Right this moment, Miracle Whip is constructed from soybean oil, high-fructose corn syrup, vinegar, eggs, spices, and water. As of 2015, the trademark for Miracle Whip belongs to Kraft-Heinz. Miracle Whip is available in varieties that embrace Unique, Mild, and “Mayo-Like,” with the latter formulated to provide a texture and taste that’s nearer to mayonnaise however nonetheless has its signature tang. 

What’s the distinction between mayonnaise and Miracle Whip? 

To be clear: Miracle Whip will not be mayonnaise. In line with the FDA laws, with the intention to be marketed and bought as mayonnaise, the product should meet the ingredient tips listed above and include no less than 65% vegetable oil. Miracle Whip accommodates lower than 65% soybean oil (the precise quantity will not be disclosed), which classifies it as a dressing. 

As a result of Miracle Whip has much less oil and the next sugar content material than most mayonnaise manufacturers like Hellman’s or Dukes, it has a lighter texture, thinner consistency, and sweeter taste than mayonnaise. Miracle Whip additionally accommodates roughly half the energy and fats of mayo, though it isn’t essentially “more healthy” because it tends to incorporate extra components and sugar. 

Are you able to substitute Miracle Whip for mayonnaise?

Taste preferences apart, you possibly can typically get away with substituting Miracle Whip for mayonnaise as a condiment on a sandwich, or as a substitute for mayo in pasta salad or potato salad. 

Nevertheless, in some recipes, significantly in baked items, Miracle Whip will not be able to changing a full-fat mayonnaise. Much like substituting margarine for butter, it might considerably have an effect on the ultimate texture and taste.