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

Drop “mayonnaise or Miracle Whip” in a dialog, and folks have emotions — quite a lot 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 necessary 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 e book, On Meals and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen, writer Harold McGee defines an emulsion as “a combination 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 carried out correctly, creates the basic 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 response to its tips, to ensure that a product to be labeled and bought as mayonnaise within the U.S., it should include vegetable oil, acidic elements (reminiscent of vinegar or lemon juice), and “egg yolk-containing elements” 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 Honest in Chicago in 1933 by Kraft (then generally known as the Kraft-Phenix Cheese Company), Miracle Whip was marketed as a less expensive various to mayonnaise through the top of the Nice Despair. At present, Miracle Whip is comprised of 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 embody Authentic, Gentle, 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 response to the FDA laws, with a view 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 incorporates 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 a better 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 incorporates 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’ll be able to 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. 

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