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Mayo vs. Mayonnaise: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 26, 2023
Mayo and mayonnaise essentially refer to the same condiment, a creamy sauce made from oil, egg yolk, and vinegar or lemon juice, but "mayo" is simply a shortened, colloquial form of "mayonnaise."
Mayo vs. Mayonnaise

Key Differences

Mayo, a common abbreviation for mayonnaise, is widely used in casual or informal contexts. Mayonnaise, the full term, is more formal and often used in culinary and professional settings. Both words refer to the same creamy, rich sauce that is popular in various cuisines.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
In ingredient listings or on packaging, the term "mayo" might be used for brevity, while "mayonnaise" is typically used in recipes and culinary discussions to refer to the traditional emulsion of oil, egg yolk, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice. Both terms describe the same product.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Mayo, being a colloquial term, is often used in everyday speech and casual writing. In contrast, mayonnaise is used in formal writing and when adhering to specific culinary standards. Despite the difference in formality, both words denote the same condiment.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
In advertising and branding, "mayo" might be used for its brevity and modern appeal, whereas "mayonnaise" is often used to evoke a sense of tradition and authenticity in the product. Both terms, however, refer to the creamy sauce used in a variety of dishes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
The pronunciation differs slightly with "mayo" being shorter and quicker to say, while "mayonnaise" has a more elongated pronunciation. Regardless of this phonetic difference, mayo and mayonnaise are the same sauce, popularly used as a spread or dressing.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Formality

Informal, colloquial
Formal, traditional
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Usage in Writing

More common in casual writing
Used in formal and culinary writing
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Pronunciation

Shorter and quicker
More elongated
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Presence in Advertising

Often used for modern appeal
Used for traditional, authentic appeal
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Dec 26, 2023

Cultural Perception

Perceived as modern and casual
Viewed as classic and traditional
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Mayo and Mayonnaise Definitions

Mayo

An emulsion often used as a base in other sauces.
I used mayo to make my own aioli.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Mayonnaise

A thick, creamy dressing made from oil, egg yolk, and vinegar or lemon juice.
I made homemade mayonnaise for the recipe.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Mayo

A creamy, tangy condiment used in sandwiches and salads.
I spread some mayo on my turkey sandwich.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Mayonnaise

A base ingredient for various sauces and dressings.
We mixed mayonnaise with herbs for the sauce.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Mayo

A versatile sauce used in various cuisines worldwide.
We ran out of mayo for the potato salad.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
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Mayonnaise

A traditional spread used in numerous dishes.
I prefer light mayonnaise in my pasta salad.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Mayo

A common ingredient in dips and spreads.
This garlic mayo dip is delicious!
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Mayonnaise

A staple condiment in many sandwiches and salads.
The chicken sandwich needs more mayonnaise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Mayo

A popular dressing made from emulsified oil and egg yolk.
I like extra mayo in my coleslaw.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Mayonnaise

An emulsion used in culinary preparations worldwide.
The recipe calls for two tablespoons of mayonnaise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Mayo

Mayonnaise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mayonnaise

A thick dressing made of beaten raw egg yolk, oil, lemon juice or vinegar, and seasonings.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mayo

Clipping of mayonnaise
Pass me the mayo please.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mayonnaise

A dressing made from vegetable oil, raw egg yolks, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasoning, used on salads, with french fries, in sandwiches etc.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mayo

A white person.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mayonnaise

Any cold dish with that dressing as an ingredient.
We served a lobster mayonnaise as a starter.
Hair mayonnaise
Facial mayonnaise
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mayo

Egg yolks and oil and vinegar
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mayonnaise

(transitive) To cover or season with mayonnaise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mayonnaise

A thick white sauce compounded of raw yolks of eggs beaten up with olive oil to the consistency near to that of a gel, and seasoned with vinegar, pepper, salt, etc.; - used in dressing salads, fish, etc. Also, a dish dressed with this sauce.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mayonnaise

Egg yolks and oil and vinegar
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Is mayo short for mayonnaise?

Yes, "mayo" is a common abbreviation for mayonnaise.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Can mayo be used as a cooking ingredient?

Yes, mayo can be used in various recipes, including as a base for sauces, in marinades, or in baked goods.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

What is mayonnaise?

Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy sauce or dressing made from oil, egg yolks, and either vinegar or lemon juice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Can I make mayonnaise at home?

Yes, homemade mayonnaise can be made using oil, egg yolks, and vinegar or lemon juice, often blended together.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Does mayonnaise expire?

Yes, it does expire. Check the expiration date on the jar and observe any changes in smell or texture.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

What are the main ingredients in mayonnaise?

The primary ingredients are oil, egg yolks, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Is mayonnaise healthy?

Mayonnaise is high in calories and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation. Some brands offer lighter versions.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

What is the difference between mayo and aioli?

Aioli is traditionally made with garlic and olive oil, while mayonnaise is based on egg yolks and neutral oil.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

How should I store mayonnaise?

Store it in the refrigerator and keep it tightly sealed.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Is there a vegan alternative to mayonnaise?

Yes, vegan mayonnaise substitutes egg with ingredients like aquafaba or soy milk.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Why does mayonnaise sometimes separate?

Separation can occur if the emulsion breaks, often due to temperature changes or improper blending.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Is mayonnaise safe during pregnancy?

Commercially prepared mayo is generally safe, but homemade mayo with raw eggs should be avoided due to the risk of salmonella.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Can mayonnaise be frozen?

Freezing mayonnaise is not recommended as it can affect the texture and consistency.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Is mayo gluten-free?

Most mayonnaises are gluten-free, but it's important to check the label for any gluten-containing additives.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

What's the origin of mayonnaise?

The origin is debated, but it's thought to have been invented in either France or Spain.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Can mayonnaise help soothe a sunburn?

This is a folk remedy with no scientific backing. It's better to use products specifically designed for sunburn.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

What dishes commonly use mayo?

Mayo is commonly used in sandwiches, salads, and as a base for various sauces and dressings.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Can mayonnaise be used as a hair treatment?

Yes, some people use mayonnaise for hair conditioning, though its effectiveness is anecdotal.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

What makes mayonnaise thicken?

The emulsion process, where oil is blended into egg yolks, creates a thick, stable mixture.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Are there different types of mayonnaise?

Yes, including variations like light, olive oil-based, or flavored mayos.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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