Differentiating Between Miracle Whip and Mayo
When it comes to making sandwiches or salads, people often use either mayo or Miracle Whip as the primary ingredient. While these two spreads may seem similar, they have their differences. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Mayo and Miracle Whip, so you can decide which one to use for your next culinary creation.
Ingredients
Mayonnaise is made from oil, vinegar, egg yolks, and sometimes mustard, lemon juice, and salt. The egg yolks used in mayo provide it with its thick, creamy texture. On the other hand, Miracle Whip is made with water, high fructose corn syrup, soybean oil, vinegar, modified cornstarch, egg yolks, and natural flavorings. The addition of water in Miracle Whip makes it lighter than regular mayo.
Taste
Mayo has a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy taste. Meanwhile, Miracle Whip has a sweeter taste than mayo, thanks to the inclusion of high fructose corn syrup. It also has a tangy flavor because of the vinegar and lemon juice used in its formulation. Miracle Whip is perceived as having a stronger, more distinct flavor as some would put it, an overpowering flavor, while mayo blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
Texture
Mayonnaise has a thicker and creamier texture in comparison to Miracle Whip, which is more spreadable and light. Although Miracle Whip has a lighter texture, it does not hold up well when mixed with other ingredients in salads, sandwiches, or dips. On the other hand, mayo binds the ingredients together and offers a smooth and consistent texture.
Nutrition
Mayo contains more fat and calories per serving than Miracle Whip. This is mainly due to the presence of oil in mayo. Whereas, Miracle Whip, which is made with water, has fewer calories and less fat compared to mayo. However, the high fructose corn syrup used in Miracle Whip contributes to the total carbohydrate content, which can be a concern for some.
Final Verdict
In summary, mayo is the classic, thicker condiment with a rich and tangy taste, perfect for many recipes. Meanwhile, Miracle Whip has a lighter, sweeter flavor that could be a perfect substitute for people who do not want the traditional tangy taste. While the differences between the two spreads may be subtle, they can impact the taste and texture of your recipes. So, choose your spread wisely!
Table difference between miracle whip and mayo
| Miracle Whip | Mayonnaise | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Water, soybean oil, vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, modified cornstarch, eggs, salt, natural flavor, mustard flour, potassium sorbate, spice, dried garlic | Oil, egg yolks, vinegar or lemon juice, mustard, salt, sugar, natural flavorings |
| Flavor | Sweeter, tangier, and slightly spicier than mayonnaise | Milder, creamier taste compared to Miracle Whip |
| Texture | Thicker and more spreadable than regular mayonnaise, with a creamier texture and a glossy appearance | Thinner and more oil-based, with a smoother texture |
| Uses | Often used as a sandwich spread or ingredient in salads, dressings, and dips | Commonly used as a condiment, sandwich spread, or ingredient in dressings, sauces, and dips |
| Availability | Widely available in grocery stores and found in the refrigerated section | Widely available in grocery stores and can be found in both the refrigerated and shelf-stable sections |