HELLMANN'S Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing scores 33/100 (Poor) due to its high saturated fat and sodium content, along with its classification as a processed food.
This HELLMANN'S product receives a FoodScore of 33/100 (Poor).
It contains 7.14g of saturated fat per 100g, contributing to a significant penalty.
With 892.86mg of sodium per 100g, it is a high-sodium condiment.
As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it contains several modified ingredients.
Portion control is important, as a 1 Tbsp serving still contributes to daily fat and sodium intake.
Scores +1 points above the condiment category average (32/100 across 822 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
892.86mg
39% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (7.1g)-8
Sodium (892.9mg)-4
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 33
HELLMANN'S Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing receives a FoodScore of 33/100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily driven by its nutritional profile, which includes a high amount of fat and sodium. Per 100g, the product contains 42.93g of total fat, with 7.14g of saturated fat, leading to an 8-point penalty. Additionally, the sodium content is 892.86mg per 100g, resulting in a 4-point penalty. The ingredient list includes soybean oil and olive oil, along with modified potato starch and sugar. While the product name highlights olive oil, soybean oil is listed first, indicating a higher proportion. The product is classified as NOVA class 3, meaning it is a processed food, which incurs a 5-point penalty. Compared to a generic unbranded mayonnaise, HELLMANN'S Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing has a similar nutritional profile in terms of fat and sodium, and both are typically processed foods.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in hellmann's olive oil mayonnaise dressing, olive oil actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
A Source of Dietary Fat
This mayonnaise dressing provides dietary fat, which is essential for energy, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and hormone production. While it contains a significant amount of saturated fat, the overall fat content can contribute to satiety when consumed in appropriate portions. The presence of soybean oil and olive oil contributes to the fat content, offering a blend of fatty acids.
Flavor Enhancement for Vegetables
For individuals who find it challenging to consume plain vegetables, a small amount of HELLMANN'S Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing can serve as a flavor enhancer. This can encourage the intake of nutrient-dense vegetables that might otherwise be avoided. Using it sparingly can make salads or roasted vegetables more palatable, potentially increasing overall vegetable consumption in the diet.
Convenient Condiment Option
As a condiment, this product offers convenience for meal preparation. It can be easily incorporated into sandwiches, wraps, or used as a base for dressings. For those seeking a quick addition to their meals, its ready-to-use format can save time. However, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes to manage the intake of its less favorable nutritional components.
HELLMANN'S Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing scores 33/100 (Poor) due to its high saturated fat and sodium content, along with its classification as a processed food.
How to eat it
Mayonnaise is commonly used as a spread for sandwiches, a base for dressings, or an ingredient in salads like potato or tuna salad. A typical serving size is 1 tablespoon, and it's important to be mindful of this portion due to its calorie and fat density.
Use HELLMANN'S Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing sparingly as a spread on whole-grain sandwiches or wraps to add moisture and flavor without excessive fat.
Combine a small amount with plain Greek yogurt and herbs to create a lighter, protein-rich dressing for salads or as a dip for vegetables.
Measure your serving (1 Tbsp) to help control calorie and fat intake, especially when adding to dishes that already contain other fats.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains soybean oil, which is a common allergen for some individuals, though it is not one of the major eight allergens that require specific labeling beyond its presence in the ingredient list. It also contains whole eggs and egg yolks, making it unsuitable for those with egg allergies. The preservatives sorbic acid and calcium disodium EDTA are used to protect quality, and while generally recognized as safe, some individuals may prefer to limit their intake of such additives. Due to its high sodium content, individuals on a sodium-restricted diet should consume this product with caution and in very limited quantities.
Is HELLMANN'S Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing healthy?
HELLMANN'S Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing scores 33/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. It is high in total fat, particularly saturated fat, and also high in sodium. While it contains some olive oil, soybean oil is the primary oil. It is best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How does HELLMANN'S Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing compare to other mayonnaise brands?
Compared to a generic unbranded mayonnaise, HELLMANN'S Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing has a similar nutritional profile in terms of fat and sodium. When compared to a brand like Kraft Real Mayonnaise, the nutritional values for fat and sodium per serving are often comparable, and both are typically processed condiments. Always check the specific nutrition label for exact comparisons.
What is 'modified potato starch' in the ingredient list?
Modified potato starch is a food additive used as a thickener, stabilizer, or emulsifier in many processed foods. In HELLMANN'S Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing, it helps achieve the desired texture and consistency, contributing to the product's stability and mouthfeel.
What is a reasonable portion size for this mayonnaise?
A reasonable portion size for HELLMANN'S Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing is 1 tablespoon. This serving size helps manage the intake of calories, fat, and sodium. Consuming larger portions regularly can significantly increase your daily intake of these nutrients, potentially exceeding recommended limits for saturated fat and sodium.
Can this mayonnaise be used in cooking?
Yes, HELLMANN'S Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing can be used in cooking, such as in baked goods, casseroles, or as a binding agent in dishes like crab cakes. However, due to its high fat and sodium content, consider its contribution to the overall nutritional profile of your cooked meal. For some applications, lighter alternatives or smaller quantities might be preferred.