Does Aioli contain dairy or gluten?

This specific Aioli does not contain dairy (milk) or gluten ingredients. However, it does contain egg yolk. The white wine used may be processed in facilities that handle other allergens.

Is Aioli good for weight loss?

No, Aioli is not ideal for weight loss. It is a high-calorie condiment consisting mostly of oil. A small serving contains a significant amount of fat, so portion control is strictly required.

Where can I buy Aioli?

Aioli is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger, as well as online through Amazon.

Is Aioli safe for kids?

Yes, Aioli is generally safe for kids, though it is high in sodium. It does not contain caffeine. However, because it contains raw egg yolk (unless pasteurized), parents of very young children or those with compromised immune systems should exercise caution.

Is Aioli Vegan?

No, Aioli is not vegan. While it sounds like a simple garlic sauce, the specific formulation of Aioli contains **egg yolk**, which is an animal-derived product. If you are strictly plant-based, you should avoid this specific brand of Aioli.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing whether a processed sauce fits a vegan diet, we have to look beyond the marketing and inspect the label. As a food scientist, I look for specific animal-derived markers. In the case of this specific Aioli, the verdict is clear, but the composition is complex.

The primary reason this Aioli fails the vegan test is the presence of egg yolk. In traditional French cuisine, aioli is an emulsion of garlic and olive oil; however, commercial versions often use egg yolk as an emulsifier to keep the oil and water mixed. It provides that creamy texture but comes directly from an animal.

Furthermore, we must look at the mustard and white wine components. While mustard is typically plant-based, commercial preparations can sometimes use processing agents. More importantly, the white wine used in this recipe is clarified using egg yolk, albumin (fish bladder), or casein (milk) during the filtration process. Because the wine is not specified as 'unfined' or 'vegan,' it is a potential gray area, but the explicit egg yolk ingredient makes this a non-negotiable exclusion for vegans.

Finally, there are the preservatives. Ingredients like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are synthetic preservatives used to extend shelf life. While they are technically vegan, they are often a marker of highly processed foods. The inclusion of phosphoric acid is used here to adjust acidity, likely to balance the vinegar and garlic flavors.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

egg

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this Aioli is a calorie-dense condiment. The base is canola oil, which is high in fat. A single serving contains a significant amount of fat, primarily unsaturated, which is generally considered heart-healthier than saturated fats found in dairy-based mayonnaises. However, the caloric density is high, meaning portion control is essential.

Regarding sugar and carbohydrates, the presence of modified corn starch and lemon juice concentrate suggests a low but existing carbohydrate count. The phosphoric acid and vinegar lower the pH significantly, making it acidic. For those on a Keto or Paleo diet, this product fits the macronutrient profile (high fat, low carb), but the processing agents make it less 'clean' than a homemade version. It is also high in sodium due to the salt and the preservatives required to keep the garlic stable.