Is Duke’s Real Mayonnaise Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is safe for a gluten-free diet, the key is looking for hidden gluten sources like wheat starch or malt vinegar. Fortunately, Duke’s keeps it old-fashioned. The primary ingredients are soybean oil, eggs, and a blend of distilled and cider vinegar.

Distilled vinegar is a point of confusion for many, but it is considered gluten-free. The distillation process removes the protein from the source (even if the original grain was wheat), leaving behind pure acetic acid. Similarly, the calcium disodium edta and oleoresin paprika are simply preservatives and flavorings that do not contain gluten. Because Duke’s does not use any thickeners like wheat flour (which some other brands do), it poses no gluten risk.

Nutritional Value

While Duke’s is safe for gluten-sensitive individuals, it is a calorie-dense food due to its soybean oil base. A standard serving contains a significant amount of fat, which is typical for mayonnaise. However, Duke’s is famous for having 0 grams of sugar per serving, distinguishing it from many competitors that add high fructose corn syrup or sugar for sweetness. This makes it a favorable option for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, provided they monitor their overall fat intake.