Vegenaise FAQs

  • What is Vegenaise?

    Vegenaise ® is a mayonnaise alternative. The Federal Standard of Identity specifies that mayonnaise must contain eggs. Vegenaise ® is egg free. Therefore, it comes under the FDA category of Dressing and Sandwich Spread. Nevertheless, in taste tests, consumers and food experts consistently identify Vegenaise ® as tasting more like real mayonnaise than other products, including many containing eggs.

    Asked 1 year, 3 months ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • What is the difference between the various types of Vegenaise ®?

    Vegenaise ® comes in five types, Original (Blue Lid), Grapeseed Oil (Purple Lid), Organic (Green Lid), Reduced Fat (Yellow Lid) and Soy-Free (Gold Lid). All varieties of Vegenaise® have very similar nutritional compositions except for Reduced Fat Vegenaise, which contains approximately half the fat and calories of other Vegenaises.

    Original Vegenaise ® is made with select non-GMO expeller-pressed Canola Oil. The canola oil we use is verified from non-GMO seeds and is extracted without the use of solvents. Canola oil has a neutral taste, and is lowest in saturated fat of all edible vegetable oils.

    Grapeseed Vegenaise is made with grapeseed oil, a premium oil with a more distinctive taste which is also known for its uniquely healthful properties.

    Organic Vegenaise ® is made with Organic, Expeller-Pressed Soybean Oil.

    Soy-Free Vegenaise ® is entirely allergen-free and made with a pea protein in place of soy.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • What about total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol?

    Vegenaise ® is lower in total fat than ordinary mayonnaise. It has approximately nine grams of fat in a serving and Reduced Fat Vegenaise has even less with five grams of fat. Because Vegenaise ® is egg and dairy free, it is very low in saturated fat, and has absolutely no cholesterol. Furthermore, Vegenaise ® contains no hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fat and no transfats.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • Does Vegenaise ® have to be kept in the refrigerator all the time?

    Vegenaise ® is fresh and contains no preservatives, so it should be refrigerated at all times, including before opening. In contrast to mayonnaises which typically use preservatives, Vegenaise ® is kept constantly refrigerated to keep it as fresh as the day it was made. Some mayonnaise products can remain unrefrigerated for long periods without refrigeration, but we believe that this shelf stability has been achieved at the expense of freshness and the best possible taste.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • Is there any gluten in Vegenaise ®?

    All types of Vegenaise ® are completely gluten free. The enzyme used to produce the brown rice syrup is gluten free and the mustard is ground mustard seeds, not prepared mustard.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • Is Vegenaise ® vegan?

    Yes, Vegenaise ® (often refered to as Veganaise ®) is the perfect spread for vegans because it contains no ingredients of animal origin.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • Does Vegenaise ® contain any common allergens?

    Vegenaise ® is free of eggs, milk products, wheat, gluten, corn, yeast, and starch. Soy protein is used in very small amounts as an emulsifier and comprises less than 2 percent of the total product. Becuase tolerance to allergens varies considerably, to be safe, people with sensitivity to soy should consult their physician regarding the advisability of testing this product.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • Is there vinegar in the mustard used in Vegenaise ® ?

    The mustard used in Vegenaise ® is mustard flour (ground mustard seed), not prepared mustard, which usually does contain distilled vinegar. The vinegar used in Vegenaise ® is apple cider vinegar.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • Is Vegenaise ® low in sodium?

    Yes, Vegenaise ® is low in sodium. It contains about 80 milligrams per serving.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • Is Grapeseed Oil actually good for people who need to watch their cholesterol?

    Grapeseed oil has been shown to correct blood cholesterol levels in certain individuals, thereby reducing their risk of cardiac events. In a large survey published in 1993 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Dr. Nash showed in a sample group of 56 men and women using up to 1.5 ounces (43 g) per day, an amount that one can cook with, grape seed oil had the ability to raise HDL levels by 13% and reduce LDL levels by 7% in just three weeks. The total cholesterol/HDL ratio was reduced 15.6% and the total LDL/HDL ratio was reduced by 15.3%, which could be significant for those at risk of heart attack.

    Grapeseed oil is one of the few natural foods know to raise HDL. HDL appears to reduce LDL by loosening it from the arterial walls so it can be carried to the liver for elimination. Grapeseed oil is also an excellent natural source of vitamin E and essential fatty acids necessary for normal cell metabolism and maintenance.

    David T. Nash, Stephen D. Nash, and William D. Grant, "Grapeseed Oil, A Natural Agent Which Raises Serum HDL Levels," Journal of the American College of Cardiology 925-116 (March 1993).

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • I've heard that Canola Oil is bad for you. Why do you use it in your product?

    We have thoroughly researched canola oil, both before our decision to use this oil as an ingredient as well as after, and conduct ongoing research as new information becomes available to make sure this is an ingredient we still choose to use in our products. All of our research has led us to feel comfortable with the quality and wholesomeness of the canola oil we use in our products. Much of the concern surrounding canola is because canola oil is mistakenly equated with rapeseed oil, which has high levels or erucic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that can be toxic to humans in large amounts. Canola is a plant developed through conventional plant breeding from rapeseed. Rapeseed oil contains about 30-60% erucic acid, while canola oil is regulated to contain erucic acid levels in the range of 0.3-1.2%, well below the 2% limit. Another concern about canola oil is that it is genetically modified. It is true that most canola is genetically modified to be pesticide resistant. Herbicide-resistant GM canola (also called Roundup Ready Canola) was introduced in 1995 and comprises much of the canola oil currently on store shelves, but not all canola oil is from GM canola plants. The Canola Oil we use in our Vegenaise, Salad Dressings, and Vegan Gourmet Dairy Alternatives is non-GMO. As a company, we are committed to using only non-GMO ingredients in our products and use only select non-GMO canola oil for our products.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • Do you pronounce it Vej-a-naze or Ve-gan-aze ?

    When we first invented Vegenaise ® in the early 70's, the word vegan was not widely recognized. We named it Vegenaise ® for "vegetarian mayonnaise". But today, with so many vegans enjoying our product, we really think that Veganaise ™ is a great name too. So, call it what you will, just ask for it by name.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • If I leave Vegenaise ® un-refrigerated for a while, do I need to be concerned?

    Though we do recommend that Vegenaise be kept refrigerated at all times, it can be left un-refrigerated for up to a week.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • Where can I buy Vegenaise?

    Vegenaise ® can be found in most natural foods stores nationwide. To see a list of stores near you click here.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • Does Vegenaise ® contain any genetically engineered ingredients (GMOs)?

    All types of Vegenaise are non-GMO. We are committed to using only non-GMO ingredients in our products and regularly verify the non-GMO status of our ingredients.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • Do you add MSG to Vegenaise?

    We do not add MSG or MSG derivatives to any of our products.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • How long does Vegenaise stay fresh after I open it?

    Vegenaise has the same shelf life opened or unopened. It is not heat or vacuum sealed, so you can always use the "Use By" date on the jar as a shelf life reference.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • Which Follow Your Heart products are gluten free?

    All types of Vegenaise, Vegan Gourmet Cheeses, Fresh and Natural Dressings and Organic Dressings are gluten free. Chicken-Free Chicken does have gluten in it.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • How does your facility handle allergens to avoid cross contamination?

    We are very attentive to cross-contamination issues and with all of our products we implement allergen-conscious storage controls, and wash and sanitize any utensils that are used in processing products with different allergen profiles. Our Quality Control team conducts Allergen Changeover Inspections between runs of any products with different allergens. This inspection includes a visual check of all equipment and utensils as well as a test for organic material residue. There is a small possibility that our products could come in contact with airborne particles of potential allergens in our facility, but we do take all necessary precautions to ensure that there is no direct contact between products with different allergen profiles.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • What allergens are present in your facility?

    Our facility processes soy, milk, wheat, and a small amount of peanuts and treenuts. We do not have egg, fish, or shellfish in our facility.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • Is Vegenaise processed on shared equipment with any allergens?

    Vegenaise is processed on shared equipment with milk. All equipment and utensils are fully washed, sanitized and inspected between runs of products with different allergen profiles.

    Asked 1 year ago by FYH-Katie Franklin

  • What happened to High Omega-3 Vegenaise?

    We do still make High Omega-3 Vegenaise with Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil, we've just changed the name to Original Vegenaise. The product in the jar of Original Vegenaise is the same High Omega-3 Vegenaise that you love, it just has a new name and label. Instead of a green label and lid, the product now has a blue label and lid.

    Asked 10 months, 1 week ago by FYH-Katie Franklin