Mayonnaise is one of those everyday staples that sneaks its way into countless meals, from steaks to salads to dips. But what many people don’t realise is that the majority of supermarket mayonnaise is made with industrial seed oils such as sunflower, rapeseed or soybean oil. While these oils are cheap to produce and easy for manufacturers to work with, they can have a negative impact on health when consumed regularly.
At Hunter & Gather, we believe condiments should nourish you, not undermine your wellbeing. That’s why choosing a seed-oil-free mayonnaise isn’t just about taste; it’s about supporting your body’s long-term health. In particular, the fats you eat every day can play a significant role in inflammation and hormonal balance.
What Are Seed Oils?
Seed oils such as sunflower, soybean, rapeseed and corn oil are highly refined products extracted through industrial processes. To produce them at scale, the seeds are heated, pressed and often chemically treated to release their oils. The end result is a fat that is high in omega-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, and prone to oxidation.
Unlike traditional fats such as olive oil, avocado oil or ghee, seed oils are unstable when exposed to high heat, light or long storage. This instability increases the likelihood that they oxidise and generate harmful by-products. The combination of their omega-6 profile and their ultra-processing makes them far less supportive of long-term health than the natural fats humans have relied on for generations.
How Seed Oils Impact Health
Modern supermarket mayonnaise is typically made with seed oils such as sunflower, rapeseed or soybean oil. These oils are produced using industrial refining, high heat and chemical solvents, leaving behind a fat that is heavily processed and often unstable. When exposed to light, heat or air, refined seed oils are prone to oxidation, which can generate harmful by-products.
Regular intake of these oils through everyday condiments and packaged foods may contribute to low-grade, long-term inflammation. While a single serving won’t cause immediate harm, a diet built on these refined oils can gradually undermine resilience and vitality.
The Link Between Seed Oils and Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response that helps the body heal, but when it becomes chronic, it can impact everything from energy and skin to joints and digestion. Diet plays a major role in keeping inflammation in check. Refined seed oils, because of their unstable structure and industrial processing, are more likely to generate compounds that can drive this low-level, lingering inflammation.
Choosing more stable, nutrient-dense fats such as avocado oil or olive oil helps reduce this burden. These fats are naturally rich, minimally processed and better aligned with the way our bodies are designed to thrive.
Hormonal Health and Diet
Hormones rely on the nutrients in the foods we eat. When the fats we consume are unstable or processed, they provide a weaker foundation for healthy hormone production. Refined seed oils add calories but little nourishment, and over time this can interfere with the body’s natural balance.
By contrast, fats such as avocado oil, olive oil and ghee are stable, nutrient-rich and contain fat-soluble vitamins that actively support hormone health. Making the switch to a seed-oil-free mayonnaise is therefore not only about reducing inflammatory stress but also about giving your body the raw materials it needs to maintain balanced energy, mood and metabolism.
Choosing a Seed-Oil-Free Mayo
If mayonnaise is a staple in your kitchen, the good news is that there are healthier options. At Hunter & Gather, our Avocado Oil Mayonnaise is made with up to 100% pure avocado oil, providing a rich source of monounsaturated fats that are naturally anti-inflammatory. Unlike seed-oil-based mayonnaise, it contains no refined sugar, no grains and no artificial additives.
Avocado oil is pressed gently from the flesh of the avocado, preserving its nutrient profile and stable fat structure. This makes it both delicious and nourishing, with a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with real food meals. Whether stirred into a salad, spread onto a wrap or served as a dip, it delivers flavour and function in every spoonful.
Final Thoughts
The oils you consume every day matter more than you might think. Seed oils are cheap, highly processed and unstable, often contributing to low-grade inflammation and hormonal disruption when eaten regularly. By choosing a seed-oil-free mayonnaise, you are making a small but powerful shift that supports better health.
Opting for a product made with natural fats such as avocado oil means you can enjoy your favourite condiment while also fuelling your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive. It is proof that you don’t need to sacrifice taste for health — you can have both.
