Follow Your Heart

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Follow Your Heart Original Vegenaise offers a middle-ground option for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise. This plant-based condiment is crafted from a blend of ingredients including expeller-pressed canola oil, filtered water, brown rice syrup, apple cider vinegar, soy protein, sea salt, mustard flour, and lemon juice concentrate.

One notable aspect of Vegenaise is its commitment to using non-GMO ingredients, a choice that reflects an awareness of consumer concerns regarding genetically modified foods. However, the product is not organic, which detracts from its overall health score since many consumers prioritize organic products for their cleaner food profiles.

The inclusion of brown rice syrup as a sweetener is a point of contention. While it is a less refined sugar source, it is still considered an added sugar, which may affect those monitoring their sugar intake. The use of expeller-pressed canola oil also raises some eyebrows. Although it is a step above highly processed oils due to its extraction method, canola oil remains a controversial ingredient in health-conscious circles due to its common association with being highly refined and potentially inflammatory.

Despite these concerns, Vegenaise stands out as a vegan-friendly product that excludes animal-derived ingredients. The presence of soy protein also adds a touch of plant-based protein to the mix, which may be beneficial for those looking to increase their protein intake from non-animal sources.

For consumers navigating the complex landscape of food products with health and environmental considerations in mind, the Follow Your Heart Original Vegenaise presents itself as an option that, while not the pinnacle of health food, provides a compromise between indulgence and nutrition. It serves as a reminder that even in the quest for cleaner eating, balance is key, and perfection is not always the goal.