Is Aioli Vegan in the UK? Enjoy the Creamy, Garlicky World of Vegan Aioli

Last updated on January 10th, 2024

When it comes to vegan condiments, the choices really are endless these days! But still, with all the options out there we still need to know which ones are vegan and which ones aren’t. Today, we’re diving into the world of a sauce that I’ve always loved. We’re entering the delicious world of garlicky aioli to answer a common question: Is aioli vegan?

Aioli is a Mediterranean sauce that is said to originate from Provence, France. It’s not too dissimilar to mayonnaise just with a delicious garlic flavour. Aioli can be used with so many things and in so many ways. It can be used as a dipping sauce with chips, veggies or crispy bread or can spread it on your burger or tacos.

Traditionally, it’s made with garlic, olive oil, egg yolks, and lemon juice. This creamy and garlicky concoction, like most garlic-based sauces, adds a burst of flavour to various dishes, making it a popular condiment choice.

No, the classic aioli recipe, unfortunately, isn’t vegan-friendly. It contains egg yolks, making it unsuitable for those following a plant-based diet. However, the good news is that now the vegan world is evolving. Plant-based aioli options are pretty easy to find in many places in the UK.

Yes, regular aioli is suitable for vegetarians. Because the only problem ingredient for vegans is egg. Vegetarians include eggs in their diet, so this means it’s fine for them to enjoy.

Vegan aioli swaps out the egg yolks for plant-based alternatives while retaining that rich, creamy texture and zesty garlic flavour. Here are some common ingredients you’ll find in plant-based aioli:

• 1. Aquafaba: This magical liquid extracted from canned chickpeas serves as an excellent egg yolk replacement for emulsification. It’s versatile, readily available, and budget-friendly.
• 2. Olive Oil: Olive oil remains a staple in plant-based aioli recipes too, providing that characteristic Mediterranean taste.
• 3. Garlic: The star of the show, garlic, adds that tasty and packed flavour that aioli is known for.
• 4. Lemon Juice: To balance the richness of the sauce, lemon juice adds a tangy twist.
• 5. Dijon Mustard: This ingredient enhances the creaminess and provides a subtle kick.
• 6. Salt and Pepper: Seasonings are crucial to bringing out the flavours in the sauce.

Regular aioli that you can buy in the supermarket is not vegan. However, if you’re not into DIY cooking, you can still enjoy vegan aioli. Many supermarkets now offer pre-made options, clearly labelled as vegan. These store-bought versions can be convenient for a quick dip or sandwich spread.

If you live in the UK you can easily buy vegan aioli in supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s, Asda and Tesco. You can also buy it online with your next shopping order. 

Buy Vegan Aioli from Supermarkets in the UK:

• LEON Garlic Aioli – Sainsbury’s
• Heinz Seriously Good Vgn Garlic Aioli Mayonnaise – Tesco
• Leon Aioli Garlic

Absolutely! While aquafaba is a popular choice, you can experiment with other vegan binders like silken tofu or cashew cream.

Typically, homemade plant-based aioli will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week. Always check for any signs of spoilage before use.

Ready to whip up your own version at home? Then why not check out this Vegan Garlic Aioli Recipe from Rainbow Plant Life that I found online. It looks super tasty and easy to make. Just follow this step-by-step guide to create this delicious sauce that’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, and spreading on your favourite dishes.

In the world of condiments, aioli has successfully made the transition to a plant-based lifestyle. With simple ingredient swaps, you can enjoy the same creamy, garlicky goodness without any of the eggy stuff.

So, to answer the question: Is aioli vegan? It absolutely can be! Whether you make it from scratch or grab a jar from the store, plant-based aioli is a flavourful addition to your plant-based world.

Want to know more about the world of vegan food? Check out my Vegan Food and Drink page here.

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Meet the Author

Meet Sinead O’Carroll: Vegan explorer, sustainability advocate and the founder of The Wondering Wandering Vegan. Embracing veganism since 2018 and vegetarianism since 2005, Sinead is armed with a Vegan Health, Nutrition and Lifestyle qualification, and is on a mission to share her passion for cruelty-free living. 

With a taste for adventure and a heart for eco-conscious choices, she’s here to prove that vegans never miss out on flavour, fun or style. Join her in enjoying the delights of a vegan-friendly world! 🌱✈️🌍
Want to know more? Check out Sinead’s About page here.

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Follow me on Instagram to see all the delicious vegan food I find, the vegan and cruelty-free products I use and what I get up to as a travelling vegan.

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