Why On Earth Do People Put Mayo In Their Coffee?

From lattes poured into waffle cones to Tiktok viral cracking iced coffees, mayo in coffee has been added to the list of unconventional caffeine trends flooding the internet. It was presented to the masses through a popular X video posted by CBS Sports in 2022, showcasing University of Kentucky quarterback Will Levis squirting mayonnaise from a plastic squeeze tube into a mug of what we presume is hot black coffee. A few quick stirs broke the mayo down into smaller bits, leaving behind a gloppy texture. Although not the most sophisticated-looking beverage, Levis deemed it ready to drink, setting his spoon down and taking a long sip before offering a slight nod of approval. Lewis' only comment: "I have been known to put mayo in my coffee sometimes."

The video was also shared by CFB on Fox on TikTok in 2023, where it received over 90,000 likes. This led to various response videos featuring people attempting to make and drink the concoction themselves. Doctors and baristas also weighed in on the mayo in coffee trend, with some comparing it to Bulletproof coffee and Vietnamese egg coffee, while others found it less than appetizing. Leslie J. Bonci , then the lead registered dietitian for the Kansas City Chiefs and nutrition consultant for Carnegie Mellon University athletics, told Well+Good that she would cut the drink a little slack: "Mayonnaise is a source of fat and therefore energy, so yes it would provide additional fuel to a cup of plain coffee."

Mixing mayo and coffee might have become popularized by pro athletes, but the trend has been present for longer, with Hellmann's Mayonnaise sharing, "Mayo in your coffee. That's it, that's the tweet." on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2021. Even with a couple of enthusiastic endorsements, it's best to proceed with at least a bit of caution before spooning mayo into your daily java. Although mayo contains vitamins E and K, it can be quite caloric, with a tablespoon of mayo amounting to about 100 calories, despite being generally regarded as less nutritionally dense than many other foods.

With this in mind, mayo in coffee can be enjoyed by most people in moderation. For a more agreeable texture consider whisking mayo and black coffee together, which can allow the mayo to emulsify in the liquid, resulting in a smoother texture. However, if the coffee is too hot the mayo may curdle, hindering your efforts. This technique is also used in Bulletproof coffee, where a fat like butter or ghee is blended with an oil high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), such as coconut oil. The result is often touted as a more satiating coffee. However, similar to mayo in coffee, health experts often view it as nutritionally unimpressive and high in calories. And if you're not quite sold, give flat whites a go instead.