Butter vs Light Mayonnaise
Side-by-side macro comparison. Butter vs Light Mayonnaise per their standard serving sizes.
Light Mayonnaise
per 1 tbsp (15g)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Butter | Light Mayonnaise | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 102 cal | 35 cal | +191% Butter |
| Protein | 0.1g | 0g | 0% Butter |
| Carbs | 0.01g | 1g | -99% Butter |
| Fat | 12g | 3.5g | +243% Butter |
Differences shown relative to Butter. Positive = Butter has more.
Quick Take
Butter delivers 102 calories per serving with 0.1g protein, 0.01g carbs, and 12g fat. Light Mayonnaise delivers 35 calories with 0g protein, 1g carbs, and 3.5g fat. The most meaningful difference: Light Mayonnaise saves 67 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Light Mayonnaise gives you 67 more calories of headroom per serving — that's room for an extra snack, more vegetables, or a higher-protein second portion. If protein density matters more (which it does for preserving muscle on a deficit), Light Mayonnaise delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Butter brings 102 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Butter delivers 0.1g of protein per serving, which directly feeds muscle protein synthesis. The best pick depends on whether you need more total calories or more usable protein.
For Keto / Low-Carb
Both Butter and Light Mayonnaise are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Butter or Light Mayonnaise?
Butter has more protein: 0.1g vs 0g per serving. That's a difference of 0.1g.
Which has fewer calories, Butter or Light Mayonnaise?
Light Mayonnaise has 35 calories per serving vs 102 calories in Butter — a difference of 67 calories.
Is Butter or Light Mayonnaise better for keto?
Butter is the better keto choice at 0.01g carbs per serving vs 1g carbs in Light Mayonnaise.
Is Butter or Light Mayonnaise better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Light Mayonnaise gives you more calorie flexibility (67 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Light Mayonnaise delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Light Mayonnaise.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Light Mayonnaise
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Butter
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Butter
Lower carbohydrate content fits keto and low-carb macros without burning your carb budget.
Both fit most balanced diets. These verdicts reflect macro-only comparisons — taste, satiety, cost, and personal preference also matter.
Find Your Personal Macros
The "right" food depends on your individual macro targets. Calculate yours in 60 seconds:
→ Calculate My Macros (Free)Related Comparisons
Other ways Butter and Light Mayonnaise stack up:
Full Butter guide • Full Light Mayonnaise guide • All comparisons