Light Mayonnaise vs Sour Cream
Side-by-side macro comparison. Light Mayonnaise vs Sour Cream per their standard serving sizes.
Light Mayonnaise
per 1 tbsp (15g)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Light Mayonnaise | Sour Cream | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 35 cal | 60 cal | -42% Light |
| Protein | 0g | 1g | -100% Light |
| Carbs | 1g | 1g | 0% Light |
| Fat | 3.5g | 6g | -42% Light |
Differences shown relative to Light Mayonnaise. Positive = Light Mayonnaise has more.
Quick Take
Light Mayonnaise delivers 35 calories per serving with 0g protein, 1g carbs, and 3.5g fat. Sour Cream delivers 60 calories with 1g protein, 1g carbs, and 6g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 25 calories per serving, so calorie load is essentially equivalent. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Light Mayonnaise gives you 25 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), Sour Cream delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Sour Cream brings 60 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Sour Cream delivers 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 Light Mayonnaise and Sour Cream are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Light Mayonnaise or Sour Cream?
Sour Cream has more protein: 1g vs 0g per serving. That's a difference of 1g.
Which has fewer calories, Light Mayonnaise or Sour Cream?
Light Mayonnaise has 35 calories per serving vs 60 calories in Sour Cream — a difference of 25 calories.
Is Light Mayonnaise or Sour Cream better for keto?
Sour Cream is the better keto choice at 1g carbs per serving vs 1g carbs in Light Mayonnaise.
Is Light Mayonnaise or Sour Cream better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Light Mayonnaise gives you more calorie flexibility (25 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Sour Cream delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Sour Cream.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Light Mayonnaise
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Sour Cream
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
tie
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 Light Mayonnaise and Sour Cream stack up:
Full Light Mayonnaise guide • Full Sour Cream guide • All comparisons