Food trends often spread online like wildfire. Some excite the public, some confuse it, and some stir up debates so dramatic they could rival a reality TV show. The latest unusual trend making its way across social media? People are adding mayonnaise to tea. Yes, you read that correctly. Mayo. In tea. And it has the internet thoroughly divided.

What started as a short video on TikTok has quickly spiraled into a conversation involving food bloggers, nutritionists, professional chefs, and thousands of deeply concerned tea lovers. The clip featured a creator casually stirring a spoonful of mayonnaise into a cup of hot black tea — and then claiming it was “shockingly creamy and surprisingly comforting.” Within days, the video had millions of views and tens of thousands of comments, ranging from supportive curiosity to absolute disbelief.

But why would anyone attempt this in the first place? And more importantly — should you?

Why People Are Doing It: The Logic Behind the Madness

At first glance, adding mayonnaise to tea sounds like a prank or social experiment. But there are surprisingly logical reasons some people are trying it.

1. Creaminess Without Dairy
Mayonnaise is essentially an emulsion: oil, egg yolks, and an acid like lemon juice or vinegar. It has a thick, silky texture that, when mixed into hot liquid, dissolves into a creamy, velvety consistency. For people who can’t tolerate lactose or don’t enjoy the flavor of milk alternatives, mayo technically offers a way to achieve creaminess without traditional dairy.

2. Keto and High-Fat Diet Influence
The rise of keto and high-fat diets has normalized adding butter, coconut oil, or even MCT oil to beverages. “Bulletproof coffee” paved the way. In that context, mayonnaise — which is mostly fat — doesn’t seem quite as far-fetched to experimenters looking for a fat-boosted drink.

3. The Thrill of Internet Experiments
Of course, much of the trend’s popularity simply comes from curiosity and shock value. The internet loves chaos, and nothing invites engagement like a culinary crime going viral.

What Does Mayo Tea Actually Taste Like?

Descriptions from brave testers vary wildly.

Some claim it tastes like a “richer, heavier milk tea”, with a smooth mouthfeel and subtle savory undertone. The oil in the mayo blends into the tea, giving it a thicker body than milk or cream.

Others say it is “tea ruin in liquid form.”

Those who disliked it complain about:

• The unmistakable tang of vinegar or lemon in the mayo
• A faint eggy aroma
• A slick film of oil on the surface before stirring
• A lingering aftertaste that doesn’t quite blend with the bitterness of tea

In short — the experience seems to depend on both the brand of mayonnaise and your personal tolerance for unconventional flavor combinations.

Nutritionists Weigh In: Healthy Hack or Horrifying Habit?

To assess whether mayo tea is harmless or a nutritional nightmare, several dietitians have commented online.

Potential positive sides:

• Mayo adds fat, which helps some people feel fuller longer
• Zero sugar is involved, unlike many store-bought creamers
• For lactose-intolerant individuals, it avoids digestive discomfort

Potential downsides:

• Mayo is calorie-dense — one spoon can exceed 90 calories
• Some brands contain preservatives and seed oils that people prefer to avoid
• Hot drinks may amplify mayo’s strong flavor, making overconsumption unlikely

Most experts agree that while it isn't harmful in small amounts, it probably shouldn't become a daily ritual.

Tea Purists Are Outraged — And They’re Not Being Quiet About It

Of all the communities reacting to the trend, none are louder than traditional tea drinkers. British commenters on social media, in particular, have turned the trend into an international emergency.

One viral comment reads:
“We let Americans put cheese on everything, but this… this crosses a line.”

Tea purists argue that:

• Tea has delicate flavors that mayonnaise overpowers
• The acidity of mayo disrupts the tannins in the tea
• Milk, cream, or nondairy alternatives already offer endless options — so why mayo?

Some have even called the combination “culinary blasphemy.”

Chefs Enter the Chat: A Professional Perspective

Professional chefs, surprisingly, are more open-minded. Many compare the idea to classic flavor principles in French cooking, where eggs and oil-based emulsions are used to add richness to sauces.

However, they point out key differences:

• Tea is a beverage, not a sauce
• Mayo’s acidity is designed for savory dishes, not aromatic teas
• Temperature matters — overheating mayo can cause separation or unpleasant textures

Most chefs recommend trying it once if you’re curious, but warn not to expect gourmet results.

Would It Ever Work in a Real Recipe?

Interestingly, some culinary creators are exploring mayo in other tea-based contexts. For example:

• Adding a tiny amount to chai, where spices may mask the acidity
• Mixing a small dollop into Thai tea for extra richness
• Using mayo in tea-flavored savory sauces rather than beverages

But broadly speaking, mayo’s place in the tea world remains extremely experimental.

So… Should You Try It?

The answer depends entirely on your adventurous spirit. If you enjoy testing viral food combinations and have an open mind — it’s a harmless experiment. You might even discover a bizarre new favorite.

If the thought alone makes you uncomfortable, feel free to skip this trend with no fear of missing out. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy creamy tea without resorting to pantry madness.

One thing is certain: the debate isn’t dying anytime soon. As long as social media keeps embracing shock-value trends, we can expect more food combinations to rise, divide, and possibly traumatize the internet.

And who knows? Tomorrow’s trending beverage might involve mustard, ranch dressing, or — dare we say — ketchup.