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We're not big on food substitutes around here—the world needs more real, whole foods and fewer overprocessed "food products," thank you very much—but sometimes, a healthier alternative to an old favorite is a welcome addition.

Even the most open-minded foodie can hesitate in the face of a new concoction beckoning from grocery shelves. The battle-hardened veterans among us who shopped through the gag-inducing early days of vegan substitutes and all-vegetarian replacement products ... We're scarred, and we're scared when you confront us with an unfamiliar plastic tub of alternative something-or-other.

So when we read things like Gwyneth Paltrow loves Vegenaise, we feel a little more confident in trying unfamiliar products. Of course, Vegenaise is hardly new. It definitely tops our list of healthy, flavorful mayonnaise alternatives.

• Vegenaise
• Miso Mayo
• Nayonaise

You could try making your own substitutes.

• Homemade soy mayo (scroll down to Super Soy Mayonnaise)
• Homemade miso mayo

Or break free of the mayo paradigm and try something different—completely "real" food, slightly zestier taste.

• Plain yogurt
• Sour cream
• Oil and vinegar

So did Gwyneth get it right—does Vegenaise rock? Tell us about your favorite mayo substitute.