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Don’t expect to find Best Foods mayonnaise in supermarkets east of the Rocky Mountains.
That’s not to say the people of the East Coast refuse to eat mayonnaise, or hold some kind of grudge against the condiment. It’s because Best Foods mayonnaise, one of the more recognizable brands in California and other western states, is known as something else entirely out east.
Take a gander at this jar of Hellmann’s mayonnaise:
Hellmann’s — a brand owned by Unilever, like Best Foods — is essentially the Best Foods of the eastern United States. More specifically, Best Foods and Hellmann’s are brand names for the very same line of mayonnaise products. They’ve simply retained separate branding since 1932, when Best Foods Inc. of California purchased Richard Hellmann Inc. of New York, according to Unilever.
Best Foods and Hellmann’s have been offered (almost) exclusively in their respective regions ever since.
Best Foods and Hellmann’s also maintain their own separate websites, which appear nearly identical aside from their Best Foods or Hellmann’s branding.
But it goes beyond that. Fans of Best Foods and Hellmann’s have been exposed to nearly identical advertising campaigns for the better part of a century — including this pair of animated commercials from the 1950s, and these early-‘90s commercials featuring the same jingle and slogan. (“Bring out the Best Foods and bring out the best,” one commercial cheerily suggests, while the other asks consumers to “Bring out the Hellmann’s and bring out the best.”)
Still, despite their shared histories and marketing, there may be a difference of opinion when it comes to the tastes of both brands. A representative for Unilever did not respond to questions about their specific recipes, but an FAQ page on the former Hellmann’s website indicated that both products were not identical, but rather “basically” the same.
“Taste preferences vary; some people find Best Foods Mayonnaise is slightly more tangy,” according to the site’s archived FAQ page from 2002.
A comparison of both products’ nutrition facts shows they have the same ingredients and relative ingredient quantities. Best Foods, however, has five more milligrams of sodium per teaspoon than Hellmann’s, according to Unilever.
In any case, the differences are slight enough that Unilever’s official Hellmann’s webpage claims that Hellmann’s is simply “known as Best Foods west of the Rockies.” Those who want to taste for themselves, meanwhile, can sometimes find both brands at outlets within the same city or state, as Reddit users in several places have previously claimed.
“I did a side-by-side taste test once and there is slightly more [tanginess] in Best Foods than Hellmann’s,” one user from Colorado wrote.
FAQs
At this time, Hellmann's was not the only commercial mayo on the market. Out in California, Best Foods had a popular mayonnaise, while Hellmann's reigned supreme east of the Rocky Mountains. Because Hellmann's had such a devoted following, Postum Foods decided to keep both brand names.
What is the other name for Best Foods mayonnaise? ›
Hellmann's and Best Foods are American brand names that are used for the same line of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sauce, salad dressing, condiments and other food products.
What happened to Best Foods mayo? ›
“In mid-2022, Best Foods mayonnaise shifted its manufacturing from our Canadian facilities to our factory in Tatura, Australia,” she said. “Due to supply constraints and an egg shortage in Australia, Unilever International currently dual sources Best Foods mayonnaise from Canada and Australia.”
What is Hellman's mayonnaise called on the West Coast? ›
Instead, you might find an extremely similar-looking jar labeled Best Foods. This is because, in 1927, the California company that would eventually become Best Foods acquired the Hellmann's brand. However, the company continued to sell under both brand names, with Best Foods in the west and Hellmann's in the east.
Are Hellmann's and Best Foods mayonnaise made by the same company? ›
Hellmann's is the brand name used in the eastern United States, while Best Foods is the name used in the western United States. The two brands are owned by the same parent company, Unilever, and the mayonnaise itself is identical in terms of ingredients and taste.
Who makes Best Foods real mayonnaise? ›
2000. Unilever acquired the Hellmann's and Best Foods brands in 2000 and they remain members of the Unilever family today!
Why did Hellman's change their name to Best Foods? ›
This is because, in 1927, the California company that would eventually become Best Foods acquired the Hellmann's brand. However, the company continued to sell under both brand names, with Best Foods in the west and Hellmann's in the east.
What is the number one selling mayonnaise in America? ›
The Best Store-Bought Mayonnaise Taste Test Results
Mildly tart, creamy, and light with only a hint of lemon, there is a reason that Hellmann's Mayonnaise is America's #1 go-to. It's extremely versatile and isn't too overpowering in flavor or texture, making it my top pick for pairing with any sandwich.
Is Best Foods mayonnaise bad for you? ›
Is Mayonnaise Healthy? Mayonnaise's nutritional profile is a mix of both healthy and not-so-healthy aspects. While it contains healthy fats from oil and essential nutrients from egg yolks, it can also be high in calories and saturated fats. Moderation is key when consuming mayonnaise to avoid negative health impacts.
What is the oldest mayonnaise brand? ›
Schlorer's Mayonnaise is credited as being the first mayonnaise put in jars and sold commercially, in 1907. The first products trademarked by the Schlorer Delicatessen Company were Mrs. Schlorer's Mayonnaise and Mrs. Schlorer's Olivenaise in 1917.
An age-old favorite, American Garden Mayonnaise offers the best quality in its segment with an authentic American recipe that makes for a perfectly rich and creamy taste.
What mayo is popular in Louisiana? ›
Blue Plate Mayonnaise is a brand of mayonnaise owned by Reily Foods Company, headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana. Blue Plate was created by the Wesson Oil & Snowdrift Company in 1929 and founded by Charles A.
Is Duke's mayo the same as Hellman's? ›
And the main difference, very simply, lies in the aroma. Duke's is tarter, with a more distinctive, almost vinegary, smell. Hellmann's is more neutral.
Why does Hellmann's mayonnaise look different? ›
Why does the recycled plastic packaging look darker now? PCR is inherently darker in color, but is 100% food safe and approved by the FDA. Rest assured, the mayonnaise and mayonnaise dressing inside our jars and bottles has not changed and has the same delicious taste you expect from Hellmann's.
What is the difference between Miracle Whip and Best Foods mayonnaise? ›
Mayonnaise is made of oil, eggs, and vinegar (or lemon juice). Miracle Whip has the same basic ingredients but with less oil, and the addition of water, sugar, and spices like mustard, paprika, and garlic.
What are the different names of mayonnaise? ›
Brands
- Baconnaise – Brand of bacon-flavored condiment.
- Blue Plate Mayonnaise – Brand of mayonnaise.
- Duke's Mayonnaise – American brand of mayonnaise.
- Hellmann's and Best Foods – Food brands.
- Kewpie – Japanese mayonnaise brand.
- Kielecki Mayonnaise – Polish mayonnaise brand from Kielce.
- Kraft Mayo – Mayonnaise brand.
This is because, in 1927, the California company that would eventually become Best Foods acquired the Hellmann's brand. However, the company continued to sell under both brand names, with Best Foods in the west and Hellmann's in the east.
Why is it called Best Foods mayonnaise? ›
In 1927, Postum Foods, which would later become Best Foods, purchased the Hellmann's brand and its mayo. While Postum already had its own condiment, the Hellmann's brand was so popular in its current market that the company decided to keep and sell the product under both names.
