One of the most famous mayo brands in America is called something different depending on where you are in the country (2024)

One of the most famous mayo brands in America is called something different depending on where you are in the country (1) One of the most famous mayo brands in America is called something different depending on where you are in the country (2)

One of the most famous mayo brands in America is called something different depending on where you are in the country (3)

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If you grew up making your tuna salad with Hellman's mayonnaise, you might be surprised to know that in other parts of the country, that crucial ingredient is impossible to find.

That's because one of America's most popularmayonnaise brands actually has two different names depending on where you are in the country.

One man's Hellman's mayo on the East Coast is another man's Best Foods mayo on the West Coast.

The only place you can buy both is in Denver, Colorado.

Why?

History takes usback to 1905, when German immigrant Richard Hellman opened a delicatessen in New York City. His homemade mayonnaise became so popular that he ended up selling it separately.

He started with two different versions of the condiment, and to distinguish between the two headded a blue ribbon around one.The blue ribbongivesHellman's mayonnaise its signature look to this day.

While Hellman was making a name for himself on the East Coast, thousands of miles away on the West Coast, a company called Best Foods was also becoming famous for its popular mayo.

In 1932, Best Foods bought Hellmann’s and merged the two companies.The two mayos were made using the same ingredients, but their names stayed the same.

In 2000, the company was bought by consumer goods conglomerate Unilever for $20.3 billion.

What is the difference?

This is a tub of "Best Foods" mayonnaise, which is sold west of the Rocky Mountains in Washington, California, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, Oregon, and Utah.

One of the most famous mayo brands in America is called something different depending on where you are in the country (4)

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This is Hellman's, which is sold in all the remaining states in the US. The only place you can buy both is in Denver, according to its parent company, Unilever.

One of the most famous mayo brands in America is called something different depending on where you are in the country (5)

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Is there a difference in taste?

Both tubs have almost identical ingredients, though there is one minor difference. The "Best Foods" variety has 5 milligramsmore sodium in each 14-gram serving.

Ina taste test conductedby editors at HuffPost, Best Foods was said to have a more tangytasteoverall, while Hellman's was sweeter.

One of the most famous mayo brands in America is called something different depending on where you are in the country (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular mayonnaise in America? ›

Real Mayonnaise Hellmann's

What is the most famous mayo? ›

1. Kewpie. Kewpie is indisputably one of the most popular mayo brands on the market, and it's no wonder why. First of all, there's a hefty dose of MSG in every serving, which gives the condiment a delicious umami note that you simply won't find in any other mayo brand.

What is the No 1 mayonnaise brand in the world? ›

From Richard Hellmann's Deli in New York to tables all around the world, Hellmann's has truly become the World's No. 1 Mayonnaise Brand.

What is mayonnaise called in America? ›

Mayonnaise (UK: /ˌmeɪəˈneɪz/; US: /ˈmeɪəˌneɪz, ˈmæˌneɪz/), colloquially referred to as "mayo" (/ˈmeɪoʊ/), is a thick, cold, and creamy sauce or dressing commonly used on sandwiches, hamburgers, composed salads, and French fries.

Is American mayonnaise different? ›

American mayonnaises use distilled vinegar that gives a certain acidic flavor to it, whereas Japanese mayonnaise relies on either apple cider or rice vinegar for a more subdued, sweeter tang. Japanese mayonnaise also has the addition of a not-so-secret ingredient that immediately makes everything taste better: ...

What's the difference between Duke's mayo and 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. That said, though, someone will immediately claim to prefer the “saltier, more citric” taste of Hellmann's.

What makes Duke's mayo different? ›

Duke's contains a higher ratio of egg yolks than most other commercial mayos, which makes it rich, creamy, and less likely to separate when heated. There's a wisp of tang from vinegar and a touch of paprika. Its texture is thicker and almost custard-like instead of simply slick or gelatinous.

What is the most popular mayo in the South? ›

And one particular mayonnaise reigns supreme, especially in the South. If you've spent any time below the Mason Dixon Line, you already know the mayonnaise brand I'm talking about. But if not, the South's favorite mayo brand is Duke's Mayonnaise.

What has happened to Hellmann's mayonnaise? ›

There's no change to Hellmann's mayonnaise in the U.S., Canada and other countries across the globe,” the Hellmann's spokesperson said. “It is true, however, that Hellmann's will not be available for sale in South Africa until further notice due to increased import costs.”

What is mayonnaise called in Italy? ›

Mayonnaise may have been invented by the Spanish and popularized by the French, but Italians make maionese, too.

What is the difference between Japanese mayonnaise and American mayonnaise? ›

Japanese mayo uses only egg yolks to create a deeper yellow color and a custard-like texture that is smooth and luxurious, as opposed to regular American mayonnaise that uses whole eggs.

Are there different types of mayo? ›

There are many different types of mayonnaise available. From light, eggless and whole egg varieties, there is mayonnaise for every need, want and occasion. But the best thing about mayonnaise being neutral in flavour and a staple in your kitchen is that it opens the door to experimentation.

What is County Mayo known for? ›

Mayo has Ireland's highest cliffs at Croaghaun, Achill Island, while the Benwee Head cliffs in Kilcommon Erris drop almost perpendicularly 270 m (900 ft) into the Atlantic Ocean.

Is mayo popular in USA? ›

Sales of condiment and dressing categories in the U.S. from 2019-2021. In 2021, mayonnaise was the top condiment in the United States, with sales of approximately 164 million U.S. dollars.

Where is Duke's mayo made? ›

With C. F.

Sauer Company in Richmond, Virginia, purchased Duke's products and Duke's Mayonnaise became the company's flagship product. The plant is located in Mauldin, South Carolina which is southeast of Greenville. The facility was featured in a How It's Made episode about mayonnaise in 2011.

What is the difference between French and American mayonnaise? ›

The biggest difference between French mayonnaise and the kind you find in other countries is the addition of mustard in French mayonnaise, roughly 3% to 6%, depending on the brand. The mustard added to mayonnaise in France is usually Dijon mustard.

What is the difference between Western and Japanese mayo? ›

What makes Japanese mayo different? While American mayonnaise uses whole eggs, Kewpie mayo incorporates yolks and yolks alone for a yellow color, an almost custardy texture, and distinctly rich and fatty mouthfeel.

Why is hellmans mayo different? ›

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.

What's the difference between Duke's mayonnaise and Miracle Whip? ›

What's the difference between Duke's mayonnaise and Miracle Whip? While mayonnaise is tangy and rich, Miracle Whip is uniquely sweet because it contains added sugar and a blend of spices, including mustard, paprika, and garlic.

Is Hellmans mayonnaise made in China? ›

Hellmann's Mayonnaise is primarily made at the company's original factory in Ontario, with a secondary factory in Long Island City. The company that oversees Hellmann's, Unilever, also has a factory in San Francisco; the brand from that location is Best Foods, but the recipe is identical.

Is Bama and Dukes Mayo the same? ›

Is Bama and Dukes Mayo the same? Like Duke's, Bama is made by the Virginia-based C.F. Sauer conglomerate, but the formula is different. It's the only mayo in the test in which sugar comes ahead of salt on the ingredients label.

What is Hellman's called on the West Coast? ›

Best Foods — a brand owned by Unilever, like Hellmann's — is essentially the Hellmann's of the western United States. More specifically, Best Foods and Hellmann's are brand names for the very same line of mayonnaise products.

Are Dukes and Hellman's mayonnaise made by the same company? ›

Are Dukes and Hellman's mayonnaise made by the same company? In 1932, Best Foods bought Hellmann's and merged the two companies. The two mayos were made using the same ingredients, but their names stayed the same. In 2000, the company was bought by consumer goods conglomerate Unilever for $20.3 billion.

What kind of mayonnaise does Jersey Mike's use? ›

Most people assume that because Jersey Mike's is a sandwich shop, they must use a generic, store-bought mayonnaise. However, this is not the case. Jersey Mike's actually uses a special recipe mayonnaise that is made with a blend of oils, vinegar, egg yolks, and spices.

Is Mexican mayo different? ›

It's more like Latin American crema, the thick tangy cream that goes so well with spicy food. It's denser and more luxurious than American mayonnaise, with none of the characteristic sweetness.

What is the number 1 condiment in the USA? ›

Salsa as America's #1 Condiment.

Is Dukes mayo a southern thing? ›

For Southerners, it's all about the "twang." Duke's mayonnaise is a product of Sauer Brands, based in Richmond, Virginia, and for years it was nearly impossible to find outside of the South.

Why did McDonald's stop mayonnaise? ›

According to The Indy 100 , the reason McDonald's doesn't offer mayonnaise is that there simply isn't enough demand. A spokesperson from the fast-food chain told Cosmopolitan: "What we offer in our restaurants is based on customer demand. We don't currently have any plans for mayonnaise to be made available."

WHO country owns Hellmann's 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. They have been owned by the British multinational company Unilever since 2000.

What mayo is closest to hellmans? ›

Trader Joe's mayonnaise is clearly meant to be a stand-in for Hellman's—they even have nearly identical packaging. The ingredients lists are also quite similar, though Trader Joe's using a combination of distilled vinegar, lemon juice, and cider vinegar for its zip.

What is Dutch mayo? ›

It is similar to mayonnaise, but with at most 25% fat, is leaner and usually sweeter than mayonnaise. Mayonnaise in the Netherlands is required by the Warenwet (Wares law) of 1998 to contain at least 70% fat and at least 5% egg yolk before it may be called mayonnaise. Fritessaus.

What is Mcdonalds mayo called? ›

Now, we don't know if the dip is technically mayonnaise, as McDonald's website simply refers to the sauce as "Sandwich Sauce". But the ingredients list reveals it's made from eggs and oil, as well as containing spices, mustard, dried garlic, natural onion flavouring, and more.

How is Russian mayo different? ›

As the eggs are unpasteurized, there is a small risk in making it, but it sure is authentic in flavour. Russian mayonnaise pours, it is is not thick and stiff like American mayonnaise. It is slightly more mustardy and acidic. It also does not have that nasty soy bean oil after taste present in American mayonnaise.

What's the difference between Japanese mayo and Hellman's? ›

The Kewpie is smoother, and slightly yellower than standard-issue Hellman's. That's because the Japanese stuff only uses egg yolks — Hellman's adds some whole eggs to its mix — which means it's slightly looser and closer in look and feel to homemade mayo.

Why is Japanese mayo better than American mayo? ›

Kewpie is made with egg yolks so it's richer.

For starters, Kewpie mayonnaise — which is made with egg yolks and not whole eggs — has a richer, more velvety texture than regular store-bought mayo. It is not surprising, since they use a high proportion of yolks, which give it an egg-forward flavor.

What makes Japanese mayo so special? ›

The key difference between the two mayonnaises is that Japanese mayo is made with egg yolks only, while American mayo typically includes whole eggs. Using only egg yolks results in a mayonnaise that's richer and more custard-like in texture and gives Japanese mayo its characteristic golden glow.

Why does European mayo taste different? ›

The difference between mayonnaise you find in the UK and North America and french mayonnaise is the addition of Dijon. It's nearly impossible to find mayonnaise in France without Dijon.

Whats the difference between mayo and Chinese mayo? ›

Regular mayonnaise uses whole eggs and white vinegar whereas Kewpie uses only egg yolks and rice or apple cider vinegar. The result is an extra rich and thick texture with a bit more sweetness and tang. If you don't like mayo give Kewpie a try, it will surprise you how different they taste.

What kind of mayo do restaurants use? ›

But there's one variety that's only available to food service providers: “heavy duty mayonnaise,” sometimes called “extra heavy.”

What is the #1 condiment in America? ›

Salsa as America's #1 Condiment.

What is the top selling condiment in America? ›

Sales of condiment and dressing categories in the U.S. from 2019-2021. In 2021, mayonnaise was the top condiment in the United States, with sales of approximately 164 million U.S. dollars.

What is America's least favorite condiment? ›

According to the results of a survey conducted in June 2021, the most hated condiment by consumers in the United States is hot sauce, with approximately 24 percent of respondents indicating that they hate hot sauce. In second place was relish, which was hated by around 21 percent of respondents.

What is the most popular condiment in Europe? ›

What to eat in Europe? 10 Most Popular European Condiments
  • Condiment. Gremolata. ...
  • Vinegar. Aceto Balsamico di Modena. ...
  • Fish Sauce. Worcestershire Sauce. ...
  • Condiment. Brown Sauce. ...
  • Salt. Sel de Guérande. Guérande. ...
  • Vinegar. Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena. Province of Modena. ...
  • Mustard. Moutarde de Dijon. Dijon. ...
  • Condiment. Aïoli. Provence.
Feb 9, 2023

How is Duke's mayo different? ›

Duke's contains a higher ratio of egg yolks than most other commercial mayos, which makes it rich, creamy, and less likely to separate when heated. There's a wisp of tang from vinegar and a touch of paprika. Its texture is thicker and almost custard-like instead of simply slick or gelatinous.

What is the difference between Japanese mayo and American mayo? ›

Japanese mayo uses only egg yolks to create a deeper yellow color and a custard-like texture that is smooth and luxurious, as opposed to regular American mayonnaise that uses whole eggs.

Is Duke's mayo the same as Best Foods? ›

It is the third largest brand in the U.S. behind Hellmann's and Kraft. Duke's is known for a tangy flavor, having more egg yolks and no added sugar. Hellmann's, also going under the name Best Foods, was created by Richard Hellmann who immigrated from Prussia to New York City in 1904.

What is the most popular mayonnaise in the South? ›

And one particular mayonnaise reigns supreme, especially in the South. If you've spent any time below the Mason Dixon Line, you already know the mayonnaise brand I'm talking about. But if not, the South's favorite mayo brand is Duke's Mayonnaise.

What's the number 1 sauce in the world? ›

Frank's is the #1 Hot Sauce in the World Claim

* Source Euromonitor International Limited; based on custom research conducted July 2022 for volume sales (ounces/ml) in 2021 through all retail channels.

What outsells ketchup? ›

Ever since 1992, salsa has consistently outsold ketchup every year in the United States.

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