The Best Mayonnaise Brands According to a Taste Test
Updated: Feb. 01, 2023
Before you make your next sandwich or potato salad, find out what's really the best mayonnaise out there. Our sister site, Taste of Home's, Test Kitchen pros tried seven options to find out.
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For most of us, our lunchtime sandwich—be it a BLT, ham and cheese, or egg salad—isn’t a sandwich without a big dollop of mayo. We rely upon this condiment to add a bit of tang and creaminess to make any savory recipe a smidge better.
But when you’re out shopping, odds are you reach for the same brand over and over again. But is your go-to really the best mayonnaise out there? You know Test Kitchen pros at Taste of Home had to find out! Plus, this butter brand came out on top in a taste test too.
What we looked for
Checking out mayo, we kept a few criteria in mind. We were looking for a smooth, creamy mayo that would work well in a variety of recipes.
- Flavor: How did the mayo taste? Did it have a neutral flavor? Any stand-out tastes like vinegar or spice?
- Texture: How did the mayo spread? Was it smooth and creamy the way we all want?
- Appearance: Simply, how did it look? Did the mayo look like something you’d want to spread on your sandwich or spoon into your next batch of chicken salad?
Taste of Home Test Kitchen preferred mayo brands
Seven brands were in the running for the best mayonnaise. Find out which are worth spreading on your sandwich or stirring into a recipe.
Best Sandwich Spread: Heinz
Sometimes you’re just looking for a good mayo to spread on a sandwich or hoagie. In that case, Heinz Real Mayonnaise is the brand to buy. This mayo from Heinz, a brand we normally associate with ketchup, had a nice mellow flavor and a creamy, almost fluffy texture.
This mayonnaise had a bit of a vinegar bite (but not too much) with a slightly peppery flavor. These little extras are what made the Test Kitchen team vote Heinz as the best condiment-style mayo. You won’t regret layering this on your next BLT. Pair your sandwich with the best potato chip brand, according to a taste test.
Best for Homemade Dips: Kraft
Looking for an exceptionally light but creamy spread to keep in your fridge? Grab Kraft Real Mayo. This mayonnaise wowed the Test Kitchen tasters with a light, buttery texture and creamy color.
Since this brand was so neutral in flavor—not overly eggy or vinegary—the Test Kitchen pros agree it would be a great option for making homemade dips like a baked onion dip or fresh veggie dip. Of course, a smooth, simple mayo like this would also be at home in other recipes, so give it a spread and see how you like it. P.S. Did you know that mayonnaise has a bunch of home and beauty uses too?
Best for Salads: Duke’s
Whipping up egg salad for a barbecue? Snag a jar of Duke’s Mayonnaise. Duke’s has a thick, creamy texture which is perfect for bringing the ingredients of a salad together. Plus, its tangy flavor is sure to add a bit of personality to your recipe, whether it’s a curry egg salad, dill-filled potato salad, or a crunchy chicken salad. Check out the best chicken tenders in a taste test, too!
Best All-Purpose Mayo: Hellmann’s
If you use mayo for more than just sandwiches, dips, and salads, you need a good all-purpose ingredient like Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise. Hellman’s combines all of what we want from mayonnaise in a single jar: it’s thick but spreadable; tangy but not too overpowering.
Overall, the Test Kitchen tasters found Hellmann’s to be a great go-to for many applications. So crack open a jar to make coleslaw for a cookout and keep it open while you make yourself a snack before the party starts.
