5 Best Mayonnaise Brands, According To Culinary Experts

1. Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise

This classic brand of mayonnaise continues to be a top choice and a kitchen staple. “Sure, there is a familiarity that helped the jar take top honors, but its flavor, balance of ingredients and signature jiggle make it unrivaled when it comes to mayonnaise and the certifiable king of this creamy condiment court,” according to Today.

Chances are, you have a jar of Hellmann’s in your fridge right now. Taste of Home says Hellmann’s “combines all of what we want from mayonnaise in a single jar: it’s thick but spreadable; tangy but not too overpowering.”

First introduced in 1905 by Richard Hellmann in New York City, it has since become one of the world’s best-selling mayonnaise brands, prized for its consistent quality and versatility in the kitchen. “Rich and creamy, with a full fat flavor, testers enjoyed this condiment but found it was lacking in vinegar, which would help cut through the richness,” adds Good Housekeeping.

2. Duke’s Real Mayonnaise

Do you desire a tangier mayo? Duke’s could be the one to try. “This mayo has bite, or as the bottle exclaims, ‘it’s got tang!’ But it’s not just tangy, that’s to be expected, it’s smokey, spicy, and earthy — no doubt a consequence of the paprika and cider vinegar. It has a really present flavor that jumps out at you,” according to UPROXX.

Duke’s Mayonnaise has been a Southern staple since 1917. Plus, its recipe is unique because it doesn’t contain sugar. Sporked says that Duke’s “is what homemade mayo should taste like. It’s just got such a lovely, sharp, citrusy bite.”

Developed by Eugenia Duke in Greenville, South Carolina, this cult-favorite condiment has inspired passionate loyalty among its fans, who appreciate its rich taste and versatility in everything from sandwiches and salads to baked goods and regional Southern dishes. “Though on its own some tasters felt the flavor was too strong, it won people over in the potato salad taste test with its vinegary kick,” notes Serious Eats.

3. Kewpie Mayonnaise

If a Japanese-style mayonnaise is what you want, you’ve come to the right place. This mayo has taken over social media recipes for salmon bowls and other Japanese-inspired dishes. “Kewpie mayo tastes great on sushi but don’t just limit it to Japanese food. Use this stuff on anything else you normally put mayonnaise on and your taste buds are sure to be thrilled,” according to Mashed.

This mayo is known for its rich, creamy texture and distinctively tangy flavor, which comes from the use of rice vinegar and egg yolks instead of whole eggs. Today suggests Kewpie, “is also known for its distinct egginess that makes it almost custard-like but without the sweetness — only umaminess. Use this to make aiolis or spicy mayos that taste gourmet (as if you whipped the mayo’s eggs yourself) and not out of a plastic container.”

Instantly recognizable by its soft plastic bottle adorned with a Kewpie doll logo, this beloved condiment has gained international popularity for its versatility in both traditional Japanese dishes and fusion cuisine. UPROXX points out it’s, “creamy, sweet, luxurious, bright, sumptuous, umami-packed. This mayo explodes with flavor while improving whatever you put it on.”

4. Sir Kensington’s Classic Mayonnaise

Looking for a lemony mayonnaise? Here’s a solid choice. “With a punch of tangy lemon, a distinctly artisanal taste and smooth texture, Sir Kensington’s quickly topped our list as the most gourmet mayo of the taste test. Our editors felt that it tasted almost homemade, wasn’t too thick or too sweet, and made the perfect dip for fries or spread for a sandwich,” according to Tasting Table.

Sir Kensington’s mayonnaise is a premium condiment that has gained popularity for its high-quality, non-GMO ingredients and commitment to ethical sourcing. Known for its rich, creamy texture and balanced flavor profile, this gourmet mayonnaise stands out with its use of free-range eggs, sunflower oil, and a touch of lemon juice, appealing to health-conscious consumers and food enthusiasts looking for a more sophisticated alternative to traditional mayonnaise brands. UPROXX says it “uses humane-certified free-range eggs, sunflower oil, cane sugar, and organic lemon juice and everything tastes well incorporated.”

5. Primal Kitchen Real Mayonnaise

Want a healthier mayo option? This one is made with avocado oil. “It’s extremely keto-friendly with zero net carbs and a whopping 12 grams of healthy fats to keep you in ketosis. The taste is actually much more flavorful than traditional mayo, and the texture is creamy as it should be,” according to Bodyketosis.

Primal Kitchen Real Mayonnaise has a clean, creamy taste with a subtle tang, delivering the classic mayo flavor profile. “The texture seems very similar to standard mayo when scooping from the jar, but we noticed it feels more oily when you’re actually consuming it, which makes it a little easier to spread without globs everywhere,” adds The Nutrition Insider.