8 Mayonnaise Brands That Actually Deserve a Spot in Your Fridge
Mayonnaise has its differences, but certain brands have a sharp, balanced flavor and creamy texture that actually hold up in everyday use. If you’re trying to pick one that actually works across sandwiches, salads, and dips, this list narrows it down to 15 solid options worth keeping in your fridge.
Duke’s Real Mayonnaise
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Duke’s has been a staple in Southern kitchens for over a century. It skips the sugar and adds cider vinegar instead of the usual distilled. The mayo is savory, tangy, with a sharp flavor and creamy consistency. It’s especially prized in potato salad, where sweetness can clash.
Kewpie Mayonnaise
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No other mayo has quite the same silky texture or glowing yellow color. Kewpie, a Japanese icon since 1925, uses only yolks and blends in rice vinegar plus a hit of umami from MSG (or yeast extract in the U.S. version). Chefs drizzle it over okonomiyaki or swirl it into egg salad.
Wild Harvest Organic Mayonnaise
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Wild Harvest nails the basics with organic eggs, clean oil, and a mellow acidity that doesn’t overpower. Its calm, neutral profile makes it a background player in the best way, and it is ideal for layering flavors without competing.
McCormick Mayonesa With Lime
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This one’s popular in Mexico, but embraced across the U.S. The citrus edge enhances dishes like elote, street tacos, or even grilled chicken wraps. Its thick body also holds up well in warm dishes.
Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise
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Hellmann’s is the gold standard for many. Its texture is smooth and has a rich, slightly tangy flavor without being too heavy. It manages to be both neutral and flavorful. It’s the kind of mayo you can spread on burgers or mix into cakes.
Sir Kensington’s Classic Mayonnaise
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Sunflower oil gives this mayo a softer finish than its soybean-based peers. Its use of certified humane eggs and no artificial preservatives appeals to clean-label shoppers, while its citrus-tinged taste stands out without overpowering.
Kraft Real Mayo
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It often flies under the radar, but Kraft’s Real Mayo has a smooth, balanced profile and just enough sweetness to round things out. It’s especially good for tuna salad or as a base for homemade ranch. It’s also affordable and familiar.
Blue Plate Mayonnaise
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Blue Plate, invented in New Orleans, has a richer egg flavor than most and a pale yellow color that hints at its higher yolk content. It’s favored in the South for good reason: it clings perfectly to tomatoes, slathers onto BLTs like a dream, and lends real body to coleslaw.
Mike’s Amazing Mayonnaise
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Mike’s is found more often in East Coast delis than grocery aisles. While it can taste a bit strong alone, it mellows beautifully in dishes like egg salad or chip dip. For many sandwich shops, it’s the behind-the-scenes favorite they trust for texture and spreadability.
Follow Your Heart Vegenaise
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Don’t let the plant-based label fool you; this egg-free mayo is a legitimate alternative with a creamy body and mild tang. It’s great for vegans, yes, but also handy for anyone with an egg allergy.
Trader Joe’s Organic Mayonnaise
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Trader Joe’s version has just enough acidity to wake up a sandwich. It’s smooth but not heavy, and the organic label appeals to shoppers who like transparency. Use it where flavor matters: deviled eggs, tartar sauce, or a bold slaw. The small jar size also makes it a low-commitment test run.
McCormick Chipotle Mayo
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If you’re feeling adventurous, start with this smoky and garlicky mayo with just enough heat. It’s thicker than expected and ideal for drizzling over tacos or slathering inside a breakfast burrito. It’s essentially bold chipotle flavor in a creamy package, which is a great shortcut for those who don’t want to DIY spicy mayo.
Best Foods Real Mayonnaise
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On the West Coast, Best Foods is what the rest of the country calls Hellmann’s. They have the same custardy texture and balanced profile. It’s mild enough for baking but flavorful enough to eat straight.
Heinz Mayoracha
The name’s cheesy, sure, but this spicy sriracha-mayo combo is genuinely useful. It’s premixed, ready to use, and doesn’t separate or get watery. The flavor is tangy, garlicky, and just a bit spicy, not too much that it overwhelms taste buds. It works on sushi bowls or even as a fry dip for folks who want more kick.
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Wild Oats Organic Mayonnaise
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Wild Oats delivers an organic mayo that won’t hijack your recipes. It’s free of artificial sweeteners and has a subtle egg flavor that works well in both cold and warm dishes. It may not win taste tests against big-name brands, but if you’re after simplicity and clean ingredients, it fits the bill.