In a comprehensive taste test of nine popular mayonnaise brands, Duke's and Hellman's (Best Foods) emerged as the top choices, praised for their balance of flavor and texture. Other brands like Kraft and Mike's Amazing also received positive feedback, while Primal Kitchen and Sir Kensington's were deemed not recommended.
Mayonnaise is a culinary staple that enhances the flavor and moisture of various dishes, from sandwiches to salads. With numerous brands available, the question arises: which mayonnaise truly reigns supreme? In this taste test, we explore nine popular supermarket mayonnaise brands to determine the best and worst options.
Welcome to "The Taste Test," where the "ATK" Reviews team evaluates ingredients to help you make informed shopping decisions. Today, we are joined by Lan Lam, deputy food editor at Cook's Illustrated, to taste and rank mayonnaise.
The taste test includes nine brands of mayonnaise, evaluated both plain and in tomato sandwiches. The brands are:
The first mayonnaise appeared glossy and white, but the tasters found it a bit flat and airy, lacking the expected richness. The second brand, Kraft Real Mayo, surprised with water as the second ingredient, leading to a diluted flavor. Despite this, it ranked third among the tasters, who appreciated its umami lemony flavor and creamy texture.
Spectrum Organic Mayonnaise was thicker and denser, with a noticeable sweetness from honey. Tasters found it overpowering on a tomato sandwich, ranking it seventh out of nine due to its overly sweet and greasy texture.
Blue Plate, a Louisiana favorite, had a short ingredient list and a nice balance of salt and vinegar. Tasters enjoyed its creamy texture and bright flavor, making it a strong contender in the rankings.
Made with avocado oil, Chosen Foods was not well-received. The distinct flavor of the oil influenced the mayonnaise's overall taste, leading to a lower ranking among the tasters.
Mike's Amazing had a familiar flavor profile reminiscent of Best Foods. It ranked fourth, with tasters noting its strong lemon flavor and bright tang.
Duke's, known for its cult following, impressed tasters with its smooth and creamy texture. It was praised for its balance of flavors, making it a top choice alongside Hellman's.
Sir Kensington's was criticized for its unusual flavor profile, which veered away from traditional mayonnaise. It ranked eighth, with tasters noting a greasy texture and an artificial aftertaste.
Primal Kitchen, also made with avocado oil, was the least favored. Tasters found it too sharp and unbalanced, leading to its ninth-place ranking.
After tasting all nine brands, the results were clear:
In the end, Duke's and Hellman's emerged as the top choices for mayonnaise lovers, praised for their balanced flavors and creamy textures. Whether you're making a classic BLT or a potato salad, these brands are sure to elevate your culinary creations. Next time you're at the grocery store, consider reaching for one of these highly recommended options for your mayonnaise needs.
