Which Mayonnaise Is Best?

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Mayonnaise is a kitchen staple with a versatile range of uses, from binding ingredients in salads to adding richness to baked goods and enhancing sandwiches. The choice of mayonnaise can be deeply personal, often influenced by childhood memories or culinary discoveries. In this blog post, we delve into a blind taste test of popular mayonnaise brands to determine the best options available. Our focus will be on three standout contenders: Good & Gather Organic Mayonnaise, Kewpie Mayonnaise, and Duke’s Real Mayonnaise.

Table of Contents

The Importance of Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is more than just a sandwich spread; it’s a crucial component in many recipes. Its creamy texture and balanced flavor can elevate a dish from good to great. To understand what makes a great mayonnaise, we must consider several key qualities.

Key Qualities of Great Mayonnaise

Flavor: A great mayonnaise should balance rich, fatty flavors with a touch of tanginess and sweetness. A hint of umami and acidity from lemon or vinegar can add depth and complexity.
Texture: The ideal mayonnaise is creamy and spreadable, similar to Greek yogurt. It should not be too gelatinous or too loose.
Appearance: While not as critical as flavor and texture, the color of mayonnaise can affect its appeal. It should look appetizing and not be overly bright or dull.

Setting Up the Blind Taste Test

Methodology

To ensure an unbiased evaluation, we conducted a blind taste test with nine popular mayonnaise brands. Here’s how we set it up:

Selection of Brands: We included standard mayonnaise brands, excluding light, vegan, or alternative oil-based versions.
Preparation: We used french fries and tater tots as tasting vehicles. Each mayonnaise was placed on a plate, with containers hidden from the tasters.
Evaluation Criteria: Tasters judged the mayonnaise based on texture, color, and flavor. We eliminated the definite passes and highlighted the standouts.

Brands Tested

Good & Gather Organic Mayonnaise
Kewpie Mayonnaise
Duke’s Real Mayonnaise
Trader Joe’s
Kraft
Hellmann’s
Sir Kensington’s
Blue Plate
Whole Foods 365

The Heavy Hitter: Good & Gather Organic Mayonnaise

Ingredients: Soybean oil, organic egg yolks, distilled vinegar, cane sugar, mustard seed, lemon juice concentrate, and natural flavors.

Good & Gather Organic Mayonnaise, Target’s store brand, frequently places well in taste tests. This organic variety stood out in our blind taste test for its balanced and assertive flavor profile.

Why It Won Us Over

Good & Gather’s mayonnaise boasts an explosion of flavors. The umami, acidity, and sweetness are well-balanced, creating a rich and satisfying taste. The oil content feels right, providing a creamy and smooth texture that is neither too thick nor too loose.

Taster Comments:

Elazar appreciated the oil content and called it “assertive.”
Emma noted the big hits of acidity and savory flavor.
Megan found it versatile and suitable for various culinary applications.

We’d Love It In

Punchy Ranch Dressing: Mix it with jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Coconut Shrimp Sauce: Enhances the flavor of crunchy coconut shrimp.
Vegetarian Italian Hoagie: Complements the rich flavors of this sandwich.

Good & Gather Organic Mayonnaise is a versatile option that excels in both flavor and texture, making it a top choice for various recipes.

The Umami Unicorn: Kewpie Mayonnaise

Ingredients: Egg yolks, red wine vinegar, rice wine vinegar, yeast extracts (for umami).

Kewpie Mayonnaise is a beloved Japanese brand known for its distinctive formula and rich umami flavor. It stands out for its bright yellow color and smooth, creamy texture.

Why It Won Us Over

Kewpie’s unique flavor profile, with a strong vinegar zing and rounded eggy umami, strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet. The additional egg yolks in the formula contribute to its creamy richness. The squeeze bottle packaging is both convenient and fun to use.

Taster Comments:

Ian described it as “appropriately complex.”
Megan called it a “happy mayo.”
Elazar appreciated the balance of savory and sweet.

We’d Love It In

Spicy Salmon Roll Bowl: Perfect for chili crisp mayo.
Okonomiyaki: Complements this Japanese savory pancake.
Classic Tuna Melt: Adds depth to the flavor.

Kewpie Mayonnaise is ideal for sauces, dips, and spreads, making it a versatile choice for various dishes. Its rich umami flavor enhances the taste of both simple and complex recipes.

The All-Around Favorite: Duke’s Real Mayonnaise

Ingredients: Soybean oil, eggs, water, cider vinegar, paprika.

Duke’s Real Mayonnaise is a Southern favorite with a dedicated fan base. Known for its classic taste and unique twang, Duke’s stood out in our taste test for its well-rounded flavor and creamy texture.

Why It Won Us Over

Duke’s delivers a classic mayonnaise taste with balanced acidity, a creamy texture, and no added sugar. The use of cider vinegar and paprika gives it a distinctive flavor that is both rich and tangy. Its custard-like color and consistency make it ideal for a variety of applications.

Taster Comments:

Elazar praised its “classic mayo taste” with the right balance of flavors.
Ian highlighted its appealing color and balance.
Megan found it perfect for dipping and spreading.

We’d Love It In

Potato Salad: Enhances the creaminess and flavor.
Tuna Salad: Adds richness without overwhelming other ingredients.
Egg Salad: Complements the eggy flavors.
Halal Cart Chicken White Sauce: Perfect for drizzling over chicken and rice.

Duke’s Real Mayonnaise is a versatile, all-around favorite that excels in various recipes, from salads to sauces. Its balanced flavor and creamy texture make it a reliable choice for any mayonnaise need.

Making Mayonnaise at Home

While store-bought mayonnaise is convenient, homemade mayonnaise offers unparalleled freshness and customization. Here’s a quick guide to making your own:

Ingredients

1 egg yolk
1 cup neutral oil (like canola or sunflower)
1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
Salt to taste
Optional: Mustard, sugar, garlic, or herbs for flavor

Instructions

Emulsion: Whisk the egg yolk and vinegar/lemon juice together until combined.
Oil Incorporation: Slowly drizzle in the oil while continuously whisking. Start with a few drops, gradually increasing the flow as the mixture thickens.
Seasoning: Add salt and any additional flavorings to taste.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Using an immersion blender can simplify the process, ensuring a stable emulsion with minimal effort.

Conclusion

Choosing the best mayonnaise ultimately comes down to personal preference, but our taste test revealed some clear winners. Good & Gather Organic Mayonnaise impressed with its balanced and bold flavor, Kewpie Mayonnaise dazzled with its umami richness, and Duke’s Real Mayonnaise delivered classic, well-rounded taste. While other brands had their strengths and weaknesses, these three stood out in our comprehensive evaluation.