Popular Mayonnaise Brands Ranked From Worst To Best (Let’s See If You Agree)

Mayonnaise is that creamy, tangy condiment that can truly make or break your sandwich experience. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to perfecting my tuna salad recipe, and let me tell you—getting the mayo right is absolutely essential.
The texture, flavor, and richness of the mayonnaise can elevate a simple dish or completely ruin it. Whether you’re a die-hard mayo enthusiast or just someone who uses it occasionally, choosing the right brand really matters.
I’ve personally taste-tested a wide variety of options found on grocery store shelves to create a definitive ranking of the most popular mayo brands, from worst to best.
1. Miracle Whip: The Controversial Cousin

Technically not even a true mayonnaise (gasp!), Miracle Whip sits at the bottom of my list. The first time I tried it on a turkey sandwich, I nearly spit it out – that sweet, tangy flavor was nothing like the creamy mayo I expected!
Kraft created this “salad dressing” during the Great Depression as a cheaper alternative to mayo, and the recipe includes less oil and more sugar than traditional mayonnaise. The texture feels oddly light and whipped, hence the name.
While some folks swear by its distinctive zip, true mayo purists (like myself) find it jarring. If you grew up with Miracle Whip, you might love it, but for mayo authenticity, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
2. Great Value: Budget-Friendly Blandness

Walmart’s house brand mayo reminds me of that friend who shows up to parties but never really adds to the conversation. During my college days, I bought this regularly because my student budget demanded it, but my taste buds never thanked me.
Great Value offers a passable mayo experience at a rock-bottom price. The consistency is decent—not too runny or too stiff—but the flavor profile lacks character, with minimal tanginess and an artificial aftertaste that lingers longer than welcome.
For emergency sandwich situations or budget-conscious shoppers, it’ll do the trick. However, when mayo is the star (like in a BLT or aioli), this wallflower won’t deliver the flavor punch you’re craving.
3. Kraft Real Mayonnaise: Middle-of-the-Road Mediocrity

Remember that reliable blue sedan your parents drove for years? Kraft Mayo is the condiment equivalent. My grandmother always kept a jar in her fridge, making it my childhood standard for what mayonnaise should taste like.
The flavor offers a pleasant balance of egg and vinegar notes, though it lacks the complexity of premium brands. Kraft’s texture hits the sweet spot—thick enough to stay put on bread but smooth enough to spread easily without tearing your delicate sandwich constructions.
While it won’t wow culinary snobs, Kraft performs admirably in potato salads and sandwiches. For many American households, this represents the baseline mayo experience—not spectacular, but certainly not offensive.
4. Blue Plate: Southern Secret Weapon

Blue Plate hit my radar during a road trip through Louisiana, when a local diner owner shared his secret to amazing potato salad. One taste and I understood why Southerners guard this regional treasure so fiercely!
This New Orleans-born mayo delivers a uniquely tangy profile with pronounced lemony notes that brighten everything it touches. The texture leans slightly thicker than mainstream brands, clinging beautifully to vegetables in cold salads and melting perfectly into warm dishes.
What makes Blue Plate special is its authentic homemade quality—it tastes like something your grandmother would whip up from scratch. If you can find this regional gem outside the South, snatch it up immediately for sandwich nirvana.
5. Hellmann’s/Best Foods: The Reliable Classic

My first attempt at homemade deviled eggs flopped until a friend suggested switching to Hellmann’s (called Best Foods west of the Rockies). That blue ribbon logo isn’t just marketing—it represents consistent quality that’s hard to beat!
The flavor profile offers perfect equilibrium between richness, tanginess, and salt. Its texture deserves special praise: silky-smooth and substantial without being gloppy. Hellmann’s signature eggy flavor comes from real eggs, giving it authentic depth that enhances rather than masks other ingredients.
Fun fact: this century-old recipe remains largely unchanged since 1913. Whether making tuna salad, coating chicken before breading, or crafting quick aioli, Hellmann’s reliability makes it my go-to recommendation for mayo newcomers and veterans alike.
6. Sir Kensington’s: Hipster Mayo with Substance

The first time I splurged on Sir Kensington’s at a fancy grocery store, I scoffed at the price tag. Then I tasted it and immediately texted five friends about my mayo epiphany. This artisanal option comes in an adorable jar with a monocled gentleman on the label—fitting for its sophisticated flavor profile.
Made with certified humane free-range eggs and non-GMO oils, Sir Kensington’s offers a cleaner taste than mass-produced competitors. The texture strikes a perfect balance—substantial but never gloppy—with noticeable lemon brightness and a subtle hint of mustard complexity.
While the price point makes it more weekend special than everyday staple, this mayo elevates everything it touches. Perfect for when you want to impress guests with “what did you put in this amazing chicken salad?” moments.
7. Kewpie: Japanese Mayo Magic

Discovering Kewpie was like finding the secret cheat code to culinary greatness. During my sushi-making phase, a Japanese friend introduced me to this squeeze bottle with the iconic baby doll logo, and my taste buds have never been the same!
Unlike American mayos, Kewpie uses only egg yolks (no whites), creating an intensely rich, custard-like experience. The addition of MSG and rice vinegar delivers umami depth and subtle sweetness that regular mayos can’t match. Its silky texture pipes beautifully through the bottle’s fine tip for precision application.
Try Kewpie on roasted vegetables, in spicy tuna rolls, or mixed with sriracha for mind-blowing dipping sauce. Though pricier than standard options, this culinary powerhouse transforms ordinary dishes into restaurant-worthy creations.
8. Duke’s: The Southern Champion

Duke’s sits proudly at the top of my mayo hierarchy for one simple reason: it makes everything taste better. My conversion happened at a friend’s backyard cookout in Virginia, where her tomato sandwiches—just bread, Duke’s, and tomato—left me speechless.
Created by Eugenia Duke in 1917, this Southern staple contains more egg yolks than competitors and zero sugar, creating a uniquely tangy, rich experience. The texture is perfectly creamy without being too stiff or runny. A distinctive hint of apple cider vinegar provides that special “what makes this so good?” quality.
Duke’s devotees border on cultish in their loyalty, and after trying it, I understand why. For the ultimate BLT, potato salad, or homemade ranch dressing, nothing else compares to this Southern masterpiece.