The Only Mayo Worth Buying, According to Alton Brown

When it comes to mayonnaise, the one you use can make or break a dish. Choosing the wrong one can overpower your potato salad or ruin the taste of your beloved tomato sandwich. Mayo is made with simple ingredients such as egg, oil, and vinegar, but each brand has a distinct taste that keeps its devoted fans coming back.

Just like with Philadelphia Cream Cheese, when you make a recipe and want it to taste exactly right, anything other than your tried-and-true brand won’t cut it. While there are plenty of choices, there’s no denying that Hellmann’s and Duke’s are the top contenders. Hellmann’s is appreciated for its balanced, but neutral taste while Duke’s adds an extra “twang” to recipes that the brand’s enthusiasts seem to love.

Even some of our favorite chefs know that although homemade mayonnaise has its place, there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a jar of your favorite store-bought spread. Ina Garten revealed she uses “good mayonnaise" like Duke’s and Hellman’s as a shortcut in her summer dishes, and it was revealed that even Julia Child kept a jar of Hellmann’s in her fridge to add to her go-to tuna salad.

And now, we’ve learned that store-bought mayonnaise has another proud advocate in its corner.

Why Alton Brown Swears by Duke’s Mayonnaise

You may know Alton Brown from his best-selling cookbooks or hosting gigs on popular competition cooking shows like "Cutthroat Kitchen" and "Iron Chef America." One of Brown’s most notable claims to fame is his long-running show, "Good Eats." In the series, Brown dove deep into the making of delicious recipes as well as the science behind why those recipes worked so well. The range of helpful tips included everything from the hack for the fudgiest brownies to the perfect burger, and of course, his signature recipe for homemade mayonnaise.

However, just because he has his own recipe for the creamy spread doesn’t mean he never reaches for a store-bought jar. In a recipe note on Brown’s 10-minute mayo, the food scientist explains his preference for the South Carolina-based mayonnaise brand Duke’s.

“I admit that as much as I love homemade mayo, I do still buy it in jars and will continue to as long as Duke's Mayonnaise is made. This Carolina classic has plenty of vinegar in it, and that gives it the zing I crave,” he writes.

So, what is it about Duke’s that makes it stand out from the crowd? In a press release announcing it earned “Best Wild Card” in our Allstar-chosen Golden Cart Awards, Duke’s says it's the bold taste that its fans love.

“Duke's unique flavor comes from its 100+ year old family recipe, including egg yolks, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of paprika that tastes and feels homemade,” said the brand.

A look at the ingredient label reveals another big difference between Duke’s and other store-bought mayonnaise: There’s no sugar.

It’s common for many brands to add sugar to their products which tamp down acidic flavors for a more balanced taste. However, it’s clear that fans of Duke’s appreciate the tangy quality that shines through and they won’t be giving up their beloved mayo any time soon.

So the next time you reach for a jar of your favorite mayonnaise for a BLT or creamy cucumber salad, remember that even chefs keep the staple stocked, so you’re in good company.