The Only Mayo Worth Buying, According to Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci is a triple threat, to say the least: He’s an actor, author, and lover of good food. In his recent memoir, "What I Ate in One Year (and Related Thoughts),” Tucci talks about his most memorable meals within a year’s timeframe, which includes this surprising dish that uses his go-to mayonnaise.

Stanley Tucci's Favorite Store-Bought Mayo

In the memoir Tucci admits that he often gets hankerings for tuna sandwiches, a craving that developed from when he'd search the streets of Manhattan for a “very hearty and affordable meal." According to Tucci, tuna salad and chicken salad are both classic comfort foods, which is why he wanted to recreate them at home. And what is chicken salad without mayonnaise?

When it came to making mayo from scratch for the recipe, Tucci tried using a method he had learned from Chef Aurelien. However, he was less than enthused about the results. The sunflower oil he used was “so potent that it tasted dreadful.” Tucci said he simply had to toss it, which was frustrating because he had "practically torn a rotator cuff" trying to emulsify the mixture.

What did the award-winning actor use instead? Hellmann’s mayonnaise. Why? Tucci says he went with this mayo brand because it's the one “I actually love.”

To make the chicken salad, Tucci mixes Hellmann’s mayo with chopped chicken, finely diced celery, and chives, then spreads the mixture on some toasted crackers. He tops them off with fresh cucumber slices for a refreshing bite.

We understand wholeheartedly why Tucci likes Hellmann’s over other brands. While some people are team Duke’s (we're looking at you, Stephen Colbert), we can't deny all that Hellmann’s has to offer. There’s a reason why so many of our Allrecipes Allstars chose this mayo as the 2023 Allrecipes Community Awards winner. According to them, Hellmann's "texture is light and creamy with just the right amount of oil, and the flavor is bright with a delicate sweetness that is irresistible.”

Listen, if Hellmann’s was good enough for Julia Child, it’s by far good enough for us. And now that Stanley Tucci is on board, there is no contest, especially when we’re craving chicken or tuna salad.