Which of these mayonnaise brands came out on top?

Which of these mayonnaise brands received the best results in chef Glenys Morgan’s mayo clinic: Hellmann’s/Best Foods Real Mayonnaise, President’s Choice Mayonnaise, Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Mayonnaise?

There’s no replacing a handcrafted mayonnaise or aïoli when taste bud memories are the only ticket to a table in Provence on a rainy night. Small batches are no problem, but for everyday staples, Hellmann’s/Best Foods mayonnaise is consistent, accessible and well priced. It’s the go-to mayonnaise for burgers, making a homey potato salad or doctoring with chipotle chiles for dipping.

But my eyes were opened by President’s Choice mayonnaise. Not overtly salty or sweet—which are the key tastes that hook us in prepared foods—it pulls us back into the sort of flavour frame we get when we work from scratch.

I’m a convert. It’s tops on the list now, and rather than make a few trips, I just buy two or three at a time.

Hellmann’s/Best Foods costs $5.97 for 890 ml, at Safeway English Bay; President’s Choice Mayonnaise costs $3.79 for 890 ml, at Superstore in North Vancouver; Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Mayonnaise costs $6.39 for 946 ml, at Whole Foods in West Vancouver.

What To Do With Mayonnaise: Be Your Own Doctor

Local eateries serve those tasty little bowls of mayonnaise with yam fries or lamb burgers. Do your own doctoring of a good mayonnaise with some easy additions. Try 1 cup mayonnaise blended with 1 chipotle en adobo sauce (canned in the Mexican foods section; refrigerate rest of can for chili, sour cream, tacos, salsa). For a Japanese twist, blend 1 cup mayonnaise with 1/4 cup minced pink sushi ginger-excellent with prawns or salmon. For chicken salad, mix with a teaspoon of curry powder and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Refrigerate in a clean container and use as you like.

Photo: C. Phaisalakani