I can still remember the day in early December. I was doing my typical online grocery shopping, and there it was, something I had heard of for years but had never actually seen — Duke’s mayonnaise. Long-lauded by my Southern friends, I had wanted to try it for years but could never find it — until now. I was intrigued.
I can honestly say that it lived up to the hype. It added a fresh taste to everything I used it in. And I used it a lot! I posted my love for it on Facebook, talked to my friends about it. I was obsessed.
Want to learn all about my newest obsession, Duke’s mayonnaise? How does it taste? How does it compare to Hellman’s?
Let’s go to The Chalkboard.
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History Of Duke’s Mayonnaise
It all started when Eugenia Duke started selling her sandwiches to National Guard soldiers at Camp Sevier near her home in Greenville, South Carolina. Duke’s chicken salad, pimento cheese, and egg salad all included her homemade spread. The operation grew over time as Duke bought a food truck (way ahead of her time) and then had a brick-and-mortar shop in a local hotel.
In 1923, one of Duke’s salesmen noticed her mayonnaise’s popularity and suggested they start selling bottles. That business took off, and by 1929, Duke was struggling to keep up with the demand. She then sold her stake to another local company.
What’s Difference Between Duke’s Mayonnaise And Hellman’s?
So what makes Duke’s so great? Why were the soldiers and Greenville residents so enthralled with Eugina’s sandwich spread? It likely comes down to the ingredients. Mayonnaise is a pretty simple recipe with only a few ingredients.
Both contain Soybean oil, eggs, and salt. Duke’s mayonnaise contains a combination of distilled and cider vinegar, while Hellman’s only contains distilled vinegar which makes Duke’s tangier. Hellman’s also contains lemon juice concentrate and sugar. Duke’s is the only mass-produced mayonnaise that does NOT include sugar. The company is quite proud of this fact.
Duke’s and Hellman’s are NOT the same!
What Does Duke’s Mayonnaise Taste Like? Is Duke’s Good?
Duke’s mayonnaise does NOT taste like Hellman’s! It’s a bit tangier (in a good way), smoother, and creamier. The extra flavor likely comes from the combination of apple cider and distilled vinegar. We use it in our BLTs in this meal plan.
Duke’s is GREAT!
Where to Buy Duke’s Mayonnaise?
For years I heard about Duke’s but could never get my hands on it since I lived up North. It has been readily available in grocery stores in the Southern United States, but just recently, I have seen it more and more. It is now available at Walmart, Amazon Fresh, and other smaller grocery stores. The company has a very helpful store locator.
If you can’t find it in stores, Lifehacker has a pretty good recipe. It’s not exact, but it’s pretty darn close!
What Do You Think?
Have you tried Duke’s Mayonnaise? Or is another brand your favorite? Let me know in the comments below; I’d love to hear!
Happy Mayo!
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Jeannie says
Interesting to know the difference of the two, I make my own mayo and would love to try a copycat of Duke mayo without the egg because I cant eat them.
Kristen says
I wonder if you could substitute the cooking water from chickpeas (aquafaba) for the egg in the recipe? I personally haven’t tried it but it is often used as an egg substitute. If you try it, let me know how it goes!
Lisa says
I need to try this kind of Mayo because I’m a big Mayo fan! This sounds delicious!
Gina Abernathy says
I live in the south and I buy Dukes mayo. It is the Best! There is nothing like a good tomato sandwich loaded with Dukes mayo! Delicious!
Gabriela Herrera says
What a wonderful post I had heard some of this history but you really nailed it all down. I didn’t even know it had Apple Cider Vinegar. No wonder it is so great and creamy.
Wendie Rodgers says
When I first read the title of your post I wondered where in the south you lived!!! LOL!! Glad I read through to see that you’re a northerner! I have heard about Duke’s for years but always thought it was a southern thing. Never even thought to look on Amazon to buy it. Now i HAVE to do a taste test!
Rocksann Thompson says
I am a South Carolina girl, born and raised. Dukes is the ONLY mayonnaise. There is no substitute. I was a military spouse for 20 years and lived in places where I could not buy Dukes. So, my family would mail me jars of Dukes so my sandwiches, cole slaw, potato salad, deviled eggs, and many other recipes were never without my Dukes mayo. Dukes is the only mayo in my pantry. On a hot, summer day down south there is nothing better than a tomato picked from the garden, sliced, and put between two pieces of bread with salt, pepper, and LOTS of Dukes mayo slathered on there. OMG. Absolute heaven!!!!!
Jean says
I was born in Greenville SC and was raised on Duke’s. When I grew up and moved up North and to the Mid-West I came home to visit and would leave with Duke’s in my suitcase! It is definitely outstanding and flavorful. My favorite.