Mia O'Hare, Senior Audience Writer for Spare Time, conducted a blind taste test comparing own-brand mayonnaises from major UK supermarkets against the market leader Hellmann's. The results were surprising, with Asda's 96p own-brand mayonnaise emerging as the undisputed winner, scoring a perfect 10/10 and outperforming Hellmann's which cost £2.75.
Tesco Mayonnaise - 86p: 2/10
Tesco's own-brand mayonnaise ranked last in the test. O'Hare found it far too vinegary, with the acidic taste completely overshadowing any other flavour. The texture was not noted as problematic, but the overwhelming vinegar taste made it unappealing.
Lidl Mayonnaise - 95p: 3/10
Lidl's offering was the whitest of the bunch and carried a sour taste. While it was pleasantly creamy, it lacked sufficient flavour overall. The sourness and lack of depth let it down significantly.
Sainsbury's Mayonnaise - 89p: 6/10
Sainsbury's mayonnaise was the thickest in the test and notably pale in colour. It had a pleasing strength and flavour, making it well-suited for those seeking a thick mayonnaise to top salads. O'Hare rated it 6 out of 10.
Hellmann's Mayonnaise - £2.75 from Tesco: 8/10
The branded favourite is widely adored for good reason. It is wonderfully creamy with a delightful balance between sweetness and tanginess. The sauce also has an excellent consistency. However, it came at a premium price of £2.75, significantly more expensive than own-brand alternatives.
Aldi Mayonnaise - 95p: 8/10
In O'Hare's opinion, Aldi's mayonnaise was indistinguishable in flavour from Hellmann's. It boasted the same richness and well-balanced taste. The condiment is a fantastic alternative for those seeking a more budget-friendly substitute for the branded product, at just 95p.
Marks and Spencer Mayonnaise - £1.20: 9/10
Taking second place was Marks and Spencer with the priciest own-brand offering at £1.20. This condiment tasted notably different from the others, but pleasantly so. It was remarkably light and airy, with a delightful tang and smoothness. If you prefer a lighter mayonnaise that isn't overly thick, this is the top pick.
Asda Mayonnaise - 96p: 10/10
Claiming the top spot was Asda's own-brand mayonnaise at just 96p. The colour, richness, and velvety consistency set it apart from the competition. It delivered a satisfying tang that you'd expect from a quality mayonnaise and will have you reaching for chips to dip straight in. O'Hare said the flavour was spot on, and it comes in considerably cheaper than Hellmann's, making it an undisputed winner.
Overall, the taste test demonstrated that own-brand mayonnaises can rival or even surpass branded options in flavour while offering significant savings. Asda's mayonnaise proved that a budget-friendly 96p bottle can outperform a premium product costing nearly three times as much.
