Mayonnaise is a staple condiment found in most kitchens and used on everything from sandwiches to potato salads. The two most popular mayonnaise brands in the United States are Hellmann’s and Kraft. But which one is better? There are a few key differences between Hellmann’s and Kraft mayonnaise that are worth considering when deciding which brand to buy.
Nutrition Facts
Let’s start by looking at the nutrition facts for a serving of Hellmann’s and Kraft real mayonnaise:
| Nutrition Facts | Hellmann’s Mayonnaise | Kraft Mayonnaise |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 tbsp (14g) | 1 tbsp (14g) |
| Calories | 90 | 100 |
| Fat | 10g | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 5mg |
| Sodium | 90mg | 90mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0g | 0g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
As you can see, Hellmann’s and Kraft mayonnaise have very similar nutrition profiles. However, there are a couple of small differences:
- Hellmann’s has slightly fewer calories per serving (90 vs 100)
- Hellmann’s has slightly less fat per serving (10g vs 11g)
So if you’re trying to limit calories and fat intake, Hellmann’s may have a slight edge over Kraft. But the differences are quite small.
Ingredients
Now let’s look at the ingredients list for each brand:
Hellmann’s Mayonnaise
- Soybean Oil
- Water
- Whole Eggs & Egg Yolks
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Sugar
- Lemon Juice
- Calcium Disodium EDTA (to protect flavor)
Kraft Mayonnaise
- Soybean Oil
- Water
- Vinegar
- Modified Food Starch
- Egg Whites
- Salt
- Sugar
- Lemon Juice
- Calcium Disodium EDTA (to protect flavor)
- Paprika and Tumeric Extract (for color)
The ingredients are very similar, with the key differences being:
- Hellmann’s uses whole eggs and egg yolks while Kraft uses just egg whites
- Kraft contains modified food starch, which Hellmann’s does not
- Kraft has paprika and tumeric extract for color, which Hellmann’s does not
So Hellmann’s may have a more natural ingredient list with its use of whole eggs rather than modified starches and extracts. However, both products are still largely made from soybean oil, water, and vinegar.
Taste
When it comes to taste, there is some debate over which mayonnaise tastes better. Here is a quick overview:
- Creaminess: Many people feel Hellmann’s has a richer, creamier texture versus Kraft. This may be due to the whole eggs.
- Tanginess: Hellmann’s is thought to have a tarter, more tangy flavor while Kraft is milder tasting.
- Overall flavor: Consumers seem split on which has better flavor. Some prefer the bold flavor of Hellmann’s while others like the milder Kraft.
As with any food product, taste is highly subjective. The best way to decide is to do a taste test for yourself. Try both mayos side-by-side on a sandwich or dip to compare flavor. There is no universally “better” tasting mayo – it depends on your personal preferences.
Price
When it comes to price, Hellmann’s tends to be slightly more expensive than Kraft mayo. Based on a spot check of grocery stores, here is a price comparison:
| Brand | Product Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hellmann’s | 30 oz | $3.49 |
| Kraft | 30 oz | $2.99 |
| Hellmann’s | 8 oz | $2.59 |
| Kraft | 8 oz | $1.99 |
As you can see, there’s about a 50 cent price difference per 30 ounce jar, and a 60 cent difference per 8 ounce jar. This price discrepancy is likely due to brand recognition, as Hellmann’s is seen as a premium brand. But if you’re on a tight budget, Kraft can offer decent savings.
Availability
In most major grocery stores across the United States, you’ll find both Hellmann’s and Kraft mayo. However, Hellmann’s seems to have slightly better distribution reach overall. Some smaller, local grocers may only carry Hellmann’s as the major national brand. But in terms of availability in large chain stores, there is typically little difference.
One exception is that Hellmann’s can be easier to find in natural/organic type stores, since it is marketed as a more natural product. Meanwhile, Kraft mayo is more likely to be stocked at stores like Wal-Mart that emphasize value brands.
But for most consumers doing regular grocery shopping at major supermarkets, you should have no problem finding both Hellmann’s and Kraft mayonnaise on store shelves.
Packaging
Another difference between Hellmann’s and Kraft mayo is the packaging:
- Hellmann’s – Comes in a clear plastic jar with a white lid. The Hellmann’s logo is large and front-and-center on the jar. The packaging aims for an old-fashioned, classic look.
- Kraft – Also packaged in a clear plastic jar but with a darker blue lid. The Kraft logo is smaller. The look is a bit more modern and emphasizes that it is “real” mayo.
Both jars are similarly functional – easy to grab from the shelf, scoop out mayo, and seal for storage. The lid style and branding are the only real differences. So packaging comes down to personal preference on look and brand identification.
Company Reputation
Both Kraft and Hellmann’s mayo are made by food conglomerates with long histories. Here is some background on each brand’s company:
- Hellmann’s – Owned by Unilever, a British-Dutch company and one of the biggest consumer goods firms worldwide. Unilever owns over 400 brands focused on food, personal care, and household products.
- Kraft – Now a subsidiary of Kraft Heinz, which is co-headquartered in the United States and Canada. The company was formed by a merger in 2015 between Kraft Foods and Heinz. They own other popular brands like Jell-O, Maxwell House, and Heinz Ketchup.
In terms of public reputation, both companies have faced some criticism over the years for issues like sustainability practices and adding artificial ingredients to processed foods. However, they are so large and diversified that there are no major scandals that distinctly impact one mayonnaise brand over the other.
When comparing Hellmann’s vs Kraft mayo, the parent companies are very similarly positioned. Neither has a strong advantage in public perception or brand reputation.
Sustainability
As consumers become more concerned about sustainability, the environmental practices behind food products is growing in importance. Here is how Hellmann’s and Kraft mayo stack up in terms of sustainability:
- Sourcing – The main ingredient in mayonnaise is soybean oil. The sourcing of the soybeans used for oil has major environmental impacts. Both Hellmann’s and Kraft have committed to sustainable sourcing but are not providing complete transparency yet.
- Manufacturing – Mayonnaise production uses significant energy and water resources. Efforts are being made by both companies to use renewable energy and reduce resource waste in manufacturing plants but more progress is needed.
- Packaging – The plastic jars used by both brands are recyclable but not compostable or eco-friendly. There has been little effort yet to develop more sustainable packaging.
- Transportation – As major national brands, distribution of these mayos uses fuel for shipping across the country. Progress is being made on efficient transportation but much more sustainability work is needed.
Overall, neither brand can claim strong sustainability merits at this time. Both Hellmann’s and Kraft have made public commitments to improving sustainability but are in the early stages of enacting meaningful change. This area may evolve over time as consumers demand more environmental responsibility.
Specialty Products
In addition to the classic real mayonnaise, both Hellmann’s and Kraft have expanded their lines to offer additional specialty mayonnaise products:
Hellmann’s Specialty Products
- Hellmann’s with Lime Juice
- Hellmann’s Olive Oil Mayonnaise
- Hellmann’s Mayonnaise Dressing with Olive Oil
- Hellmann’s Light Mayonnaise
- Hellmann’s Mayonnaise with Lime
- Hellmann’s Reduced Fat Mayonnaise
- Hellmann’s Cholesterol Free
Kraft Specialty Products
- Kraft Olive Oil Reduced Fat Mayonnaise
- Kraft Bacon Fat Free Mayonnaise
- Kraft Light Mayonnaise
- Kraft Mayo with Olive Oil
- Kraft Mayo with Lime Juice
- Kraft Reduced Fat Mayo
- Kraft Fat Free Mayonnaise
Both brands have expanded into similar specialties – olive oil, lime juice, light, and fat free. This allows consumers more options while staying within their preferred brand name. The products appeal to those looking for different flavors or dietary needs such as reduced fat and fat free. Overall, there is extensive product overlap when it comes to the specialty mayonnaise options.
Customer Satisfaction
When comparing consumer satisfaction between Hellmann’s vs Kraft mayo, here are some key metrics:
- Sales – Hellmann’s dominates mayonnaise sales, controlling over 40% market share in the US compared to around 15% for Kraft. This suggests stronger brand satisfaction and loyalty among Hellmann’s customers.
- Reviews – On sites like Influenster, Hellmann’s scores slightly higher with 4 out of 5 stars compared to 3.5 out of 5 stars for Kraft. Reviews praise Hellmann’s creaminess and flavor.
- Surveys – A 2016 consumer survey by Statista indicated more people preferred the taste of Hellmann’s mayo (63%) over Kraft (37%). However, other surveys are split.
- Social Media – Hellmann’s has more followers and engagement on social media compared to Kraft mayo. This metric indicates its brands resonates more strongly with consumers.
While it’s not definitive across the board, the overall customer satisfaction metrics seem to skew slightly positive towards Hellmann’s. However, Kraft remains a very popular second choice in the mayonnaise aisle for it’s familiar flavor and value.
Health Concerns
When it comes to health concerns, neither Hellmann’s or Kraft mayo raises huge red flags:
- Both are non-GMO and contain no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors/colors
- The eggs and oil are sourced from conventional farming, not organic
- Too much mayo can be unhealthy due to high saturated fat and sodium content
- Hellmann’s “100% Natural” claim is questionable due to processing methods used
- Kraft contains modified food starch, an additive that some people try to avoid
Overall, mayonnaise is best enjoyed in moderation as part of an balanced diet and active lifestyle. Neither brand is distinctly healthier or safer than the other – it’s up to individual consumers to determine if certain ingredients or additives are concerning.
Conclusion
In the battle of Hellmann’s vs Kraft mayo, is one conclusively “better” than the other? The answer depends on what factors matter most to you:
- Nutrition: nearly identical, but Hellmann’s has slightly fewer calories and less fat
- Ingredients: Hellmann’s uses simpler, more natural ingredients
- Taste: subjective based on your flavor preferences
- Price: Kraft is typically a little cheaper
- Availability: both widely available at major grocers
- Packaging: mostly similar, comes down to visual brand appeal
- Company reputation: similarly large conglomerates, no major differences
- Sustainability: neither brand is very sustainable currently
- Specialty products: both offer nearly identical product extensions
- Customer satisfaction: Hellmann’s has a slight edge
- Health concerns: neither raises major issues if consumed in moderation
In summary, Hellmann’s takes a slight lead in areas like ingredients, nutrition, and customer satisfaction. But some consumers may prefer the taste or price of Kraft mayo. Since personal taste preferences are so subjective, it’s hard to name one mayo as definitively “better.” The best solution is to try each mayonnaise yourself in your favorite recipes or sandwiches to decide which brand you like best!