Best Mayonnaise for Sandwiches

For many people, sandwich condiments are pretty much sacred and are seldom experimented with but if you have had it with the same old mayo for your sandwiches then it just might be time to change things – for the better.

Comparison Table

	Brand name	Key Features	Review
1.	Heinz Original Mayonnaise	Tastiest and most-balanced mayo for hoagies and sandwiches; Goes well with all types of bread; Tangy and lightly spicy flavor	Full Review
2.	Hellmann’s	Great all-rounder mayo for any type of food; The safest option for sandwiches, excellent all-purpose condiment; Right flavor, mouthfeel, and spreadability for dream sandwiches	Full Review
3.	Kraft Mayonnaise	Classic mayo with balanced sweet and tangy flavor; Creamy finish, spreads well; Ideal for chicken-based sandwiches; Works as a good base for dips	Full Review
4.	Trader Joe’s Mayonnaise	A good substitute for Hellmann’s with similar creamy texture; Slightly sweeter flavor, works well with hot ingredients; Recommended if you enjoy tangy and sweet condiments	Full Review
5.	Miracle Whip	Creamy mayo suitable for any sandwich ingredient; Spreads easily over any type of bread; Contains corn syrup and sharp vinegar for a deep, satisfying mouthfeel; Recommended for those who prefer commercial-tasting mayo	Full Review
6.	Duke’s Smooth and Creamy Mayo	Light and creamy mayo option for sandwiches; Goes well with salads and adds balance and flavor to sandwiches; Suitable for adding veggies, eggs, dill, and meat to sandwiches	Full Review

What is the best mayonnaise for sandwiches? The best mayonnaise for sandwiches is the one that provides a balance between sweet and tangy flavors and a smooth, creamy texture. We recommended brands like Hellmann’s, Heinz, Trader Joe’s, Miracle Whip, Duke’s, Kraft, and more!

Read below to learn more about the various types of mayonnaise for sandwiches in the market, how they differ, and a few things to keep in mind before settling on a new mayonnaise brand!

Mayonnaise Basics 

Mayonnaise is a classic condiment that has been around since the 18^th century. It is widely used in burgers, sandwiches, salads, and just about anything that requires a creamy, sweet, and tangy flavor. 

Most people think of mayo as a complex food but in reality, it is just a mixture of three things: eggs, oil, and flavorings. 

That’s right, mayo production is quite straightforward as it only requires the emulsification of oil and eggs which creates an aerated and creamy mixture. The rest comes down to flavorings! 

Most types of mayo provide a tangy flavor but manufacturers tend to use their own spice blends to give their product a different overall flavor from their competitors.

The tanginess in mayo comes from the use of acid in the form of vinegar or lemon juice. The acid helps create an antimicrobial barrier that keeps the mayo from going bad. It also aids in the emulsification of the mixture and prevents the ingredients from splitting. 

But every manufacturer will use a different mixing ratio and flavoring ingredients which can significantly impact not just the flavor but also the texture of the mayo. 

Some mayo brands are specifically targeted towards people who like “fast food” mayo which is thick, creamy, and has a commercial flavor. There are even some types of mayo that are specifically designed for sandwiches!

But before we get into the best mayonnaise brands for sandwiches, let’s take a look at the characteristics of a sandwich-friendly mayo.

The Perfect Mayo

Sandwiches may seem easy to make but they can be quite difficult to get right in terms of their flavor and mouthfeel. Overdoing any ingredient can throw off the balance of your sandwich and make it overpowering while not using the right ingredients can make it dull.

To understand the perfect mayo, we must first highlight its characteristics:

• Texture and Mouthfeel 
• Flavor
• Spreadability

Texture and Mouthfeel

If you’re using mayo on regular white bread, then you should go with a mildly thick and creamy mayo that isn’t prominent with every bite. Remember: 2-bread sandwiches aren’t supposed to be overbearing, so if you use a heavier mayo, then you will likely throw off the balance of the sandwich.

You also don’t want to go with a moisture-heavy mayo either because white bread is porous and can absorb the mayo which can make your sandwiches limp. Ideally, you would only want the mayo to sit on top of the bread layer so that it blends in with the rest of the ingredients.  

If you are going with denser bread like a baguette or sourdough bread, then you should aim for a slightly creamier and thicker mayo that can shine through with every bite! The thicker the bread, the more likely it is that you will require a creamier mayo to compensate for its hearty texture.

Flavor

When it comes to sandwiches, you can use any mayo that you personally like. 

There is no exact science when it comes to flavor but there is a general rule that you should follow to get the most out of your sandwich: keeping a tight balance.

See, sandwiches contain a variety of ingredients, some spicy, some acidic, and some umami-laden. So, the goal here should be to strike a balance between all the ingredients to produce a harmony of flavors!

For example, if you are already going to add tomatoes, which are high in acidity, then it is best not to go with a strong-flavored and tangier mayo. You can instead try going with a slightly sweeter-tasting mayo to cut through the flavors of the other ingredients.

Spreadability

Spreadability is a no-brainer but it is an often-overlooked feature when going with the right mayo brand for sandwiches. As we have mentioned above, mayo needs to be spread evenly across the surface of any type of bread! 

This is an important feature because if you use a mayo that isn’t too spreadable then you will end up using more of it which will throw off the flavor and texture of your sandwich. Usually, creamier and thicker mayo is easier to spread, unlike thin mayo which can get absorbed by the bread.

We recommend that you go with 0.5 to 1 tbsp of mayo for a 12-15 inches long bread slice! The mayo should spread easily corner-to-corner with a butter knife and won’t provide an overpowering flavor.

Best Mayonnaise Brands for Sandwiches 

Here are the best mayo brands for everyday sandwich-making:

Heinz Original Mayonnaise 

If you want to stick with something familiar and new then try Heinz. It is one of the oldest mayo brands in the market and its commitment to quality and flavor is what has allowed them to stay relevant. This is by far the tastiest and most-balanced mayo for hoagies and virtually any type of sandwich.

Heinz mayo goes great with all types of bread and provides a tangy and lightly spicy flavor that can pair well with a range of ingredients. This mayo is so great that you can use it for a cucumber sandwich with cheese and it will still taste great without any other added condiment! 

Hellmann’s 

Hellmann’s continues to be a great all-rounder mayo that can be used for virtually any type of food. It is considered the safest option when it comes to using it in sandwiches and is an excellent all-purpose condiment that can pair with any ingredient.

It provides just the right flavor, mouthfeel, and spreadability to make your dream sandwich. Hellmann’s mayo is just the right consistency and if you are switching over from a cheaper mayo brand, then this is going to completely elevate your sandwich game! 

Kraft Mayonnaise 

Kraft Mayonnaise is another classic that has been around for decades. Although we don’t prefer it over Hellmann’s or Heinz, it is still a worthy contender when making chicken-based sandwiches. This mayo has a balanced sweet and tangy flavor with a very creamy finish. 

It spreads well and can be used to make virtually any type of simple sandwich. You can even use it as a base for numerous dips too! 

Trader Joe’s Mayonnaise 

If you are out of Hellmann’s at home then we think Trader Joe’s Original Mayonnaise will make for a great stand-in. 

It provides more or less the same creamy texture but with a slightly sweeter flavor. Most people don’t enjoy a sweeter mayo but if you like a slightly tangy and sweet condiment to cut through hot ingredients then this is the mayo to go for! 

Miracle Whip

Miracle Whip is a creamy and tasty mayo that can work well with nearly any type of sandwich ingredient. It has just the right consistency and spreads easily over any type of bread. This mayo contains corn syrup and a sharp vinegar which provides a very deep and satisfying mouthfeel. 

If you like commercial-tasting mayo then we highly recommend that you check out Miracle Whip’s original mayonnaise for all your sandwich needs. 

Duke’s Smooth and Creamy Mayo

Don’t like heavy mayonnaise in your sandwiches? 

Then we highly recommend that you go for Duke’s smooth and creamy mayo. Not only does it go well with salads but it can also be used to make highly balanced and flavorful sandwiches without the mayo taking the main stage! 

If you like to add veggies, eggs, dill, and meat to your sandwiches then we suggest that you try Duke’s mayo! It will provide just the right mouthfeel and flavor without you having to use any other condiment. 

Related Questions 

With over a dozen mayo brands in the market, it can be difficult to pick the right one for making delicious sandwiches at home. Now that you know how to look for the best mayonnaise for sandwiches, here are some related questions: 

Can You Use Homemade Mayo for Sandwiches? 

Making mayo at home is easy but tedious. It also requires a bit of experimentation to get the flavor and texture right. If you want a healthier mayo with more control over its flavor, then it might be a good idea to make your mayo at home – but for people who want convenience, it is better to go with the commercial varieties. 

What is the Healthiest Mayo?

There are a few healthy mayo brands in the market that use all-natural ingredients and are prepared without artificial flavors, color, and the use of preservatives. Avoid picking mayo with high-fructose corn syrup or other unnecessary ingredients if you want to keep it healthy and natural!