Co-op's own-brand mayonnaise has been named the best in a Which? taste test, outperforming well-known brands like Hellmann's and Heinz while costing significantly less. The consumer group evaluated seven supermarket own-label mayonnaises alongside Heinz and Hellmann's, focusing on taste and consistency.
Taste Test Results
Co-op's On The Side Real Mayonnaise took first place at £1.35 for a 500ml bottle. Which? noted: "An appetising-looking, creamy mayo with a flavour that most of our tasters enjoyed." Two-thirds of testers deemed the consistency spot on, and most relished its tanginess. While it is the most expensive supermarket option, it remains less than half the price of major brands.
Sainsbury's own-brand mayonnaise came second at £1 per 500ml bottle. Over two-thirds of testers approved of its consistency, and more than half enjoyed its intensity, taste, and sharpness.
Brand Battle: Hellmann's vs. Heinz
Hellmann's, priced at £2.45 for a 430ml bottle, divided opinions. Some appreciated its taste, while others felt it lacked punch. However, it beat Heinz, which landed in the penultimate spot. Heinz's Seriously Good Mayonnaise cost £2.84 for a 540ml bottle.
Lidl's Batts mayonnaise at 95p per 500ml bottle placed fourth. Which? reported: "A fraction cheaper than Sainsbury's, Lidl's mayo matched Hellmann's in our taste testers' estimation. Most were satisfied with the thickness and creaminess. Some tasters found it a little bland."
Other Supermarket Options
Asda's own-label mayonnaise at 96p per 500ml bottle came next. The panel appreciated its appearance, smoothness, and consistency, though some found the taste insufficiently robust. Tesco's mayonnaise at 85p per 450ml bottle followed, with Which? noting: "Our tasters thought it had a pleasing thickness, creaminess and colour. Nearly half enjoyed its flavour, but a similar proportion deemed it overly tangy."
Morrisons ranked at 95p per 500ml bottle. Assessors noted its dark appearance and "bit bland" taste, though they appreciated its smooth thickness. Bottom of the pile was M&S Classic Mayo at £1.40 for a 500ml bottle.
Missing Brands
Which? stated: "We didn't test Aldi's own-brand mayo as the supermarket told us its mayonnaise range was due to undergo some changes. Waitrose also missed the cut as its mayonnaise was unavailable at the time of testing."
