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I tried 7 different mayonnaises to find the best one, and I'm shocked the cheapest beat my usual favorite

7 April 2025 at 08:21
seven jars of mayonnaise on a counter
I compared different varieties of mayonnaise from Kraft, Kewpie, Mike's, Giant, Duke's, and Hellmann's to find the best one.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

  • I tried seven varieties of mayonnaise from the grocery store to see which one I liked best.
  • Hellmann's is usually my go-to mayo, but it ended up in the middle of the ranking for me.
  • I liked Giant's store-brand mayo, Kraft Real Mayo, and the controversial Miracle Whip most of all.

Mayonnaise is a popular condiment that can add flavor to a range of bites, from a deli sandwich to a potato salad.

Some mayo lovers have their favorite brand and rarely deviate from their product of choice, while others like to experiment with a range of varieties of the condiment. My preference falls in the former category.

I'm a creature of habit when it comes to buying mayonnaise and condiments in general. Hellmann's mayo is a staple in my refrigerator, and I put it on everything from BLTs to chicken-salad sandwiches.

However, I was curious if there may be a new favorite mayonnaise for me out there just waiting to be found. So, I grabbed seven different varieties of mayo and tried each on its own and in homemade chicken salad.

Here's how I'd rank them, from my least favorite to my top pick.

7. Kewpie was unique, but not a favorite for me.
Kewpie mayo
Kewpie mayonnaise is popular in Japan.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

I know Kewpie mayonnaise is a popular product from Japan, but I hadn't tried it prior to this taste test.

The 12-ounce bottle I purchased cost $4.59, or 38 cents an ounce, making it the most expensive mayo on the list.

It's made with egg yolks, whereas many American mayonnaises are made with whole eggs. Many describe it as having a tangy, sweet, and umami-rich flavor.

When I tasted this mayonnaise on its own, the strong vinegar and savory taste surprised me. Overall, the condiment had a stronger flavor than I expected.

It was still too zesty for me in the chicken salad.
Kewpie mayo with chicken salad
Kewpie mayo has a bit of a kick.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

I hoped maybe adding this mayo to the chicken-salad mixture would temper the taste a bit.

I think it did โ€” the chicken slightly calmed the vinegar punch. However, Kewpie was still a bit zesty for my personal preference.

That said, I could see this being ideal for easily punching up a potato salad or egg salad.

Mike's Amazing mayonnaise tasted a little bitter to me.
Mike's Amazing Mayonnaise
I was excited to try Mike's Amazing mayonnaise.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

The name of Mike's Amazing mayonnaise seemed promising. The 15-ounce jar I got cost $3.29, or 22 cents an ounce.

The mayo had a really smooth consistency but a flavor that was a bit too bitter for my personal taste when I tried it on its own.

It didn't quite have the right flavor profile for chicken salad, either.
Mike's Mayonnaise with chicken salad
Mike's Amazing mayo seemed to overpower my chicken salad.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

When mixed with the chicken salad, Mike's Amazing mayonnaise's vinegar taste weakened, and it seemed sweeter.

The creamy texture was nice, but I still thought that this mayo overpowered the chicken salad.

I could see this being good for making nice and creamy deviled eggs, though.

5. Duke's mayonnaise wasn't as sweet as I'd prefer.
Duke's mayonnaise
Duke's was only a little familiar to me.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

I've had Duke's mayo in a restaurant sandwich before, but this was my first time trying it at home and on its own. The 16-ounce jar cost me $4.99, or 32 cents an ounce.

On its own, Duke's mayonnaise tasted a little bitter to me. I think it could've benefited from more sweetness.

This definitely tasted like an eggier mayo.
Duke's mayonnaise with chicken salad
Duke's mayo had a strong egg-yolk taste to me.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

When combined with the chicken-salad ingredients, the mayo didn't taste as bitter but had a strong egg-yolk taste that wasn't quite for me.

Still, it was pleasantly creamy, and I appreciated that it had a distinct flavor.

4. Hellmann's didn't impress me as much as I thought it would.
Hellmann's mayonnaise
Hellmann's has been my go-to mayo for years.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

I usually use Hellmann's mayonnaise at home and buy it on repeat without a second thought, so I wanted to see how it ranked in the taste test.

The 15-ounce jar cost me $5.49, or 37 cents an ounce.

On its own, the mayo tasted sweet and smooth, with a stronger egg flavor than most of the other mayonnaises on this list.

I'm surprised Hellmann's ended up in the middle of my ranking.
Hellmann's mayonnaise with chicken salad
I think I have some new favorite choices to enjoy.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

The chicken salad made with Hellman's tasted nicely familiar and nostalgic, as I use this brand often. It wasn't too sweet or overly tangy.

However, this chicken salad didn't stand out or blow me away once I compared it to the ones made with three mayo varieties I ranked above it.

I'd still purchase this classic, but I found some new favorites in this taste test.

3. Giant blew me away with its generic-brand mayo.
Giant Food Store mayonnaise
I was pleased with the mayo I got from Giant's store brand.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

I grabbed a 15-ounce jar of grocery store Giant's store-brand mayonnaise for $2.99, or 20 cents an ounce. This was the cheapest mayo I tried.

I was really pleasantly surprised by this mayo, especially since it is the most affordable one I tried. It had a nice, balanced flavor that was eggy but not too sweet, similar to Hellmann's.

I really liked this mayo in my chicken salad.
Giant's mayonnaise with chicken salad
I'd choose the generic Giant mayo over Hellmann's.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

This mayonnaise was even more balanced when mixed with the chicken salad โ€” it felt both sweet and a little savory.

I'm surprised such an affordable option landed higher on the list than my go-to mayo.

2. Kraft Real Mayo had a nice sweetness level.
Kraft mayonnaise
I think I've had Kraft mayo before.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

I've had Kraft Real Mayo in the past, but it's been a while, so I wanted to try it once more. The 15-ounce jar cost me $5.19, or 35 cents an ounce.

On its own, the mayonnaise had a really good taste with a smooth texture and a perfectly moderate sweetness level.

This mayo made one of the best chicken salads.
Kraft mayo with chicken salad
I enjoyed the flavors of the chicken salad I made with the Kraft Real Mayo.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

This mayonnaise made my chicken salad really flavorful.

The subtle sweetness and creaminess of the mayo brought all of the ingredients together perfectly without overpowering them.

Although this mayo wasn't my top pick on its own, it definitely created the best chicken salad I tried.

1. Kraft Miracle Whip blew me away with its flavor.
Kraft miracle whip mayonnaise
Kraft Miracle Whip ended up being my clear winner due to its excellent, tangy taste and balanced flavor.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

I was hesitant to try the Kraft Miracle Whip, especially since some mayonnaise lovers really dislike it. It's technically considered a mayonnaise-like dressing and not a mayonnaise by FDA standards, which states mayo should be at least 65% vegetable oil by weight.

Still, it was on the shelf with the other mayos โ€” and it's similar enough that I chose to include it on this list. I was curious if it could beat traditional mayonnaises.

Miracle Whip typically has less fat and calories than mayonnaise but also contains a mix of seasonings that can make it extra tangy and flavorful. The 15-ounce jar cost me $5.19, or 35 cents an ounce.

Overall, I can't believe I waited so long to try it. It was delicious.

In terms of taste, the Miracle Whip had a perfect amount of sweetness and even had a slight vinegary garlic punch that reminded me of pickles.

Overall, the Miracle Whip was my favorite.
Kraft Miracle Whip mayonnaise with chicken salad
There were sweet and savory flavors in the chicken salad I made with Miracle Whip.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

I was also blown away by the chicken salad I made with Miracle Whip.

The tangy sauce added so much punch to my classic recipe, which resulted in an incredible blend of sweet and savory flavors.

I could see the Miracle Whip working well on most sandwiches, in deviled eggs, and in just about any recipe that benefits from an extra dose of flavor.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I use my air fryer on a daily basis. Here are 6 of my favorite easy recipes.

11 February 2025 at 04:08
A plate of roast potatoes with herbs and salt.
I make all sorts of easy recipes in my air fryer, such as roasted potatoes.

Cavan-Images/Shutterstock

  • I love my air fryer and use it pretty much every day for easy meals and snacks.
  • One of my favorite simple air-fryer meals is andouille sausage, onions, and peppers.
  • Crispy chickpeas are a great snack, and air-fried pears make a nice dessert.

Before I started using my air fryer a few years ago, I didn't realize its full potential. I thought of it as a quick-cooking method for frozen food or a backup plan when I needed something heated up super quickly.

Now, I use my air fryer at least once a day and depend on it to cook meals, snacks, and desserts.

Here are six of my favorite easy air-fryer recipes.

Crispy chickpeas make for a flavorful snack.
bowl of air-fried chickpeas
I like to make my chickpeas extra crispy.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

When I crave a quick snack, crispy chickpeas are at the top of my list. The legumes cook up quickly in the air fryer with very few ingredients.

I give one can of chickpeas a good rinse and then toss them in olive oil, salt, and paprika.

With my air fryer set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, I cook the beans for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly.

It's a convenient snack to enjoy at home or on the go. Plus, chickpeas have fiber and protein, so they keep me full.

Air-fried tofu goes nicely with broccoli.
plate of tofu and broccoli
I like the texture of air-fried tofu.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

Air-fried tofu and broccoli is one of my favorite vegetarian meals to make.

I cut the tofu up in small cubes, toss it in a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar, and pop it in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes. Again, I shake the basket a few times during the cooking process.

While the tofu is cooking, I usually chop some broccoli into florets and add the vegetable to the air fryer midway through. I also like to add sliced green onions near the end of the cooking time so the flavors infuse into the finished product.

Mild shishito peppers and crusty bread make a great appetizer.
plate of bread and shishito peppers
Shishito peppers feel fancy, but they're super simple to make.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

Shishito peppers pack a lot of flavor without being too spicy.

I start by washing the peppers, placing them in the air-fryer basket, and drizzling some extra-virgin olive oil on top. Add a few shakes of salt and cook the peppers at 400 degrees for six to eight minutes โ€” or until they have a slight char on the outside.

Once the peppers are done, I brush olive oil onto slices of French baguette (or whatever bread I have on hand) and pop them in the hot basket.

The blistered peppers pair so nicely with the warm, crispy bread.

Sausage, peppers, and onions are all I need for a complete air-fryer meal.
plate of andouille sausage, peppers, and onions
I throw the sausage and veggies in the air fryer together.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, combine slices of andouille sausage, peppers, and onions in an air fryer.

Add a tablespoon of oil and some salt and shake lightly to coat all of the ingredients evenly. Then, cook everything for about 15 minutes at 400 degrees until the ingredients have slightly crisp edges.

It's such a simple yet delicious weeknight meal.

I combine potatoes and shallots for a hearty side dish.
bowl of air-fried potatoes and shallots
Nothing beats a side of crispy potatoes.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

With just a few ingredients, I can create a flavorful potato side dish to accompany my favorite main courses.

Start by rinsing and chopping six to 10 red potatoes into halves or quarters and peeling and slicing one shallot. Then, combine the vegetables in the air-fryer basket, toss with olive oil and salt, and cook everything at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

You'll know it's done when the potatoes are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

Air-fried pears are a light but satisfying dessert.
plate of air-fried pears
When I want something sweet, I air-fry some pear slices.

Kristen Kwiatkowski

When I'm craving dessert but want something lighter, air-fried pears are my go-to. Just core two pears and slice them into about six or eight wedge-shaped pieces.

Toss the slices with 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Then, air-fry at 375 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes โ€” or until the pears are slightly soft.

Read the original article on Business Insider

My daughter is in the college search phase. I'm trying to balance helping her without being overbearing.

14 January 2025 at 02:17
mother and daughter looking at a computer
The author's daughter (not pictured) is searching for her perfect college.

Lorado/Getty Images

  • My daughter is in her senior year of high school and in the middle of the college search phase.
  • As her mom, I'm trying to be helpful while letting her lead the way to finding the ideal school.
  • I'm only suggesting schools to visit and reminding her that I'm always here to help.

My daughter is currently in the midst of the college search phase, and with so many college and university options, you might imagine that this journey is both complex and exciting.

As a parent, I want to help make my child's senior year as stress-free as possible by assisting her during the process, but I also want to step back a bit as she begins the transition to adulthood. With this in mind, finding a way to be just the right amount of helpful is so important.

As my second child who's heading to college โ€” her older brother is in his junior year โ€” this isn't my first experience in the college search phase. However, as parents know, each kid in the family is different and has their own distinct style as to how they proceed with tasks and achieve their goals.

During her brother's college search, it was a new experience for all of us โ€” including the path to finding the ideal university plus all of the other important parts of the process, including the application procedures, financial aid steps, and the final step of him narrowing down the options to his chosen school. This time, we have the experience and can pursue the college search phase with a bit more confidence. With that said, it's so important for me to take a step back and let my daughter find a school that works best for her.

I'm letting her apply to schools without setting too many restrictions

The first way I've taken a step back during this college search phase is by letting her apply to a wide array of schools without setting too many restrictions.

Of course, this doesn't mean that every school will be a top choice for her or that we'll be able to afford it. It just gives her more freedom to explore potential schools that may meet her personal requirements for a good fit and gives her peace of mind knowing she's considered different options.

From that point onward, we can discuss the finer details of each school, including the pros and cons and feasibility factors.

I'm suggesting on-campus visits, but enabling her to choose the must-see options

College visits have expanded in options compared to years ago when I went to school. In the past, you could visit the school in person or take a chance that it may be a good fit simply by reading the brochures.

Fast-forward to today, where prospective students have many exploration options, from virtual college visitation sessions to social media.

These are all excellent research options; however, I feel that it's always good to visit the school in person when able to do so. Therefore, I tell my daughter that we should visit as many schools in person as possible, especially if she's really interested in a few specific universities.

That said, she can pick the ones that really interest her, and then we'll go explore those colleges.

I'm still providing feedback with negotiable viewpoints

Although I'll stand back and let my daughter form her own opinions as to the individual schools, I'll always provide feedback.

This doesn't mean my view is the right one or that my feedback contains non-negotiable terms. I just think it's important to provide her with details she may not have thought of and also let her know my thoughts due to my experience and having gone through the college search process on my own โ€” albeit many years ago.

The feedback will also revolve around cost and location. For example, even with access to scholarships and grants, attending certain schools may not be possible due to financial reasons.

I may also want to provide insight into the pros and cons of schools within driving distance versus colleges that require airline travel. In addition, safety factors may also be discussed when comparing different schools. However, I don't want this feedback to be a definitive response but instead talking points to discuss when deciding which universities and colleges may be right for her.

I'm reminding my daughter I'm always here for her

Most importantly, I make it a point to let her know that although she will take the lead in finding her ideal university, I'm always here for her when she needs advice, information, or simply a parent's loving guidance.

As a mom, I'm going into this college search process, hoping to provide the best possible guidance for my daughter as she takes the initial steps toward adulthood while giving her the space to find her way and make her own decisions.

Ultimately, I know that she will choose the college or university that is right for her as she embarks on this new and exciting journey.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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