Buying Mayonnaise: A Guide to Classic and Japanese Varieties

Choosing the right mayonnaise can make or break a dish. Whether for a creamy potato salad, a dip for crispy fries, or an authentic ingredient for sushi, the market offers a vast variety. This guide is designed to help you make an informed choice by introducing different types and their ideal uses, so you can buy the perfect mayonnaise to meet your culinary needs.

Buying Guide: The Right Mayonnaise for Your Palate

Before you decide on a product, a few key criteria can simplify your selection. Pay attention to the following features to find the right consistency and flavour profile for your kitchen.

Fat Content and Type: Delikatess vs. Salad Mayonnaise

In Germany, the classifications for mayonnaise are regulated by food laws, which are primarily based on fat content.

• Echte Mayonnaise or Delikatess-Mayonnaise: These products must have a fat content of at least 70%. The high fat content ensures an exceptionally creamy, stable consistency and a rich, full-bodied flavour. It is ideal for preparing classic salads, as a rich base for dips, or on sandwiches.
• Salatmayonnaise (also known as salad cream): Here, the fat content is at least 50%. This version is often lighter and has a slightly runnier consistency. It is frequently used for lighter pasta or green salads.

Flavour Profile: Classic European or Japanese?

The flavour profile is heavily influenced by the ingredients used, particularly the type of eggs and vinegar.

• Classic Mayonnaise: Brands like Thomy or Hellmann's often use whole eggs or a mix of yolk and white, along with spirit vinegar. The result is a familiar, balanced, and slightly tangy flavour that is widespread in European and American cuisine.
• Japanese Mayonnaise: A well-known example is Kewpie Mayonnaise. It is traditionally made with only egg yolks, which gives it a particularly rich texture and a deep yellow colour. Instead of spirit vinegar, a blend of rice and apple cider vinegar is used. A characteristic feature is its pronounced umami flavour, often achieved by adding monosodium glutamate (MSG), making it the ideal mayonnaise for sushi or okonomiyaki.

Our Recommended Mayonnaise Picks

Here, we present a selection of different mayonnaises that stand out for their specific characteristics and applications.

KEWPIE Mayonnaise Japanese Style 355 ML

What sets it apart This Japanese mayonnaise is distinguished by its recipe, which is based exclusively on egg yolks (15%). Combined with a special vinegar blend of spirit, apple, and red wine vinegar, it creates an unmistakably rich and creamy taste with a distinct umami note. With a fat content of 74 g per 100 g, it is exceptionally full-bodied.

Advantages

• Made with only egg yolks for an extra-creamy texture
• Pronounced umami flavour from a balanced recipe
• Versatile for Asian dishes like sushi, poke bowls, or okonomiyaki

Who is it for? This product is recommended for enthusiasts of Japanese cuisine and home cooks who want to prepare authentic dishes. It's the ideal addition for anyone seeking a more complex, savoury flavour than that of conventional mayonnaise.

Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise 430ml

What sets it apart As a classic, Hellmann's Mayonnaise offers a balanced flavour profile. It is made with free-range eggs and has a fat content of 75 g per 100 ml. Its creamy consistency and mild taste make it a versatile all-rounder in the kitchen. The practical squeeze tube allows for easy and clean dispensing.

Advantages

• Classic, balanced flavour that complements many dishes
• Made with free-range eggs
• Convenient squeeze tube for easy handling

Who is it for? Ideal for everyday use. It's an excellent choice as a mayo for fries, on burgers, in sandwiches, or as a base for classic potato and pasta salads. Anyone looking for a reliable all-rounder will make a great choice with Hellmann's.

Thomy Delikatess Mayonnaise 82% 100 ml

What sets it apartThomy Delikatess Mayonnaise is a traditional German product and, with a fat content of 77.5 g per 100 ml (from 80% vegetable oils), it meets the criteria for a true Delikatess mayonnaise. The recipe, featuring 8% egg yolk, spirit vinegar, and mustard seeds, provides the typically zesty and rich flavour cherished in many German households.

Advantages

• High fat content for an exceptionally rich and stable consistency
• Classic, zesty German-style flavour
• Made with high-quality vegetable oils and egg yolk

Who is it for? This mayonnaise is the perfect choice for preparing traditional German salads like potato or pasta salad. Its firm texture also makes it a stable base for homemade dips and sauces.

Didn't Find What You're Looking For?

If you're looking for other options or special flavours for your dishes, it's worth taking a look at our wider selection. Here you'll find a broader range for every occasion and taste.

Discover More Mayonnaises on Joybuy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Delikatess mayonnaise and salad mayonnaise?

The main difference is the fat content. According to German food regulations, Delikatess-Mayonnaise or Echte Mayonnaise must have a fat content of at least 70%. Salatmayonnaise, often called salad cream, has a lower fat content of at least 50%, which makes it lighter and often a bit runnier.

What makes Japanese mayonnaise special?

Japanese mayonnaise, such as Kewpie, is typically made using only egg yolks instead of whole eggs. This results in a richer, custard-like texture. Additionally, a blend of different vinegars (e.g., rice vinegar) is often used, and its characteristic umami flavour is a key feature.

Does it make sense to order mayonnaise online?

Yes, ordering mayonnaise online offers several advantages. You have access to a wider selection, including international specialities like Kewpie Mayonnaise, which may not be available at your local retailer. It's also a convenient way to stock up and have products delivered directly to your home.