New York’s Favorite Mayo Doesn’t Exist on the West Coast

If you're reading this, then you most likely agree that mayonnaise is delicious. There are haters on every continent of this earth that might argue that a mix of eggs and oil is gross, but those people are wrong, and dumb. What will be wild to learn for fans of the greatest condiment, however, is that the best mayonnaise ever made doesn't exist as we know it in other parts of the country.

We've already covered that mayonnaise is good, now let's cover which brand is best. True fans of the sandwich's best friend also know that there's no contest; Hellmann's mayonnaise is the one true mayonnaise. But why can't you buy Hellmann's on the west coast?

Hellmann's Mayonnaise is the Best Mayonnaise

I was born and raised in the Hudson Valley, and since my parents loved me, that means that I was also born and raised on Hellmann's. I can still taste an imposter a mile away. Store brand? No thank you. Miracle Whip?! Heathens. That's why I was so worried when I couldn't find my favorite brand on a trip to California.

Why New Yorkers Can't Find Hellmann's Mayonnaise on the West Coast

The reason I couldn't find Hellmann's at my favorite west coast grocery stores wasn't because the mayonnaise itself didn't exist, but rather the name on the bottle was different. Even though it's the same condiment, Hellmann's mayonnaise is branded as Best Foods west of the Rocky Mountains. Here's why.

Mayonnaise: East Coast vs. West Coast

Hellman's mayonnaise, founded in New York City by Richard and Margaret Hellmann in 1920, was bought by Postum Foods (later renamed Best Foods) in 1927. While Postum was already selling their own mayonnaise on the west coast, Hellmann's recipe was so popular that they began to use the same mayo in both products. The names, however, remained the same.

Hellmann's Mayonnaise in New York

Check for yourself the next time you're in the grocery store (or just open up your refrigerator). On jars of Hellmann's, it reads "known as Best Foods west of the Rockies" (above) on the label, and the same is true (but reversed) on Best Food products.

Get our free mobile app

Is this important? Unless you're about to enter a condiment trivia contest and you forgot to study, no it does not. It is a helpful reminder, however, that it's not what you see on the surface that matters, but what's inside that truly counts. Even for mayonnaise.