The Short Answer
Neither Hellmann's nor Duke's is a clean health choice. While Duke's wins the culinary battle with its zero-sugar recipe, both iconic brands are essentially jars of highly processed soybean oil. Is Mayo Bad For You
If you are forced to choose between the two, Duke's is the lesser of two evils. It ditches the added sugar and uses a higher egg yolk ratio, but you're still consuming inflammatory seed oils and synthetic preservatives with every sandwich.
Why This Matters
Mayonnaise should be a simple emulsion of healthy fat, eggs, and acid. But modern commercial mayonnaise is a masterclass in cheap ingredient substitution. Both of these giants swap traditional, healthy fats for ultra-processed alternatives to maximize profit margins.
The primary ingredient in both Hellmann's and Duke's is soybean oil. Soybean oil is highly refined and heavily skewed toward inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. When you eat a traditional mayo, you're mostly eating a chemically processed seed oil. Oils In Mayonnaise
The debate over which tastes better usually comes down to sugar and acid. Duke's gets its famous "twang" from apple cider vinegar and zero sugar, while Hellmann's adds sugar and lemon juice concentrate for a sweeter, blander profile. Is Dukes Mayo Clean
What's Actually In Hellmann's and Duke's
Both condiments share a nearly identical chemical foundation. The few key differences lie entirely in the flavoring agents and water content. Is Hellmanns Mayo Clean
- Soybean Oil — The number one ingredient in both brands. It's a highly processed seed oil linked to systemic inflammation.
- Water — Hellmann's lists water as its second ingredient, while Duke's lists it third, explaining why Hellmann's is famously more jiggly and gelatinous.
- Sugar — Hellmann's adds refined sugar to their recipe. Duke's proudly formulates their spread with absolutely zero sugar.
- Calcium Disodium EDTA — A synthetic preservative used in both brands to keep the cheap oil and eggs from separating on store shelves.
- Distilled & Cider Vinegar — Duke's uses a blend of distilled and apple cider vinegar for tang, while Hellmann's sticks to plain distilled vinegar and lemon juice.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Avocado or Olive Oil — True cold-pressed oils provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats without the inflammatory omega-6 load. Avocado Oil Mayo Healthier
- Organic Cage-Free Eggs — Better living conditions for chickens mean a better nutrient profile in the egg yolks.
- Zero Added Sugar — Mayo is a savory condiment that doesn't need sweetening.
Red Flags:
- Soybean or Canola Oil — These cheap seed oils are extracted using high heat and chemical solvents.
- Calcium Disodium EDTA — This laboratory-made preservative is restricted in some countries and completely unnecessary in quality mayonnaise.
- Natural Flavors — A catch-all FDA term that allows brands to hide proprietary chemical mixtures.
The Best Options
If you want real mayonnaise, you have to look past the iconic blue and yellow labels. The cleanest options use 100% avocado oil and organic eggs. Cleanest Mayonnaise
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chosen Foods | Classic Mayo | ✅ | Made with 100% pure avocado oil and organic eggs. |
| Primal Kitchen | Real Mayonnaise | ✅ | Zero sugar and completely seed-oil free. |
| Duke's | Real Mayonnaise | ⚠️ | Zero sugar and great taste, but loaded with soybean oil. |
| Hellmann's | Real Mayonnaise | 🚫 | Contains added sugar, excess water, and cheap soybean oil. |
The Bottom Line
1. Ditch the soybean oil. Both of these legendary brands use highly processed seed oil as their primary ingredient.
2. Duke's beats Hellmann's on macros. If you're stuck at a diner or barbecue, Duke's zero-sugar recipe makes it slightly less offensive.
3. Upgrade to avocado oil. Brands like Chosen Foods give you the exact same creamy texture without the inflammatory fats. Chosen Foods Mayo Review
FAQ
Does Duke's really have no sugar?
Yes, Duke's is one of the only commercial mayonnaises with 0g of sugar. This makes it a frequent favorite for keto and low-carb dieters who want to avoid the hidden sugars in Hellmann's.
Why is Hellmann's called Best Foods on the West Coast?
They are the exact same mayonnaise under two different names. Unilever owns both brands and maintains the regional naming simply for historical brand loyalty.
Is olive oil mayo better than Hellmann's or Duke's?
Usually, no. Most "olive oil" mayonnaises still use soybean oil as their primary ingredient. You must read the ingredient label to ensure olive or avocado oil is the only fat used. Avocado Oil Mayo Healthier
References (3)
- 1. ourstate.com
- 2. burntmyfingers.com
- 3. thetakeout.com