Mayonnaise. It’s something that I take seriously. It’s a polarizing ingredient because of its texture and sometimes misuse. I guess there are some people out there who don’t like the taste of it either, but those people just have misinformed tastebuds. Mayonnaise is versatile. Sure, you can use it plain as a condiment on your sandwich, burger, or with some fries. But it is so much more. You can bake with it. You can use it as the glue to bread your meat for frying. It is in sauces, deviled eggs, potato salads, and dressings. It can crisp up a piece of bread better than butter when you’re making that grilled cheese sandwich. I’d say that most Southerners value their mayonnaise, and when it comes to mayo, brand matters. Here are my top 5 mayonnaise brands.

1. Duke’s

Founded in South Carolina when Mrs. Eugenia Thomas Duke began selling sandwiches with her signature mayo to soldiers-in-training during WWI, Dukes has been a staple in households in the Southeast and beyond ever since. (read the whole story here: dukesmayo.com/stories/our-history).

The product has held strong for over 100 years, unwavering in its goodness.

2. Duke’s

This classic can be found at picnics, potlucks, cookouts, and family reunions all over the Southeast. It has just the right tang for all of your condiment needs.

3. Mayonnaise by Duke’s

What can I say?

4. Duke’s Mayonnaise

There’s no other mayo that can hold a candle to Duke’s.

5. Duke’s Mayo

Because Duke’s is the only appropriate mayonnaise for pretty much anything.

Honorable Mention

Blue Plate Mayonnaise

Founded in Louisiana and in 1927 after Duke’s, this one will do you all right if you can’t find Duke’s. Someone on the Internet says that it is the same as Hellman’s, but I don’t feel like researching that.

Chick-fil-A Mayonnaise packets

I’m down with the mayo that Chick-fil-A provides for their sandwiches. I also eat it with nuggets, strips, and fries. And sometimes, if I’m in a pinch and don’t have any Duke’s in the house, but need a few tablespoons of mayo, I’ll scour the kitchen for leftover packets.