I tested Heinz and Hellmann’s mayonnaise dupes – an own-brand for 89p was ‘just right’ and cheaper

SO much more than a sandwich filler, a rich and creamy mayonnaise is a versatile cupboard staple.

It's made with eggs, oil and some type of acid, usually vinegar or lemon, but the process can be tricky to get right at home.

10

That's why most of us go for a shop-bought version.

Big brands Hellman's and Heinz are still selling well, despite the cost-of-living crisis.

But is there an own-brand version which tastes just as good and will save you money?

We asked writer Lynsey Hope, 41, from West Malling, Kent, to test some and find out:

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Batts Real Mayonnaise (500ml)

• 89p
• 17.8p per 100ml

10

Lidl's own-brand mayonnaise is a steal at 89p for 500ml.

I found it to be well-balanced with just the right notes of tangy vinegar and mustard without being too oily.

• TASTE: 10/10
• VALUE: 10/10
• OVERALL SCORE: 10/10

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Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise (430ml)

• £2.65
• 62p per 100ml

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Hellmann's had a far runnier texture than the others and it seemed quite oily, perhaps because rapeseed oil makes up 78% of the ingredients.

It is made with free-range eggs and the level of salt and vinegar was spot on.

It’s expensive - more than three times per 100ml than the budget option from Lidl, and not as good.

• TASTE: 8/10
• VALUE: 5/10
• OVERALL SCORE: 6/10

Asda Just Essentials Mayonnaise (500ml)

• 72p
• 14.4p per 100ml

10

Asda's mayo has a strange sour taste and I didn't like it. It was too lumpy.

The kids rejected it too so if they won't eat it, it's wasted and not value for money.

I'd rather spend 17p more and get my mayo from Lidl.

This ended up in the bin.

• TASTE: 3/10
• VALUE: 4/10
• OVERALL SCORE: 3/10

Morrisons Savers Mayonnaise (500ml)

• 70p
• 14p per 100ml

10

Morrisons provided the cheapest mayo in our test.

I couldn't find own-brand mayo in a squeezy bottle at Morrisons so had to make do with the jar, which didn't look terribly appealing.

I was hoping to be pleasantly surprised, but it was watery and tasteless.

There is only 25% rapeseed oil in this which was much lower than others.

The rest of the ingredients were made up of starch, glucose syrup, salt, sugar and pasteurised free range egg yolk.

It's much higher in salt than other brands. I didn't like it, and would not buy it again.

• TASTE: 4/10
• VALUE: 5/10
• OVERALL SCORE: 4/10

Tesco Mayonnaise (450ml)

• £1.15
• 26p per 100ml

10

It's advertised on the bottle as "thick and smooth" but I actually thought the consistency was too thin.

The bottle wasn't the easiest to use either.

I struggled to squeeze any out initially and after applying more pressure, ended up with too much and it was wasted.

Great price, and if you could ignore the texture, the flavour was ok, but not my favourite.

• TASTE: 7/10
• VALUE: 7/10
• OVERALL SCORE: 7/10

Essential Waitrose Mayonnaise (500ml)

• £1.30 
• 26p per 100ml

10

A little bit pricier than some of the budget supermarkets but I still thought this was great value for money from Waitrose.

There are no nasties in the ingredients, it’s thick and silky smooth.

It's better than the leading brands and delicious with chips or in sandwiches.

The only downside is the jar, I would prefer a squeezy bottle.

Otherwise, top stars from me.

• TASTE: 10/10
• VALUE: 9/10
• OVERALL SCORE: 9/10

Aldi Bramwells Real Mayonnaise (500ml)

• 85p
• 17p per 100ml

10

A real bargain from Aldi, you’d be hard pushed to find a cheaper bottle that tastes as good as this.

It is perhaps a little weak in flavour and lacking a bit of punch.

But at 17p per 100ml, I’m not complaining.

• TASTE: 7/10
• VALUE: 9/10
• OVERALL SCORE: 8/10

Heinz Seriously Good Mayonnaise (565ml)

• £2.50
• 44.2p per 100ml

10

A classic mayo with a traditional, creamy recipe. I liked the silky texture and tangy mustard notes.

It’s made with 68% rapeseed oil, free range egg, sugar and mustard seeds.

The problem with this is definitely not with the taste but with the price.

Whilst cheaper than Hellmans, it's still more costly than most own brands so it’s a pricey addition to your weekly trolley.

• TASTE: 10/10
• VALUE: 8/10
• OVERALL SCORE: 9/10

Real Mayo by Sainsbury's (450ml)

• £1.15
• 26p per 100ml

10

Rich, creamy and less vinegary than some. It’s a little oily.

Again probably because rapeseed oil makes up 78% of the ingredients.

But for the price, I thought this was pretty good.

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The bottle is a bit smaller than some of the others so we got through it quite quickly and would prefer a bigger size option.

• TASTE: 7/10
• VALUE: 8/10
• OVERALL SCORE: 7/10