Discover Premium Mayonnaise Brands in the UK: Prices, Stores & Buying Guide

Why the right mayonnaise matters

Mayonnaise is more than a sandwich spread — it’s the creamy backbone of salads, dips, dressings, and even some baking tricks. Pick the wrong jar and a potato salad can fall flat; pick the right one and even a humble sarnie feels gourmet. In the UK, you’ve got everything from budget tubs to artisan jars made with specialty oils and free-range eggs, so knowing where to shop and what to expect can save you time and money while improving your meals. Ready to navigate aisles and online listings like a pro?

Major UK retailers where you can buy mayonnaise

Whether you prefer knocking on a supermarket door or clicking “add to basket,” the UK market is stacked with options. Retailers differ on brand selection, price, own-label quality, and occasional exclusives. Below I’ve listed the big players and what to expect when shopping them for mayonnaise.

Tesco

Tesco’s shelves usually carry a wide range, from value tubs to Tesco Finest artisan-style mayonnaise. Tesco often offers jar sizes that suit both single cooks and families — think 8 oz jars for light users and 14 oz tubs for bigger households — and their Clubcard prices can make mid-range brands surprisingly affordable.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s stocks mainstream brands like Hellmann’s and Heinz, as well as their Taste the Difference line for fancier flavours. Keep an eye out for multi-buy deals; they’ll slash the per-oz price when you buy two or more. Sainsbury’s is a solid choice if you want a middle ground between price and quality.

Asda

Asda tends to compete hard on price, offering budget-friendly jars alongside branded options. Their Smart Price and own-brand mayo are good when you’re feeding a crowd on a budget, while premium options show up in larger stores or online.

Morrisons

Morrisons mixes value and premium choices, and their “The Best” range usually includes a rich mayonnaise that rivals more expensive jars. If you like slightly more indulgent textures, Morrisons’ in-store bakery and deli sections sometimes carry small-batch, higher-end mayo varieties.

Waitrose & Partners

If you’re after premium or speciality mayonnaise — think truffle-infused, garlic aioli, or heritage-egg recipes — Waitrose is the place to browse. The supermarket stocks well-regarded brands and its own premium products, often in jars ranging from 6 oz for gourmet servings to 12 oz for regular use.

Marks & Spencer (M&S)

M&S often delivers classy mayonnaise options under its own label. These jars tend to be positioned as higher-end, using better oils and freerange eggs, and they’re great when you want a reliable, indulgent flavour without venturing into small independent producers.

Ocado

Ocado’s strength is selection: it lists mainstream brands plus specialist and imported mayonnaises that aren’t always in high-street stores — like Kewpie or artisan British brands. If you want something unusual, Ocado’s online shelves are a treasure trove, and you can compare jar sizes and nutritional info easily before you buy.

Aldi & Lidl

Hard-discounters like Aldi and Lidl may surprise you. Their own-brand mayo often punches above its price class, especially in blind taste tests. Expect compact jars that deliver excellent value, particularly for everyday use and bulk sandwich-making.

Amazon UK & specialty stores

Amazon and independent delis carry international and boutique brands — useful if you want Japanese Kewpie, American-style mayos, or small-batch British producers. Prices can vary, but the range is unparalleled, and it’s ideal when you’re hunting for a very specific flavour profile.

Popular mayonnaise brands to look out for

Brands matter because ingredients and technique define texture and taste. Here’s a short tour of well-known options and what sets them apart so you can match them to your cooking style.

Hellmann’s (Best Foods)

Hellmann’s is a familiar go-to across the UK for a balanced, creamy mayo that works for salads and sandwiches. Its consistency is fairly thick and stable, which makes it a favourite for picnics or potato salads that need to hold up in a bowl without going runny.

Heinz

Heinz mayonnaise often carries a slightly tangier profile and smooth finish. It’s versatile, and because the brand has wide distribution, it’s easy to find on offer in most supermarkets, which helps keep the per-oz cost reasonable.

Kewpie

Kewpie is a cult favourite for its umami-rich, slightly sweet flavour thanks to the use of rice vinegar and egg yolks. It’s the go-to for Japanese-style slaws, sushi bowls, and dressing up fries. If you want to experiment with global flavours, Kewpie is worth a shot.

Sir Kensington’s & artisan brands

Brands like Sir Kensington’s bring unique oils and vinegars into the mix, creating premium jars with distinctive tastes. These are great for gourmet burgers and creating signature sauces, but expect to pay a premium per ounce.

Supermarket own-labels

Don’t sleep on supermarket own-label mayonnaise. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S, and Waitrose each have own-brand offerings that can range from budget-friendly to indulgent, and many perform well in taste tests compared to big-name jars.

Vegan and egg-free brands

Products like Hellmann’s Vegan or Vegenaise provide creamy, egg-free options that mimic traditional mayonnaise. They’re excellent for those avoiding eggs or following a vegan diet, and they’re widely available in major stores.

Price ranges, jar sizes, and what to expect

Price depends on brand, ingredients, and jar size. Expect to pay more for free-range eggs, organic oils, or artisanal production. Understanding jar sizes in imperial units helps you compare costs quickly at the shelf or online.

Common jar sizes and typical prices

Budget tubs often come in 8 to 12 oz sizes and are priced competitively — picture a value tub at roughly the cost of a coffee. Mainstream branded jars like Hellmann’s may be 12 to 16 oz and sit in the mid-price band, while premium or imported jars of 6 to 10 oz can command higher per-oz costs. Buying a larger 24 oz or multi-pack can reduce the price per ounce if you use mayo often.

Budget vs premium: where to save and where to splurge

If mayo is a background player in your cooking, save with supermarket own-labels or discounters. If you’re building a gourmet burger or need a specific flavour, splurge on specialty brands or boutique jars — a little goes a long way, and flavour layers change the whole dish.

Vegan and allergy-friendly mayonnaise options

The vegan mayo market in the UK has come a long way. Egg-free alternatives now mimic texture and creaminess convincingly, using plant-based proteins and oils. Many major retailers stock these, so accessibility is no longer an issue.

Key vegan brands and where to find them

Look for Hellmann’s Vegan, Vegenaise, and supermarket own-brand vegan spreads. You’ll find them at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado, and even discount stores during special seasonal lines. Vegan mayo behaves similarly to traditional mayo in recipes, so it’s a straightforward swap in most cases.

Choosing mayonnaise for cooking vs finishing

Some mayonnaises are made to withstand heat or bind ingredients, while others are designed as finishing touches to add shine and flavour. Think of mayo as paint: some paints are for weatherproofing (cooking), others are for decorating (finishing).

Which textures suit which uses?

For sauces and dressings that need stability, choose a thicker mayonnaise — it holds emulsions and keeps dressings from breaking. For drizzling or light finishing, a slightly looser, silkier mayo works best and spreads easily. Specialty flavours like garlic aioli are excellent for finishing tacos or steak.

Storage, shelf life, and safety tips

Storage rules keep mayo tasting fresh and safe. Unopened jars last longest; once opened, proper refrigeration is crucial. Always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing bacteria, and keep jars sealed after use. If you spot separation, off smells, or drastic colour changes, it’s safer to dispose of the jar.

How long does opened mayonnaise last?

Most opened commercial mayonnaise will keep for about 1 to 2 months in the fridge if stored properly, but check the label for the manufacturer’s guidance. Homemade mayonnaise needs stricter handling and usually should be consumed within a few days, especially if made with raw eggs.

Simple homemade mayonnaise recipe (quick and safe tips)

Want to try making mayo at home? It’s surprisingly simple, and you can control the oil and acid to suit your taste. Use very fresh eggs or pasteurised egg products if you’re concerned about raw egg safety.

Basic recipe using imperial measurements

Ingredients: 1 large egg yolk, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 cup oil (8 fl oz — a neutral oil like sunflower works well), pinch of salt. Method: whisk the egg yolk, mustard, and lemon juice together in a bowl, then slowly drizzle the oil while whisking constantly until emulsified. Season to taste. If it gets too thick, add a teaspoon or two of warm water to loosen it up. Remember: homemade mayo should be kept in the fridge and used within 3 to 4 days.

Tips for saving money while buying better mayo

Smart shopping can cut your mayonnaise bill without sacrificing taste. Watch for multibuy deals, sign up for supermarket loyalty cards, and buy larger tubs if you use mayo regularly. If you only need a small amount for a recipe, smaller jars reduce waste. Comparing unit prices (price per ounce) is the fastest way to spot a genuine bargain.

Where to find the best deals

Check weekly supermarket flyers or online promotions for price reductions, especially around BBQ season when mayo demand spikes. Discounters often offer limited-time premium-style products that punch above their weight, so keep an eye on special buys.

Best mayonnaise choices for health-conscious eaters

If you’re watching calories or fat, there are lighter options that use less oil or incorporate healthier fats like olive oil. Low-fat mayonnaises substitute some oil with water and thickeners; olive oil mayos provide monounsaturated fats but can have a stronger flavour. As always, read labels for sugar and additive content.

Which fats are better?

Olive oil and rapeseed oil bring healthier fat profiles compared with some cheaper vegetable oils. If you’re aiming for a heart-friendlier option, choose a mayo that lists olive or rapeseed oil as the primary ingredient and keep an eye on portion sizes — even lighter mayonnaises can be calorie-dense.

Wrapping up: match your mayonnaise to your meal

From budget tubs for family lunches to artisanal jars that transform a burger, there’s a mayonnaise for every occasion and every budget in the UK. Pick a store that matches your priorities — price at discounters, selection online at Ocado or Amazon, or premium finds at Waitrose and M&S. Compare per-ounce costs, look for seasonal deals, and don’t be afraid to try vegan and international options to shake up your kitchen routine.

Next time you stand in front of a shelf full of jars, you’ll know whether to reach for the inexpensive tub or splurge on a boutique bottle that will make your next dish sing.

Conclusion: Mayonnaise is simple but versatile, and with a little knowledge about brands, stores, and jar sizes you can save money while elevating your meals. Try one new type each month and you’ll soon learn your personal favourites for sandwiches, salads, and sauces.