Best Foods®
products have been staples in American kitchens for generations. The brand's flagship
product,
Best Foods®
Real Mayonnaise, is the best-selling mayonnaise in the United States.
Mayonnaise is said to be the invention of the French chef of the Duke de Richelieu
in 1756. While the Duke was defeating the British at Port Mahon, his chef was creating
a victory feast that included a sauce made of cream and eggs. When the chef realized
that there was no cream in the kitchen, he improvised, substituting olive oil for
the cream. A new culinary masterpiece was born, and the chef named it "Mahonnaise"
in honor of the Duke's victory.
In 1905, two years after arriving in the United States, German immigrant Richard
Hellmann opened up a delicatessen in New York City. His wife's delectable recipe
for mayonnaise was featured in salads and sold in the deli, and the condiment quickly
became so popular that Hellmann began selling it in "wooden boats" that were used
for weighing butter.
Originally, two versions of the recipe were sold, and to distinguish between them,
Hellmann put a blue ribbon around one. The "ribbon" version was in such high demand
that in 1912, Hellmann designed what is today the iconic "Blue Ribbon" label, to
be placed on larger glass jars.
At the same time that Hellmann's® Mayonnaise was flourishing in the East, Best Foods,
Inc., introduced mayonnaise to Californian consumers. As Hellmann's® expanded on
the east coast, Best Foods® proved to be a smashing success in the West. It was
nearly inevitable that in 1932 Richard Hellmann Inc. was acquired by Best Foods,
Inc. To this day, Hellmann's® Mayonnaise is sold east of the Rockies and Best Foods®
Mayonnaise is sold west.
Best Foods®
has always recognized consumers' demand for new and delicious products, and their
desire to eat real foods. Here is a quick timeline of product introductions.
- In the 1920s Hellmann introduced Tartar Sauce and Sandwich Spread.
- Light and Cholesterol Free Mayonnaise were introduced in the 1980's.
- Low fat mayonnaise was introduced in 1985.
- In 1992, mustard was added to the Hellmann's® and Best Foods® lines with the introduction
of Dijonnaise™ Creamy Mustard Blend.
- In 2000 came the launch of Honey Mustard and Deli Mustard.
- In 2002, a new mayonnaise with an ethnic twist was introduced – Mayonesa Con
Jugo de Limón (Mayonnaise With Lime Juice), a flavor very popular among Hispanics.
The lime juice adds a unique flavor to the classic, beloved mayonnaise.
- Also in 2002, a line of flavored light mayonnaise was launched (including Bacon
& Tomato Twist™, Garlic Paradise™ and Herb Sensation™).
- In the spring of 2003, Dippin' Sauces™ were added to the line, including: Rockin'
Ranch™, Honey Mustard Madness™ and Totally BBQ™.
* Contains 10 grams of total fat and 1.5 grams of saturated fat per serving.