You can’t tell the history of mayonnaise without telling the history of Best Foods Mayonnaise. At just fourteen, young Richard Hellmann was already fostering a love for food as an apprentice at his local food market in Germany where he was from. But it wasn’t until he moved to New York City that he found true success.
1913
It was here that Richard met his wife Margaret, who just happened to be the daughter of two deli owners. And in 1913, Richard and Margaret realized their dream of setting up shop and the Hellmann’s Delicatessen was born.
1920
The deli that would become our birthplace opened its doors right in the heart of New York City — Columbus Avenue, Manhattan. Richard began creating his now legendary mayonnaise. Jars were filled to the brim with a delicious blend of ingredients picked to create the ultimate creamy texture and taste.
1925
Originally, two versions of the recipe were sold, and to distinguish between them, Hellmann put a blue ribbon around one. He believed his creation was the best mayonnaise ever. And his customers thought so too. The “ribbon” version was in such high demand that Hellmann designed what is today the iconic “Blue Ribbon” label to be placed on larger glass jars.
1927
Postum Foods (later Best Foods) acquired the Hellmann’s brand in 1927. At this time, Hellmann’s was not the only commercial mayo on the market. Out in California, Best Foods had a popular mayonnaise, while Hellmann’s reigned supreme east of the Rocky Mountains. Because Hellmann’s had such a devoted following, Postum Foods decided to keep both brand names. To this day, Best Foods Mayonnaise continues to sell west of the Rockies, while Hellmann’s sells to the east.
1931
Richard Hellmann’s pride and joy, the Hellmann’s Blue Ribbon Mayonnaise became the largest selling mayonnaise in the United States. And thanks to its unmistakable taste and ultra-creamy texture, it is still America’s #1 selling mayo.
EARLY 1960'S
1987
The world’s most iconic mayonnaise brand coined two of its most known taglines in 1987 that continue to live on today. “Bring out the Hellmann’s” and “Bring out the best.”
2000
2000
Unilever acquired the Hellmann’s and Best Foods brands in 2000 and they remain members of the Unilever family today!
2014
An innovator of taste and packaging, Best Foods launched its now-famous squeeze bottle in 2014. This new bottle makes it easier than ever to dose out your favorite creamy mayonnaise.
2016
To keep up with changing diets in the United States, Best Foods launched its Vegan Dressing & Spread in 2016. A plant-based alternative to the traditional tasty Best Foods mayonnaise, this product is free from eggs and gluten, making it the perfect complement to vegan sandwiches, salads and veggies burgers.
2019
Best Foods reputation for being delicious spread across the country, making our mayo a staple in American kitchens for generations since. The brand's flagship product, Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise, is the best-selling mayonnaise in the United States, thanks to its unmistakable taste.
2020
Recognizing its responsibility as the leading mayonnaise brand in the United States, Best Foods transitioned to 100% food-safe PCR plastic packaging in 2020. PCR, or post-consumer resin, is made from recycled plastic that is recycled into a resin and used to create new packaging, reducing the amount of plastic waste.
2021
In 2021, Best Foods continued to tackle waste when the brand launched its Make Taste, Not Waste campaign in the United States to tackle the growing food waste issue. The campaign offers tips, tricks, and recipes that help you make the most of your food already in your fridge, with a little help from delicious Best Foods mayonnaise.
2022
Proving that Best Foods will never stop innovating, the brand continues to launch new products and campaigns in 2022. This year marked the launch of the Fridge Night Mission to save food, time, and money. The Fridge Night app helps you save food, time, and money with fun, fast Flexipes using food you already have in your fridge.
2022
Best Foods expanded its mayonnaise flavors with the introduction of new Spicy Mayonnaise in 2022. Made with real, simple ingredients, this new condiment spices up wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and dips.
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Easy Ways to Reduce Food Waste
In the U.S., 35% of food goes to waste. Together we can make small changes to help eliminate food waste!
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