Search our database for specific hellmann's products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.
Search Hellmann's products →Hellmann's vs Duke's Mayo Comparison
Both are real mayonnaise made from oil, eggs, and vinegar — the traditional emulsion. Duke's differentiates itself by containing no added sugar, while Hellmann's includes a small amount. Both use similar emulsification processes.
Condiments & SaucesQuick Answer
Both are Level 2-3 real mayonnaise. Duke's has a slightly simpler ingredient list (no sugar, no added water in the original recipe). Hellmann's adds sugar and calcium disodium EDTA as a preservative. The difference is modest but Duke's edges ahead on simplicity.
Hellmann's vs Duke's
Hellmann's
Duke's
Search our database for specific duke's products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.
Search Duke's products →Our Verdict
Both are Level 2-3 real mayonnaise. Duke's has a slightly simpler ingredient list (no sugar, no added water in the original recipe). Hellmann's adds sugar and calcium disodium EDTA as a preservative. The difference is modest but Duke's edges ahead on simplicity.
Important Note
Processing levels can vary significantly between brands and specific products within each category. Always check the ingredient list of the specific product you are considering. Use our product search to look up exact processing scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do mayo enthusiasts prefer Duke's?
Duke's contains no added sugar, which gives it a tangier flavor profile. It also uses a higher ratio of egg yolks to oil, creating a creamier texture without additional thickeners. From a processing standpoint, the absence of sugar and EDTA preservative makes it marginally simpler.
Is real mayo processed?
Real mayo (oil, egg yolks, vinegar, salt) is Level 2-3 — a simple emulsion that has been made for centuries. It becomes more processed when manufacturers add sugar, preservatives like EDTA, and modified food starch. Both Hellmann's and Duke's qualify as real mayonnaise.
Related Food Guides
Learn more about the individual foods in this comparison.