Who Invented Mayonnaise? The Classic Condiment

Mayonnaise is one of the most popular condiments around the world today, but where did it come from? Like many famous foods, the origin of mayonnaise is shrouded in legend — but historians do have some tasty clues.

🇫🇷 The French Origin: A Happy Kitchen Accident
Most food historians agree that mayonnaise was first created in 1756 by a French chef serving Duke de Richelieu. The story goes that during the siege of Port Mahon on the Spanish island of Minorca, the kitchen ran out of cream. In a moment of improvisation, the chef whisked together eggs and oil, unintentionally creating the first version of what we now call mayonnaise.

The Duke reportedly loved it. After the French won the battle at Port Mahon, the dish was named “Mahonnaise”, later evolving into “mayonnaise”.

Though the chef’s name remains lost to history, his last-minute culinary experiment became one of the most enduring sauces of all time.

The Rise of Ready-Made Mayonnaise
Fast forward to the early 20th century, when mayonnaise went from a handmade delicacy to a store-bought staple.

Richard Hellman: The Man Behind the Jar
In 1905, Richard Hellman, a German immigrant in New York City, began selling his wife’s homemade mayonnaise at his deli. Customers loved it. Initially packed in wooden containers, the product became so popular that by 1912, Hellman started selling it in glass jars with a blue ribbon, calling it “Hellman’s Blue Ribbon Mayonnaise.”

The product exploded in popularity and eventually became a household name. Today, it’s owned by Best Foods, which still sells it under the same branding in many regions.

The Miracle Whip Revolution
In 1933, Kraft Foods entered the scene with its own take on mayonnaise called Miracle Whip. This was introduced as a spoonable salad dressing with a zesty flavor and a lighter texture. It was marketed as more affordable and versatile than traditional mayonnaise.

Its launch slogan, “Salad Miracles with Miracle Whip,” was a hit, and the product became an instant success.

Kraft didn’t stop innovating:

• 1984: Introduced Miracle Whip Light — a reduced-calorie version.
• 1990: Launched Miracle Whip Free, a non-fat alternative for health-conscious consumers.

Today, Miracle Whip remains a major player in the global condiments market.

From Wartime Hack to Kitchen Essential
What started as a chef’s workaround during a food shortage became a worldwide culinary staple. Whether you prefer it in sandwiches, salads, or dips, mayonnaise continues to be a must-have in kitchens everywhere — all thanks to a bit of creativity in a time of crisis.