When you think of iconic American foods, Duke's Real Mayonnaise is probably one that comes to mind, especially if you live in the South. Exactly 100 years after it was created, the brand now has a cult-like following below the Mason-Dixon line. Here's how it all started.
Back in 1917, Eugenia Duke from Greenville, South Carolina wanted to make some extra money, so she began selling sandwiches lathered in her tangy homemade sauce to World War I soldiers at Camp Sevier. By 1919, Eugenia was selling more than 10,000 sandwiches a day for around 10 cents each, according to Southern Living.
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"She started making sandwiches for the soldiers that were coming through near Greenville during World War I and everyone loved them—but it really ended up being the mayonnaise on them," Eugenia's great-great-granddaughter Kaitlyn McGuinness told Southern Living. Soldiers began asking for jars of the spread, and a local grocery store began stocking it on shelves.
When the fort closed, she moved her sandwiches—and the popular condiment—into local drugstores. The Ottaray Hotel in Greenville also transformed their first floor into Duke's Tea Room, where they sold petite versions of the sandwiches as well as sides made with Eugenia's special sauce, according to WYFF News 4. Eventually, she made enough money to buy a car and began traveling throughout the South selling her mayonnaise.
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Her small business began to boom at a time when women didn't even have the right to vote. Eugenia was an entrepreneur unique to her time. "She was a woman of great drive," her granddaughter Genie said.
Eventually the demand for her sandwiches outgrew her kitchen, and in 1929, Eugenia sold her business and recipes to C.F. Sauer. He then set up a factory, ensuring the condiment made its way into kitchens across the South.
Many Southerners are now partial to the brand because the Duke's recipe is unlike any other mayonnaise on the market. It's always been sugar-free, and features paprika, a dash of sharp vinegar, and extra egg yolks to make it creamy. "[It's the] only mayo allowed in my house," one fan wrote on Facebook. "Don't go in the door with nothing else but Duke's!"
Today Duke's mayonnaise is sold across the U.S., and it's a popular ingredient in picnic salads, baked macaroni, and even sheet cakes! "Nothing else will do in my recipes," another fan wrote on Facebook. We couldn't agree more!
FAQs
Back in 1917, Eugenia Duke from Greenville, South Carolina wanted to make some extra money, so she began selling sandwiches lathered in her tangy homemade sauce to World War I soldiers at Camp Sevier. By 1919, Eugenia was selling more than 10,000 sandwiches a day for around 10 cents each, according to Southern Living.
What is the story behind Duke's mayonnaise? ›
GREENVILLE, S.C. —
In 1917, Eugenia Duke and her husband and daughter moved to Greenville, South Carolina. Eugenia would quickly become an entrepreneur, launching Duke's Sandwich Company, where she sold sandwiches featuring her homemade mayonnaise recipe to soldiers for 10 cents per sandwich.
What is so great about Dukes mayo? ›
Duke's contains a higher ratio of egg yolks than most other commercial mayos, which makes it rich, creamy, and less likely to separate when heated. There's a wisp of tang from vinegar and a touch of paprika. Its texture is thicker and almost custard-like instead of simply slick or gelatinous.
What is the twang in Duke's mayo? ›
Duke's also uses apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar, and it contains no sugar. That lack of sugar is part of what gives Duke's its signature tang—or what Duke's refers to as the "twang." In comparison, Hellmann's, the mayo I grew up with, started to taste bland and a little flat.
How is Duke's mayo different from Hellman's? ›
Duke's is tarter, with a more distinctive, almost vinegary, smell. Hellmann's is more neutral. That said, though, someone will immediately claim to prefer the “saltier, more citric” taste of Hellmann's. Or point out that Duke's contains no sugar.
Why do southerners like Duke's mayo? ›
Many Southerners are now partial to the brand because the Duke's recipe is unlike any other mayonnaise on the market. It's always been sugar-free, and features paprika, a dash of sharp vinegar, and extra egg yolks to make it creamy.
Is Duke's mayo only sold in the south? ›
The facility was featured in a How It's Made episode about mayonnaise in 2011. In 2017, the South Carolina legislature recognized the centennial of Duke's. Duke's Mayonnaise was available throughout the United States, as well as in New Zealand, Australia and the Middle East.
What is the healthiest mayonnaise? ›
Canola oil, avocado oil and olive oil mayonnaise are available as “healthier” options. Both are higher in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, but the calories are the same. Additionally, olive oil-based versions tend to combine olive oil with other vegetable oils so that the flavor isn't too overpowering.
What is the number one mayonnaise in America? ›
1. Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise. This classic brand of mayonnaise continues to be a top-choice, and a kitchen staple.
What is the name of the mascot for Duke's mayonnaise? ›
Meet Tubby - Duke's (unhinged) mascot. Perfect for kids and adults alike, Tubby will watch over your home, crib, or office - ensuring no other mayos enter the building.
Duke's, a Southern favorite and staple, contains no added sugar. The gap between the two condiments comes down to taste. Miracle Whip is simultaneously sweeter and spicier than mayo. Mayonnaise is richer, with a distinct eggy smell and a lightly tangy taste.
What oil is in Dukes mayo? ›
What are the ingredients found in Duke's Mayonnaise? Soybean oil, eggs, water, distilled and cider vinegar, salt, oleoresin paprika, natural flavors, calcium disodium EDTA added to protect flavor.
Who is sitting out of the Duke's mayo Bowl? ›
North Carolina Players Expected To Miss the Duke's Mayo Bowl: Drake Maye, QB (NFL Draft) Russell Tabor, QB (transfer portal) Jefferson Boaz, QB (transfer portal)
What mayonnaise do chefs prefer? ›
The Best Store-Bought Mayonnaise, According to Chefs
Earning top ranks for its luscious texture, desirable tangy flavor, and versatility, “All I buy is Duke's Mayo, and I always look for the squeeze bottle because I don't like to dirty up a knife and have to wash it,” Surti says.
What is the history of Duke's mayonnaise? ›
It was at Camp Sevier in 1917 that the Duke's Mayonnaise legacy began. Eugenia Duke of Greenville, SC, made sandwiches in her home kitchen to sell to army canteens during WWI.
Is Dukes mayo made in China? ›
In addition to the flagship mayonnaise, which is still made according to Eugenia's original recipe in Greenville, SC, Duke's offers light, olive oil, and flavored mayonnaise, tartar sauce, sandwich relish and regionally-inspired Duke's Southern Sauces, mustards, and dressings.
Why can't Miracle Whip be called mayonnaise? ›
Today, commercially, anything labeled “mayonnaise” must be comprised of 65% vegetable oil by weight. The added water and other elements in Miracle Whip take that oil content down, meaning it can't be classified as mayonnaise and must instead be labeled “dressing”.
Does Duke's mayo have bioengineered ingredients? ›
Q: Does this mayonnaise contain any bioengineered food ingredients? A: Hi Rach! It does not! Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Eggs, Water, Distilled And Cider Vinegar, Salt, Oleoresin Paprika, Natural Flavors, Calcium Disodium Edta Added To Protect Flavor.
Who is Duke University named after? ›
Duke University was created in 1924 by James Buchanan Duke as a memorial to his father, Washington Duke. The Dukes, a Durham family that built a worldwide financial empire in the manufacture of tobacco products and developed electricity production in the Carolinas, long had been interested in Trinity College.
