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Just the thing for a BLT

By KATHY SAUNDERS
Published November 8, 2006

From a dozen possibilities, our tasters said they would have no problem identifying their favorite mayonnaise. They were right.

Hellmann's $1.39 for an 8-ounce jar easily soared to the top of our survey, receiving 88 of a possible 100 points from panelists.

All four judges said they usually buy Hellmann's and that they would continue to do so. They were sold on the creamy texture, the salty flavor and the aroma of vinegar in Hellmann's mayo.

"This is very good, with a nice, full-bodied taste," said one judge. "It would be nice on a chicken breast sandwich with lots of mustard too."

Another liked the stiffness of the mayonnaise after it was spread on a slice of bread.

"Just right, said Goldilocks," said the judge.

Their second choice was the mayonnaise from Albertson's ($1.69 for a 16-ounce jar). Judges gave the store brand 75 points.

Three of the four panelists said they would buy the Albertson's brand for its yellow hue, salty taste and thickness. One thought it was a bit too oily for his liking.

The judges' third choice was the store brand from Publix ($1.39 for a 16-ounce jar). Judges awarded 71 points to the Publix mayo, and three of them said they would buy the brand.

"It's creamy and soft and melts in your mouth," said one.

"This would be great used in sauces," said another.

A different panelist said the Publix mayonnaise was like "a dense snowflake" with a texture like Jell-O.

Also sampled was mayonnaise from: Hannaford ($1.19 for an 11.5-ounce jar); Kraft ($2.49 for a 16-ounce jar); Clover Valley ($1.50 for a 32-ounce jar); Dukes ($3.09 for a 32-ounce jar); Smart Balance ($1.69 for a 16-ounce jar); Marcin ($1.49 for a 32-ounce jar); GFS Marketplace ($5.29 for one gallon); Great Value ($.94 for a 16-ounce jar); and Nature's Finest Spectrum ($4.89 for a 16-ounce jar).

Panelists were: Nan Jensen, registered dietitian with Pinellas County Cooperative Extension; Bob Devin Jones, artistic director of Studio@620 personal chef and mother of four, Julie Overton; and Gary Kawalec, chef-owner of the Tampa Bay Supper Club in Safety Harbor. All foods were tasted blind. Send suggestions for product tasting to Taste section, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731 or e-mail them to krieta@sptimes.com Please put TEST SUGGESTION in the subject line. To read past Taster's Choice columns, go to www.sptimes.com/food.

RANKINGS

Mayonnaise

No. 1 Hellmann's

No. 2 Albertson's

No. 3 Publix

[Last modified November 7, 2006, 10:57:00]