Japanese mayonnaise brands

The best brand of Japanese mayonnaise is Kewpie. It’s the iconic Japanese mayo brand, known for its rich, creamy texture and distinctive savory, tangy-sweet flavor. It has been a staple in Japan since 1925 and remains the go-to recommendation for authentic Japanese-style mayonnaise.www.kewpie.com+2

Top pick: Kewpie Original Japanese Mayonnaise

(Best overall) Rich · Creamy · Umami

Why it stands out:

• Richer egg flavor: Made with egg yolks rather than whole eggs.

• Balanced tanginess: A distinctive blend of vinegars gives it a bright, slightly sweet taste.

• Savory depth: Its umami flavor makes it especially delicious on Japanese dishes.www.kewpie.com+2

  Best for: sushi, poke bowls, okonomiyaki, egg sandwiches, potato salad, and dipping sauces.

  Shop Kewpie Original Mayonnaise

Are there other brands worth trying?

1. Kewpie — Japanese-made version

(Best for authenticity)

Look for the version labeled as a product of Japan if you want to try the Japanese-market formula. Recipes can differ by country, including their umami ingredients.www.kewpie.com+2

2. Cabi Foods — Original Mayo

A smaller Japanese-style mayo brand worth exploring if you want an alternative to Kewpie. Its original recipe uses rice bran oil, egg yolks, and rice vinegar for a rounded, egg-forward flavor.www.goodhousekeeping.com

My recommendation

Start with Kewpie Original. If you love rich, creamy, slightly sweet, savory mayo, it's hard to go wrong. One tip: check the label for Product of Japan if you specifically want the Japanese-market version rather than the US-made version.

Want to compare the Japanese-made vs. US-made Kewpie or find the best Kewpie mayo to buy?

When it comes to Japanese mayonnaise, Kewpie is overwhelmingly considered the undisputed gold standard and market leader. While other brands exist, Kewpie is the cultural and culinary default in both Japanese households and professional kitchens worldwide.

The main Japanese mayonnaise brands and alternatives include:

• Kewpie (Red Cap / Original - Made in Japan): This is the ultimate favorite. Unlike Western mayonnaises that use whole eggs, Kewpie uses only egg yolks , giving it a custard-like, velvety richness. It is uniquely seasoned with a blend of apple and malt vinegars and features MSG for an extra savory umami punch. (Note: If you live in North America, check the label—the version imported directly from Japan contains MSG, while the domestic North American version swaps MSG for yeast extract/other seasonings). Available on the Kewpie Shop.
• Ajinomoto Pure Select: Kewpie's biggest commercial rival in Japan. Pure Select uses whole eggs rather than just yolks, making it taste a bit closer to a traditional Western mayo—lighter, slightly sweeter, and less intensely rich, though still distinctively Japanese. You can find it imported via specialty sites like Japanese Taste.
• Kenko Mayonnaise: A commercial-grade Japanese mayo brand heavily favored by bakeries and restaurants in Japan for potato salads and bakery buns because it holds its shape well under heat and has a slightly milder tang. Available via Asian grocers like Marukai Market.
• Muso Free-Range Egg Mayonnaise: A premium, clean-label alternative made with non-GMO rapeseed oil, organic apple cider vinegar, and lemon vinegar. It's a great choice if you prefer an organic or additive-free ingredient deck while keeping a Japanese condiment profile.

If you want to track down a specific style, let me know:

• Are you looking for the classic umami-rich flavor (Kewpie) or a lighter profile?
• Do you need help finding where to buy it locally or online?

Japanese mayonnaise is distinctively rich, savory, and slightly sweet due to the use of egg yolks instead of whole eggs and a signature blend of vinegars . The top-rated and most prominent brands from Japan include:

• Kewpie Mayonnaise - The undisputed global and domestic market leader, famous for its iconic soft squeeze bottle with a red flip-top cap. It relies exclusively on egg yolks and a proprietary blend of apple and rice vinegars, giving it a velvety texture and deep umami profile . You can find purchasing details and variants directly on the Kewpie Shop.[1][2]
• Ajinomoto Pure Select Mayonnaise - A massive competitor to Kewpie within Japan , Pure Select is celebrated for using fresh eggs laid within three days of collection. It is known for a slightly cleaner, milder, and well-balanced flavor profile, and is also offered in popular variations like their rich-yet-mellow "Fuwa-Ama" (honey-hinted) line or light versions. Sourcing options can be explored via Japanese Taste.[1][2]
• Kenko Mayonnaise - Highly favored in commercial restaurant settings and by connoisseurs looking for an authentic Japanese-style profile. Kenko provides a thick, creamy consistency with a delicate balance of savory and mild sweetness that makes it a staple for topping okonomiyaki and takoyaki or mixing into potato salads. Availability can be checked on specialty platforms like the Tomato Japanese Grocery Store.[1][2]

If you'd like, I can share recipe ideas for how to use these brands or explain the key taste differences between Japanese mayonnaise and Western options like Hellmann's or Duke's.