This Sauce Brand Is Coming For Kewpie With Its New Mayos

Think of Japanese mayo, and what brand immediately comes to mind? If it’s anything other than Kewpie, then frankly, you know this condiment way better than I do. For most of the Western world, Kewpie is the go-to brand for Japanese-style mayonnaise, and it’s not exactly shy and retiring: This month, in fact, it began a seven-week-long tour of the United States, which serves as a canny, extended promotional opportunity. But, crucially, it’s not the only Japanese mayo. And we’re about to get another one. 

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In fact, we’re gonna get several – from a sauce maker we can trust. Let’s dig in. 

Bachan’s Mayonnaise

This week, Bachan’s has announced that it’s releasing its first-ever line of Japanese Mayos. If you’re not familiar with Bachan’s, you probably should be: Its flagship Japanese Barbecue Sauce is an absolute barnstormer, a sweet, umami-rich, teriyaki-style affair that takes a slightly different route to your classic BBQ sauce (it’s pretty expensive, but you have to pay for quality, people!). This year, Bachan’s has been busy collaborating with brands like Spam and Top Ramen – but we have to admit, we didn’t see expansion into the mayo world in its future. Not because we didn’t believe in it, just because we don’t have a crystal ball.

But that’s exactly what’s happened. Bachan’s is taking its first step out of its sauce line to deliver three new mayos in Original, Spicy, and Black Garlic flavors. All three of them are Whole Foods exclusives, and like its sauces, they may cost you a pretty penny: The mayos have a recommended retail price of $8.99 per bottle. If its sauces are anything to go by, though, these will be worth the cost for gourmet, “break out the special mayo for this one” occasions. 

And Remind Me What Japanese Mayo Is…

I thought you’d never ask! Japanese mayo differs from standard mayo in its use of egg yolks instead of whole eggs. By skipping the whites, the mayo gets a creamier, richer, deeper flavor, and a slightly yellowish tinge. Japanese mayo also typically contains rice vinegar (as Bachan’s mayos do), and it can also have MSG added as a flavor enhancer. It’s way more of an event than classic mayo.

As an amateur sauce collector myself (I used to proudly boast a bottle of Bachan’s in my pantry, and let me tell you, it is delicious), I’m excited for these. That said, while I can understand why they’re a Whole Foods exclusive, it’d be nice to see some wider availability in the future. Until then, you’ll have to make the trip.