Difference between Mayonnaise and Miracle Whip
For some people, there is simply no replacement for mayonnaise. A fixture in picnics, snacks and even dinners, mayonnaise is an absolutely indispensable part of any American kitchen. However, there is a sizable number of people for whom Miracle Whip will do just as well and for some, it is even preferable to mayonnaise. Which one is the better choice for you? This comparison article may help you decide.
Origins
The origins of mayonnaise can be traced to 1756, when French troops headed by Louis Franois Armand de Vignerot du Plessis, duc de Richelieu took control of the town of Mahn on the island of Minorca. A new dressing was created in honor of the victorious occasion, and mayonnaise was born. However, it wasn't until 1905 when the new condiment would make it to U.S. shores and become the mayonnaise that we now know. The first appearance of mayonnaise in the United States was presented in a deli in New York owned by Richard Hellmann, who would later achieve fame for his commercial mayonnaise.
Miracle Whip came about a full three decades later, when it made its first public appearance at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1933. The invention of one Charles Chapman, Miracle Whip was made from a blend of mayonnaise with a few other dressings and over 20 spices. Also notable was the addition of sugar, which gave Miracle Whip a distinctly different taste compared to mayonnaise. Kraft has also claimed that Miracle Whip is the company’s own invention.
Ingredients
Mayonnaise is really little more than egg yolks, oil and some seasoning. The oil is particularly important for the emulsification of the ingredients, and this is what gives mayonnaise its characteristically creamy texture. Commercial mayonnaise may have a number of other ingredients added in, along with preservatives and flavoring.
As for Miracle Whip, its ingredients as seen on the label are: “water, soybean oil, vinegar, high-fructose corn syrup, sugar, modified cornstarch, eggs, salt, mustard flour, paprika, spice, natural flavor, dried garlic, potassium sorbate (preservative) and enzyme modified egg yolk.” As you can see, sugar accounts for a large portion of Miracle Whip’s ingredients list.
Uses
Mayonnaise is typically used in a wide array of different dishes, including coleslaw, potato salad, egg salad, macaroni salad and tuna fish sandwiches. In many countries across Europe, mayonnaise is also commonly used as a dipping sauce for French fries and chips.
As for Miracle Whip, it can be used basically wherever you would otherwise use mayonnaise, although it is most often used as a salad dressing and on a sandwich.
Similarities and Differences
Mayonnaise
- Was invented in 1756, to commemorate the French capture of Mahn on the island of Minorca
- First appearance in the United States was in a deli in New York owned by Richard Hellmann
- Made from egg yolks, oil and various seasonings
Miracle Whip
- Made its first public appearance at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1933
- Made from a blend of mayonnaise with a few other dressings and over 20 spices
- Sugar accounts for a large portion of Miracle Whip’s ingredients list
