Decoding Duke’s: A Tangy Tale of Ingredients
This article provides a comprehensive guide to Duke’s Mayo ingredients, addressing allergens, nutritional information, and comparisons to other brands. Whether you’re a Duke’s devotee or simply curious, let’s unravel the secrets behind this Southern staple.
What’s Inside? Duke’s Ingredient List
Duke’s Mayo, adhering to the FDA’s definition of “real mayonnaise,” contains at least 65% oil by weight. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each ingredient:
- Soybean Oil: The foundation of Duke’s creamy texture, soybean oil offers a neutral flavor that allows other ingredients to shine.
- Eggs: Crucial for emulsification and richness, eggs contribute to Duke’s signature texture. Contains: Eggs.
- Water: Essential for achieving the perfect spreadable consistency, water balances the oil and vinegar.
- Distilled Vinegar & Cider Vinegar: This dynamic duo delivers Duke’s characteristic tang. Distilled vinegar provides sharpness, while cider vinegar adds a mellow sweetness and complexity.
- Salt: Enhances other flavors and acts as a preservative.
- Oleoresin Paprika: Contributes to Duke’s pale yellow color and adds subtle warmth.
- Natural Flavors: A proprietary blend that likely contributes to the overall flavor complexity.
- Calcium Disodium EDTA: A preservative that helps maintain freshness and prevents flavor degradation.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Soybean Oil | Base, creamy texture |
| Eggs | Emulsifier, richness |
| Water | Consistency control |
| Distilled Vinegar | Sharpness |
| Cider Vinegar | Mellow acidity, complexity |
| Salt | Flavor enhancer, preservative |
| Oleoresin Paprika | Color, subtle warmth |
| Natural Flavors | Flavor complexity |
| Calcium Disodium EDTA | Preservative |
Duke’s vs. the Rest: A Mayo Matchup
A key difference between Duke’s and competitors like Hellmann’s is the absence of added sugar. Duke’s relies on the balanced interplay of its vinegars for tang, while Hellmann’s typically uses distilled vinegar and added sugar. This distinction contributes to Duke’s distinct flavor profile. The higher egg yolk ratio in Duke’s likely contributes to its richer color and thicker consistency.
| Feature | Duke’s | Hellmann’s |
|---|---|---|
| Vinegar | Distilled and Cider | Distilled Vinegar |
| Sweetener | None | Sugar |
| Texture | Thicker | Thinner |
| Color | Deeper yellow | Paler yellow |
Duke’s Nutrition: Facts and Figures
Duke’s Mayo is generally low in carbohydrates and sugar, but relatively high in fat and calories, primarily from soybean oil. Moderation is key, especially for those watching their saturated fat intake.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 tbsp)
(Insert Nutrition Facts Table from Duke’s Mayo Label Here)
| Product | Serving Size | Calories | Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Total Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Mayonnaise | 1 tbsp (15g) | 100 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Light Mayonnaise | 1 tbsp (15g) | 50 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
Duke’s and Allergens: What You Need to Know
Real Duke’s Mayo is free of the top 13 allergens except for eggs. While the eggs are pasteurized, individuals with egg sensitivities should consult their doctor. Light Duke’s Mayo contains eggs and soybeans. Always check the product label for the most up-to-date allergen information. Duke’s manufacturing facilities are free from peanuts, tree nuts, and coconut, though one facility also handles peanut butter in a separate area with strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
FAQs: Answering Your Duke’s Dilemmas
- Does Duke’s Mayo contain sugar? No.
- Is Duke’s Mayo gluten-free? Yes.
- How should I store Duke’s Mayo? Refrigerate after opening.
The Science of Tang: Ongoing Research
While this article provides a comprehensive overview, research into food science and flavor profiles is ongoing. Our understanding of ingredient interactions is constantly evolving.
Source and Date
Information sourced from the Duke’s Mayo product label. (Insert Date of Information Retrieval)
Related Content
- Duke’s Official Website
This information is intended for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns.
