Since 1924, Cains mayonnaise has been the mayo of choice for many New Englanders, adding flavor to dressings, salads, sandwiches, and cold lobster rolls.
By Aimee Tucker|Jun 29 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
Since 1924, Cains Mayonnaise has been the local brand of choice for many New Englanders for adding flavor to dressings, salads, and sandwiches, including the cold lobster roll. We often hear from readers on social media that their lobster roll, when prepared cold, must be dressed with Cains Mayonnaise — no exceptions. Curious, we decided to take a look back at the local brand with the loyal following, and the larger world of regional and national mayonnaise brands.
Cains – New England’s favorite mayonnaise. Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
John E. Cain opened his first cheese distribution company in Boston in 1914, but as his product line expanded to include mayonnaise (a condiment made from oil, egg yolks, and vinegar), he looked for ways to make a better mayonnaise that wouldn’t separate. Eventually, Cains All Natural Mayonnaise was formulated and introduced — a mayo that stayed smooth and creamy in both texture and appearance.
Before long, new Cains products like sandwich spread (mayonnaise with relish and spices), tartar sauce (mayonnaise with pickles or relish and sometimes dill), and dressings were introduced, and were also a success. The family-run company took on the potato chip market from the 1930s up until 1981 (many still remember the Cains potato chip plant on the Mystic Valley Parkway in Medford), and pickles starting in 1955.
A Cains newspaper ad from 1954 — curiously showing Cains spelled “Cain’s.”
In 1986, the company was sold and its product line expanded, but still under the Cains name. Another sale in 1995 refocused the brand’s historic reputation for superior taste and quality, which included selling the pickle division in 2000 in order to concentrate on Cains mayonnaise, dressings, sandwich spread, and tartar sauce. The most recent sale occurred in 2013, when Cains was acquired by the Illinois-based TreeHouse Foods, but the company’s Ayer, Massachusetts, headquarters is still the home of Cains manufacturing.
As America’s #1 selling condiment (yes, mayo outsells even ketchup), I’ve learned that folks nationwide are passionate about their favorite brand of mayonnaise, and New England is no different. For those not in the Cain’s camp, another East Coast favorite is Hellmann’s (Best Foods on the West Coast), which a friend of mine (and fellow New Englander) prefers because she says it’s “savory, eggy, and thick, while Cains is too sweet.” Cains fans, on the other hand, praise the brand’s well-balanced flavor (“just right, without too much lemon or vinegar”) and accuse Hellmann’s of not being all-natural. Others still prefer Kraft mayo or the “tangy zip” of Miracle Whip, and there are Southern brands like Duke’s and Blue Plate that I’d never even heard of. Who know the world of mayo was such a minefield?
Mayonnaise brands are varied and plentiful. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
If it’s not Cains mayonnaise, which brand is YOUR favorite? And how do you like it? In a lobster roll? On a turkey sandwich? As the basis of homemade tartar sauce? For getting a stubborn ring off your finger?
I never thought I’d say this, but share those mayo memories!
This post was first published in 2014 and has been updated.
I miss Bell’s Meatloaf Mix, and Ah-so sauce. We could get them at Shaw’s Supermarket at the Belknap Mall near Laconia, NH, and now I’m living in South Georgia. We can’t get those things here!
From North Shore, living in KY…The list of things I can’t find here is long, but what I miss most is Bell’s seasoning, Ah-So sauce, Richardson’s ice cream, Cain’s mayo, and Essex Fried Clams (Woodman’s, please!). I stock up on what I can every time I visit, but some things just don’t travel well!
I grew up in New England (NH) and lived in California for 5 years and have lived in Florida since 1986. I’ve learned to live without some things and some things I’ll always miss. I finally found a source for coffee syrup and a non-bitter, creamy coffee ice cream. Occasionally I find a restaurant that can make real New England seafood. What I have never stopped missing is Cains mayonnaise. Hellmann’s is ok and I don’t like any others. Cains is the best. Just heard about Blue Plate and may see if I can find it as it sounds like it might be close. We’ve had people bring Cains mayo to us when they visit. That’s always what we (Mother and I) ask for. lol Guess I will look into buying online and having it shipped here. There just isn’t any mayo better, or as good, as Cains. My opinion, of course, but I’m not alone I see. 🙂
The Cain’s Ayer plant was closed in mid 2017 with the loss of 100 jobs. Production moved to Atlanta, GA, Bucknel, KY. or North East, PA. So much for food production in New England.
My father had high cholesterol, and was extremely ill his entire life, so my mother used Miracle Whip because of that, which I “liked enough”. I’m the only one (of 4) in my family that doesn’t/didn’t have high cholesterol. I began eating “mayo” using Hellmann’s. When I met my husband his family, Boston, MA area, used Cains, so I switched and had to admit I really like it much better than Hellmann’s. I have had Duke’s when I was in North Carolina, staying with friends at their home, while I was there on business, and I have to admit if Cains isn’t available Duke’s is “pretty darned good”! In addition to Hellmann’s having preservatives, which I really try to avoid because I also have a lot of medical problems my father had, he passed on to me, and I also find the consistency of Hellmann’s “gloppy”. Cains is very smooth and creamy, which is easy to mix into whatever you’re making. My preferred use of Cains mayo is in Maine, I’m lucky enough to be able to pick my own out of their pool at a local Asian market, female (I discovered many years ago females taste much better than males!) lobster rolls with lots of it! I also like it a lot on chicken and ham sandwiches. I also make my own salad dressings with it, imported blue cheese, creamy Italian and 1,000 Island. It also makes wonderful potato salad.
I would rather have another meal if I can’t have Cain’s mayonnaise. We have lived in Central Florida since 2008 and have ordered online from FamousFoods.com for most of the items that are mentioned in this article. Autocrat coffee syrup, Bell’s seasoning, Hoo Mee Chinese noodles, Ah-So Chinese sauce, and Portuguese food items for my husband. I order Cain’s Mayonnaise and the coffee syrup every 6 months. The only food item we cannot get is the long soda crackers, because they don’t make them at all. However, there are Sedano stores that carry Spanish foods and there is a square cracker called Costas that are exactly like those long soda crackers. (I have been trying to remember what they were called, but it’s eluding my memory.) Check out FamousFoods.com online and if there is sometimes you can’t find there, you can call them and ask for John in customer service. He may be able to get it for you.
We’re “snowbirds”. I take what I think we need of Cains with us. IF I run out, I get Dukes, which I think runs a close 2nd. Love Cains with a little mustard for potato salad.
In case no one else has noticed, Cain’s changed their recipe in 2016. Note that the ingredient list is different, the front label no longer says “All Natural,” and the bottom of the new front label says “Based on our original recipe,” instead of “Made from our original recipe.” Initially, the new jars also said “Produced with Genetic Engineering” on the back label, but they took this off (probably was put on when they thought they would have to disclose GMOs by law and took off when it was definite they did not). If I could post a photo here, I would show you the labels since I took a photo of both the front and back labels when I discovered what was happening (and attached them with a note to Cain’s – no reply, of course). It is very disheartening since Cain’s made a great mayonnaise. I purchased a bunch of the original recipe when I noticed this change, but unfortunately they will not last forever.
I noticed the reformulation, too. I called customer service and they denied it, even though I pointed out the label changes. Alas, the new version is still better than anything else I have tried.
Used to be the only brand I would use. Don’t be fooled. When they closed the plant in Ayer they also abandoned the original recipie. The stuff is horrible now.
I’m trying out other brands now.
I also found there is a slight difference in the taste of the Cains in my more recent purchases. I even smelled the difference as soon as I opened the jar! Too bad Cains has not kept to the original recipe. I believe it may be the oil. But, I am not a fan of Miracle Whip dressing or Hellman’s. I once tried Whole Foods 365 Brand. It was pretty good. But, even that recipe now seems to have changed. Has anyone found a mayonnaise that is similar in taste to the Original Cains Mayonnaise? If so, which one and where is it available?
Having been raised in Rhinebeck, NY, Hellmann’s mayo reigns supreme. Most folks in this area prefer it to any other. We always found Miracle Whip way too sweet.
Mayo for me is like other condiments: once you acquire a taste for one, all the others taste “off.” I was brought up on Hellman’s, so that’s my preference. Tempted to try Cains, based on this article, but not if recipe changed.
BTW, love mayo and love lobster, but never together. Toasted NE roll and warm butter. Always.
The Cain’s mayo of today is not the old original mayo. It tastes as if they are using a different type of oil and it tends to separate after a short time. Just my thoughts.
I was introduced to Duke’s mayo in North Carolina 60 years ago, but never find it in Connecticut. I always buy it whenever I’m visiting in the south because it’s better than any other brand in my opinion.
Nothing beats Duke’s mayonnaise. Always 100% sugar-free and still a full 32 ounces. With two vinegars and egg yolks (not just eggs), it is golden perfection.
We LOVE Cain’s mayo, but not sold here in SC. Yes Duke’s seems to be #1 here. They don’t sell B&M beans here either, but funny thing is that you can buy the Brown Bread @ Fresh Market & Publix. But the mayo we get whenever we visit our family in MA & NH. Always come back with a couple of jars to last until next visit. I hadn’t noticed that change on the label…that’s too bad. Why can’t they leave well enough alone – if it’s not broken, why change it…it’s also what made you a success!!
We recently moved from New England to Texas. No Cain’s products here. I used the Duke’s brand. It was not bad but I missed my Cain’s. I was able to order a case of it from Amazon. Happy again!
Love Cains mayo, have tried other brands, just don’t like them. I did notice a difference in the flavor this time when my sister sent my recent shipment of Cains, wish they would go back to the original recipe and ingredients. What I did notice on the label is that it is distributed by Bay Valley foods, llc,Oak Brook, Illinois. The worst thing is that I can not get it here in Missouri. That’s just wrong!
We left NE IN 1981….NOW IN KY, The hardest thing to go without was Cains sweet pickle relish…..anyone visiting knew they had to bring it with them..
Been here in KY now since 1995, folks don’t come as often and flying really doesn’t accommodate pickle relish in glass jars……we’ve made do , but we are going home to MA this summer and relish will be in the car for the ride back here.
PS we will be bringing back Fluff and Coffee syrup too….there’s no place like home!!
Cains is way too sweet, Hellman’s is the only way to go. No classic recipe for mayonnaise has sugar in it. And the best mayonnaise is still homemade with fresh raw eggs from the farm, lemon juice, oil, a touch of Dijon mustard, salt and pepper.
I’m from California, and I have lived in New England for many years. I love mayo, and Hellmans has been my brand for years. But after a recent concerted effort to find the best mayonnaise, I stumbled on Blue Plate. Amazing! Buy a jar on Amazon and give it a try. You won’t regret it.
So disappointed Cains changed the mayo recipe. It looks like they added gelatin to it. Also their mixed pickles are big chunks and different flavor. Not made in Mass any more. Won’t buy either now.
Cain’s mayonnaise has always been my favorite living in New England, but when I moved to North Carolina I couldn’t find it. Out of desperation, I tried Duke’s and it is very close in taste and texture. Both are delicious!
I occasionally make a mayo-based creamy Caesar salad dressing with Hellman’s Real Mayonnaise.
Today, I was craving chicken Caesar salad, but I was light on funds so I picked up a bottle of Cains because it was a little cheaper.
Completely ruined the dressing. Not right at all. No tang, no zip… all wrong.
I’m a New England transplant, and as soon as I tried the Cains out of the jar, I could tell it wouldn’t be right for the dressing…. but I did recognize the flavor as something I’ve tasted eating out or as a guest at someone’s house.
Although I could see Cains mayo being OK on a fried fish sandwich or a lobster roll, it was all wrong for my creamy Caesar dressing, and I can’t really picture it being a good base for any salad dressing.
Have been an only Cains Mayo customer for 50+ years! This year, I noticed a different texture and taste – when did the recipe change to “Based on the original recipe “? Very disappointed – planning on moving on to something other than Cains Mayo…
I noticed this as well. The label now says “based on the original recipe.” It’s different. Very runny. I thought it was spoiled but they have messed it up. Hey Cains owners: knock it off!
I’ve bought two jars of Cains over the course of about a year and am extremely disappointed to see them both go runny, and pour like milk. I thought the first was an aberration, so i just replaced it with another, but noticed that the label said “based on the original recipe”. I won’t buy another jar until they bring that original recipe back because the new one just turns into a slop that won’t even stick to a knife.
You are so right. Lived in MN for 14 years and could not find Cains Mayo so bought Hellman’s. Came back to MA bought Cain’s something was different about it don’t know what but didn’t like it.
I grew up with Cains mayo and it was always my favorite but it’s changed. I eat it now and it still has the good egg, vinegar, salty flavor. There is something about an oily taste which it never had before. The oil flavor stays with you for awhile after you’ve finished eating. Not very pleasant, the new owners probably wanted to cut costs so they compromised the recipe.
Hated it when Cains stopped making chips in ’81 just as I had previously mourned Hunts: the ’80’s were a bad time in MA for potato chips. Since ’01 I have lived in KY. Missed the “Real Mayonnaise” I had seen, eaten and loved since being a kid – until I tried ALDI’s house-brand Burman’s. It may be made to the old Cain’s recipe: heady, egg-y, lemon but not too vinager-y – and NEVER separates. ‘Good stuff, cheap’ as Building 19 used to have it (and now we have a ‘local’ chain, ‘Ollie’s’ who was another alum of Grossman’s who bought out the ’19’s remainders!).
But talk to Kentuckians about ‘Sandwich Spread’? They look at you as if you were crazy – these self-same folks who nonetheless mix shredded cheddar, mayo and a little pimento and call it ‘Pimento Cheese’! Ah, well – there is hope: They also call Prosciutto “Country Ham” lol. But don’t they make some GOOD Country Ham!
I worked at canes when they were on vassa st Cambridge MA during high school summer , the Mayonnaise is nothing like the original , cutting corners made pure swill
CAINS is NO LONGER as good as it used 2 b when I was growing up…HOWEVER its still BETTER than most that are on the on the mkt …so its still My BRAND and it is what I use….
I bought Kewpie mayonnaise from Amazon, and it had the worst artificial after taste. I threw it away. I do not care for Miracle Whip either. No sugar in my mayo…please.
Cain’s mayonnaise WAS my favorite. I will never understand when you buy a business with a strong following there’s a need to put your own stamp on things. When you’ve got a good thing going keep it going…… As of right now your mayonnaise tastes like vinegar. Bring back the original recipe.
I can recall my mother telling me that there was no substitute for Cains Mayo because it contained no preservatives. In fact she used to say “. . . that’s why it is distributed only as far as a truck can travel in one day.” This was in the 1960s(I’m now 83), and I can tell you that I noticed a few years ago that its flavor, and especially its texture are different. Now that I live in South Carolina, I buy Hellmann’s. Like so many things in the 21st century, quality and standards succumb to the force of “the bottom line.”
Yes it was!! Cains manufactured all of Market Basket Mayonnaise. And Market Basket didn’t want a Hellman’s match so Cains formulated their mayo for them! I use to work at Cains which is why I know that!!
Cain’s used to be the best; the only mayonnaise I would consider buying. One of the things I loved about it was the extremely short ingredient list: oil, eggs, vinegar, salt. But after they were acquired and the Ayer plant shut down the recipe changed: oil, egg yolks, water, vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard flour.
Sugar? In mayonnaise?? That’s disgusting. And, while I love mustard, it does not belong in mayonnaise.
Fortunately, I’ve discovered that mayonnaise is not at all hard to make at home. Goodbye, Cain’s!
Used to love Cain’s Mayo before it was sold. Have now retired to Florida where Duke’s is sold. Probably the closest to the original Cain’s. We also have Blue plate which is pretty good. Hellman’s is very good and is available both in New England and Florida as well. But too expensive
I wonder if anyone has tried Hellmans Extra Creamy Mayonnaise? It’s made for chefs and comes in a 24oz. jar. Has double the amount of eggs in it. Amazon used to sell it and I’d love to find some and give it a try.
The current version of Cains is cheap mayo and like many others here, I have stopped eating it. I wonder if Cains sales have been affected. Too many of our classic New England foods are but shadows of their former selves. I am still searching for a hot dog as good as Kirschner’s used to be and pastrami as spicy and deliciously fatty as Jordan’s.
On the mayo front, I have switched to Duke’s. It is available direct from the factory as well as on Amazon in jars and packets. I ate Duke’s when I went to college in South Carolina some time ago and Cains was better then. It isn’t now. I tried Blue Plate and found it uninspiring. Almost everyone, me included, will eat Hellman’s, but it is probably the reason a lot of people think mayonnaise is boring.
Miracle Whip does not belong in a discussion about mayo. It’s TRASH, I tell you! (Just kidding. Sorta.) I definitely remember Cains as a kid, but I left New England in 1989. I’ll just enjoy my memories.
Maybe you’ve never tried Cains? Sorry but we New Englanders are staunchy loyal to this stuff. Why? It’s not loaded with chemicals. It’s natural. It tastes that way too. Like many other Americans, certain regions of the country have certain brands they associate with good memories. Maybe you grew up with some local brand name of something and just a taste of it brings back happy memories of a family BBQ or holiday fun? That’s what Cains means for us. It’s a part of many a New Englander’s childhood, and it’s a reminder of simpler happier times. We can all use that these days. Those of us who have left New England have gone to great lengths to find this product because it’s comforting and well, it’s just an excellent mayo.
When my parents bought the house that I grew up in, there was a 2 car garage with a shed attached. Apparently, the former owner worked for Seidner’s and there were jars and labels stored in the shed. You can still get it at Dave’s I believe.
These folks can say what they want about Cain’s, both good and bad. I guess we all have our favorites of any products. But, I will tell you, there’s no better product than Cain’s Mayo for an excellent potato salad! My friends and family have always been so happy to see my potato salad at a get together. Simply the best!
Have been a Cain’s Mayo guy since the 50’s and there is still no better balanced mayonnaise on the market. Put it on everything when it comes to sandwiches but admit I am a lobster w/ butter guy and not mayo (just a preference) but would eat a lobster roll w/ mayo in a pinch! Also great in enhancing chocolate desserts. Why change when you have the best right here in New England!
When transferred to Silicon Valley in the late 90’s, my mom brought two things for me when my parents came to visit: a jar of Cains and a Blue Seal kielbasa. A few years back I had the same experience with the Cains getting weird and runny and I noticed the ingredient change, and soybean oil listed. Sir Kensington has worked well for me lately (sunflower oil), but the price is dear. Still, nothing beats the original Cains. Maybe someone someday will revive the original recipe.
Aldi offers a great mayonnaise (at a truly great price) their store brand that an employee told me was made by Hellmans that sits right alongside. While vacationing in FL, tried Dukes- excelkevt!
I went to S & S in Middletown and Clements in Portsmouth, no Cains!
I went to Shaws and there were 4 on the shelve. Bought two of them. Opened it today and the taste is horrible! It was so bad i couldn’t eat it. went online and found out that the plant was shut down or soon to be and was bought by a company out of state. I’m like you it’s only Cains for me, but it doesn’t look promising.
We are a Cains family and have been for years. We especially enjoy the sweet and tart taste of their excellent tartar sauce. Their relish is also tops in the field.
Their sweet pickles are also excellent.
Lately, we have not been able to purchase any of these items or any of Cain’s products at Market Basket or others. I have tried to research their corporate phone number but have not been successful. Market Basket’s store personnel don’t know what the problem is and are not receiving any shipments. I can imagine that the supply chain problem might have hurt them significantly along with high price of ingredients including eggs.
I finally found some Cain’s mayonnaise at my local Hannaford. I am a native Mainer and have been a fan for years. The years that I lived out of New England, Cains mayo was one of the things I missed most. I am so disappointed. My potato salad was watery and much less flavorful, as was my tuna salad. I am now looking for a replacement but I know it will be hard to find. So irritating when a quality product is compromised for a quick profit.
I agree. I’ve been eating Cain’s since I was a child, and making salads with it since I got married 54 years ago. Your recipe has changed…..and not for the better. I will not buy Cain’s mayonnaise again. Too thin and watery.
So it’s not just me! I used to love and only use Cain’s mayo. I stopped eating it for awhile, got in the mood for some potato salad and when I opened the jar I thought it went bad. Went back to the store, got another one and nope, same. It’s horrible now. The old recipe was perfect. I’ll never buy it again either.
Memories of tuna and Cains in grammar school in the ’70s. Not in an area where Cains is available so my mom brings down a supply so I can share with my family.
OMG…TOTALLY A Caines Mayo fan. I have taken to making my own to avoid any additives, but I do add a little Sweetener like Monk Fruit because that sweetness is what does it for me. I buy Cain’s products because I LOVE the taste. Although Cain’s pickle Relish has become scarce and I miss it. The brand I have been buying is way too syrupy.
I miss Bell’s Meatloaf Mix, and Ah-so sauce. We could get them at Shaw’s Supermarket at the Belknap Mall near Laconia, NH, and now I’m living in South Georgia. We can’t get those things here!
Amazon has the meatloaf mix. ENJOY!
From North Shore, living in KY…The list of things I can’t find here is long, but what I miss most is Bell’s seasoning, Ah-So sauce, Richardson’s ice cream, Cain’s mayo, and Essex Fried Clams (Woodman’s, please!). I stock up on what I can every time I visit, but some things just don’t travel well!
Cains best mayo,better tasting, Kraft miracle whip second best.
Aw c’mon, man! MW is not even mayonnaise! The FDA does not allow it to be called that, with less than 65% oil, and water the #1 ingredient.
Stop and shop here in CT doesn’t carry Cains mayonnaise -miss it.
Try a different Stop and Shop, every one I go to carries it!
I grew up in New England (NH) and lived in California for 5 years and have lived in Florida since 1986. I’ve learned to live without some things and some things I’ll always miss. I finally found a source for coffee syrup and a non-bitter, creamy coffee ice cream. Occasionally I find a restaurant that can make real New England seafood. What I have never stopped missing is Cains mayonnaise. Hellmann’s is ok and I don’t like any others. Cains is the best. Just heard about Blue Plate and may see if I can find it as it sounds like it might be close. We’ve had people bring Cains mayo to us when they visit. That’s always what we (Mother and I) ask for. lol Guess I will look into buying online and having it shipped here. There just isn’t any mayo better, or as good, as Cains. My opinion, of course, but I’m not alone I see. 🙂
The Cain’s Ayer plant was closed in mid 2017 with the loss of 100 jobs. Production moved to Atlanta, GA, Bucknel, KY. or North East, PA. So much for food production in New England.
So much for any manufacturing in New England. That ship has sailed.
My father had high cholesterol, and was extremely ill his entire life, so my mother used Miracle Whip because of that, which I “liked enough”. I’m the only one (of 4) in my family that doesn’t/didn’t have high cholesterol. I began eating “mayo” using Hellmann’s. When I met my husband his family, Boston, MA area, used Cains, so I switched and had to admit I really like it much better than Hellmann’s. I have had Duke’s when I was in North Carolina, staying with friends at their home, while I was there on business, and I have to admit if Cains isn’t available Duke’s is “pretty darned good”! In addition to Hellmann’s having preservatives, which I really try to avoid because I also have a lot of medical problems my father had, he passed on to me, and I also find the consistency of Hellmann’s “gloppy”. Cains is very smooth and creamy, which is easy to mix into whatever you’re making. My preferred use of Cains mayo is in Maine, I’m lucky enough to be able to pick my own out of their pool at a local Asian market, female (I discovered many years ago females taste much better than males!) lobster rolls with lots of it! I also like it a lot on chicken and ham sandwiches. I also make my own salad dressings with it, imported blue cheese, creamy Italian and 1,000 Island. It also makes wonderful potato salad.
Hi again: I also use it for making cole slaw, plenty of it, with plenty of sugar in it. I like my cole slaw sweet and creamy!
I would rather have another meal if I can’t have Cain’s mayonnaise. We have lived in Central Florida since 2008 and have ordered online from FamousFoods.com for most of the items that are mentioned in this article. Autocrat coffee syrup, Bell’s seasoning, Hoo Mee Chinese noodles, Ah-So Chinese sauce, and Portuguese food items for my husband. I order Cain’s Mayonnaise and the coffee syrup every 6 months. The only food item we cannot get is the long soda crackers, because they don’t make them at all. However, there are Sedano stores that carry Spanish foods and there is a square cracker called Costas that are exactly like those long soda crackers. (I have been trying to remember what they were called, but it’s eluding my memory.) Check out FamousFoods.com online and if there is sometimes you can’t find there, you can call them and ask for John in customer service. He may be able to get it for you.
Wal-Mart sells most of the products mentioned in these posts. They charge normal prices and offer free shipping to your local store.
We’re “snowbirds”. I take what I think we need of Cains with us. IF I run out, I get Dukes, which I think runs a close 2nd. Love Cains with a little mustard for potato salad.
In case no one else has noticed, Cain’s changed their recipe in 2016. Note that the ingredient list is different, the front label no longer says “All Natural,” and the bottom of the new front label says “Based on our original recipe,” instead of “Made from our original recipe.” Initially, the new jars also said “Produced with Genetic Engineering” on the back label, but they took this off (probably was put on when they thought they would have to disclose GMOs by law and took off when it was definite they did not). If I could post a photo here, I would show you the labels since I took a photo of both the front and back labels when I discovered what was happening (and attached them with a note to Cain’s – no reply, of course). It is very disheartening since Cain’s made a great mayonnaise. I purchased a bunch of the original recipe when I noticed this change, but unfortunately they will not last forever.
I noticed the reformulation, too. I called customer service and they denied it, even though I pointed out the label changes. Alas, the new version is still better than anything else I have tried.
Used to be the only brand I would use. Don’t be fooled. When they closed the plant in Ayer they also abandoned the original recipie. The stuff is horrible now.
I’m trying out other brands now.
I also found there is a slight difference in the taste of the Cains in my more recent purchases. I even smelled the difference as soon as I opened the jar! Too bad Cains has not kept to the original recipe. I believe it may be the oil. But, I am not a fan of Miracle Whip dressing or Hellman’s. I once tried Whole Foods 365 Brand. It was pretty good. But, even that recipe now seems to have changed. Has anyone found a mayonnaise that is similar in taste to the Original Cains Mayonnaise? If so, which one and where is it available?
Having been raised in Rhinebeck, NY, Hellmann’s mayo reigns supreme. Most folks in this area prefer it to any other. We always found Miracle Whip way too sweet.
Mayo for me is like other condiments: once you acquire a taste for one, all the others taste “off.” I was brought up on Hellman’s, so that’s my preference. Tempted to try Cains, based on this article, but not if recipe changed.
BTW, love mayo and love lobster, but never together. Toasted NE roll and warm butter. Always.
The Cain’s mayo of today is not the old original mayo. It tastes as if they are using a different type of oil and it tends to separate after a short time. Just my thoughts.
I was introduced to Duke’s mayo in North Carolina 60 years ago, but never find it in Connecticut. I always buy it whenever I’m visiting in the south because it’s better than any other brand in my opinion.
Nothing beats Duke’s mayonnaise. Always 100% sugar-free and still a full 32 ounces. With two vinegars and egg yolks (not just eggs), it is golden perfection.
Love Cains Mayo. I used to raise cucumbers for Cains when they were in the pickle business. They made a great pickle and relish also.
We LOVE Cain’s mayo, but not sold here in SC. Yes Duke’s seems to be #1 here. They don’t sell B&M beans here either, but funny thing is that you can buy the Brown Bread @ Fresh Market & Publix. But the mayo we get whenever we visit our family in MA & NH. Always come back with a couple of jars to last until next visit. I hadn’t noticed that change on the label…that’s too bad. Why can’t they leave well enough alone – if it’s not broken, why change it…it’s also what made you a success!!
We recently moved from New England to Texas. No Cain’s products here. I used the Duke’s brand. It was not bad but I missed my Cain’s. I was able to order a case of it from Amazon. Happy again!
Love Cains mayo, have tried other brands, just don’t like them. I did notice a difference in the flavor this time when my sister sent my recent shipment of Cains, wish they would go back to the original recipe and ingredients. What I did notice on the label is that it is distributed by Bay Valley foods, llc,Oak Brook, Illinois. The worst thing is that I can not get it here in Missouri. That’s just wrong!
Cain’s mayo in my coleslaw, Buffalo Chicken Pasta and sandwich spreads
We left NE IN 1981….NOW IN KY, The hardest thing to go without was Cains sweet pickle relish…..anyone visiting knew they had to bring it with them..
Been here in KY now since 1995, folks don’t come as often and flying really doesn’t accommodate pickle relish in glass jars……we’ve made do , but we are going home to MA this summer and relish will be in the car for the ride back here.
PS we will be bringing back Fluff and Coffee syrup too….there’s no place like home!!
Cain’s is by far my favorite. I put it on just about everything. Especially good with french fries, I could eat it by the spoonful.
Cains is way too sweet, Hellman’s is the only way to go. No classic recipe for mayonnaise has sugar in it. And the best mayonnaise is still homemade with fresh raw eggs from the farm, lemon juice, oil, a touch of Dijon mustard, salt and pepper.
I’m from California, and I have lived in New England for many years. I love mayo, and Hellmans has been my brand for years. But after a recent concerted effort to find the best mayonnaise, I stumbled on Blue Plate. Amazing! Buy a jar on Amazon and give it a try. You won’t regret it.
I agree. Blue Plate is wonderful and under $3 on Amazon…including the shipping for Prime members!
where can i buy cains mayo near canton ma
So disappointed in the change in Cain’s Mayo. Looking for a replacement. It’s quite different than the All Natural Original.
So disappointed Cains changed the mayo recipe. It looks like they added gelatin to it. Also their mixed pickles are big chunks and different flavor. Not made in Mass any more. Won’t buy either now.
Won’t purchase it any longer, Cains has started using High Fructose corn syrup in it. Not acceptable in our home.
I am looking at a jar of Cain’s right now. No corn syrup. No gelatin. Only soybean oil, egg yolks, vinegar, sugar.
Name of the tall box of soda crackers is “Premium Saltine Crackers.” I believe that’s what you were referring to.
Cain’s mayonnaise has always been my favorite living in New England, but when I moved to North Carolina I couldn’t find it. Out of desperation, I tried Duke’s and it is very close in taste and texture. Both are delicious!
I live in Pittsfield, MA and I never tried Caines until last year, and I prefer the sweet taste over Hellman’s Mayo any day.
I occasionally make a mayo-based creamy Caesar salad dressing with Hellman’s Real Mayonnaise.
Today, I was craving chicken Caesar salad, but I was light on funds so I picked up a bottle of Cains because it was a little cheaper.
Completely ruined the dressing. Not right at all. No tang, no zip… all wrong.
I’m a New England transplant, and as soon as I tried the Cains out of the jar, I could tell it wouldn’t be right for the dressing…. but I did recognize the flavor as something I’ve tasted eating out or as a guest at someone’s house.
Although I could see Cains mayo being OK on a fried fish sandwich or a lobster roll, it was all wrong for my creamy Caesar dressing, and I can’t really picture it being a good base for any salad dressing.
Have been an only Cains Mayo customer for 50+ years! This year, I noticed a different texture and taste – when did the recipe change to “Based on the original recipe “? Very disappointed – planning on moving on to something other than Cains Mayo…
I noticed this as well. The label now says “based on the original recipe.” It’s different. Very runny. I thought it was spoiled but they have messed it up. Hey Cains owners: knock it off!
I’ve bought two jars of Cains over the course of about a year and am extremely disappointed to see them both go runny, and pour like milk. I thought the first was an aberration, so i just replaced it with another, but noticed that the label said “based on the original recipe”. I won’t buy another jar until they bring that original recipe back because the new one just turns into a slop that won’t even stick to a knife.
They all cut corners to make a bigger profit.
You are so right. Lived in MN for 14 years and could not find Cains Mayo so bought Hellman’s. Came back to MA bought Cain’s something was different about it don’t know what but didn’t like it.
I grew up with Cains mayo and it was always my favorite but it’s changed. I eat it now and it still has the good egg, vinegar, salty flavor. There is something about an oily taste which it never had before. The oil flavor stays with you for awhile after you’ve finished eating. Not very pleasant, the new owners probably wanted to cut costs so they compromised the recipe.
I was also a Cains lover, not any more. Try Seidners Mayo made in New England you will love it. Made like Cains use to be.
Hated it when Cains stopped making chips in ’81 just as I had previously mourned Hunts: the ’80’s were a bad time in MA for potato chips. Since ’01 I have lived in KY. Missed the “Real Mayonnaise” I had seen, eaten and loved since being a kid – until I tried ALDI’s house-brand Burman’s. It may be made to the old Cain’s recipe: heady, egg-y, lemon but not too vinager-y – and NEVER separates. ‘Good stuff, cheap’ as Building 19 used to have it (and now we have a ‘local’ chain, ‘Ollie’s’ who was another alum of Grossman’s who bought out the ’19’s remainders!).
But talk to Kentuckians about ‘Sandwich Spread’? They look at you as if you were crazy – these self-same folks who nonetheless mix shredded cheddar, mayo and a little pimento and call it ‘Pimento Cheese’! Ah, well – there is hope: They also call Prosciutto “Country Ham” lol. But don’t they make some GOOD Country Ham!
I worked at canes when they were on vassa st Cambridge MA during high school summer , the Mayonnaise is nothing like the original , cutting corners made pure swill
CAINS is NO LONGER as good as it used 2 b when I was growing up…HOWEVER its still BETTER than most that are on the on the mkt …so its still My BRAND and it is what I use….
I have become a fan of Kewpie mayonnaise from Japan. It’s readily available in Asian markets and online. https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/what-is-kewpie-mayo-japanese-mayonnaise
I bought Kewpie mayonnaise from Amazon, and it had the worst artificial after taste. I threw it away. I do not care for Miracle Whip either. No sugar in my mayo…please.
Miracle Whip is very acidic, don’t you think?
Cain’s mayonnaise WAS my favorite. I will never understand when you buy a business with a strong following there’s a need to put your own stamp on things. When you’ve got a good thing going keep it going…… As of right now your mayonnaise tastes like vinegar. Bring back the original recipe.
They never learn.
I can recall my mother telling me that there was no substitute for Cains Mayo because it contained no preservatives. In fact she used to say “. . . that’s why it is distributed only as far as a truck can travel in one day.” This was in the 1960s(I’m now 83), and I can tell you that I noticed a few years ago that its flavor, and especially its texture are different. Now that I live in South Carolina, I buy Hellmann’s. Like so many things in the 21st century, quality and standards succumb to the force of “the bottom line.”
Try Duke’s. Best ever!
If you live in South Carolina, or anywhere in the Solid South, why in the world are you using anything but Duke’s??
Actually more of a question then a comment..
Wasn’t your name on the jars of Market Basket mayonnaise back in the day…
Yes it was!! Cains manufactured all of Market Basket Mayonnaise. And Market Basket didn’t want a Hellman’s match so Cains formulated their mayo for them! I use to work at Cains which is why I know that!!
Cain’s used to be the best; the only mayonnaise I would consider buying. One of the things I loved about it was the extremely short ingredient list: oil, eggs, vinegar, salt. But after they were acquired and the Ayer plant shut down the recipe changed: oil, egg yolks, water, vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard flour.
Sugar? In mayonnaise?? That’s disgusting. And, while I love mustard, it does not belong in mayonnaise.
Fortunately, I’ve discovered that mayonnaise is not at all hard to make at home. Goodbye, Cain’s!
Just found a inch size piece of frayed blue plastic 1/4 if the way into a 30 oz jar of mayonnaise. Really disappointed as I’ve used Caine all my life.
Will Cains Sandwich Spread be back on shelves? Cant have a great sandwich without it especially now with beautiful tomatoes every day
Used to love Cain’s Mayo before it was sold. Have now retired to Florida where Duke’s is sold. Probably the closest to the original Cain’s. We also have Blue plate which is pretty good. Hellman’s is very good and is available both in New England and Florida as well. But too expensive
I wonder if anyone has tried Hellmans Extra Creamy Mayonnaise? It’s made for chefs and comes in a 24oz. jar. Has double the amount of eggs in it. Amazon used to sell it and I’d love to find some and give it a try.
The current version of Cains is cheap mayo and like many others here, I have stopped eating it. I wonder if Cains sales have been affected. Too many of our classic New England foods are but shadows of their former selves. I am still searching for a hot dog as good as Kirschner’s used to be and pastrami as spicy and deliciously fatty as Jordan’s.
On the mayo front, I have switched to Duke’s. It is available direct from the factory as well as on Amazon in jars and packets. I ate Duke’s when I went to college in South Carolina some time ago and Cains was better then. It isn’t now. I tried Blue Plate and found it uninspiring. Almost everyone, me included, will eat Hellman’s, but it is probably the reason a lot of people think mayonnaise is boring.
Miracle Whip does not belong in a discussion about mayo. It’s TRASH, I tell you! (Just kidding. Sorta.) I definitely remember Cains as a kid, but I left New England in 1989. I’ll just enjoy my memories.
Obviously, y’all haven’t had Dukes.
Maybe you’ve never tried Cains? Sorry but we New Englanders are staunchy loyal to this stuff. Why? It’s not loaded with chemicals. It’s natural. It tastes that way too. Like many other Americans, certain regions of the country have certain brands they associate with good memories. Maybe you grew up with some local brand name of something and just a taste of it brings back happy memories of a family BBQ or holiday fun? That’s what Cains means for us. It’s a part of many a New Englander’s childhood, and it’s a reminder of simpler happier times. We can all use that these days. Those of us who have left New England have gone to great lengths to find this product because it’s comforting and well, it’s just an excellent mayo.
Does anyone ever remember Seidner’s mayonnaise manufactured in Westerly, R. I. by the Otto Seidner Company.?
When my parents bought the house that I grew up in, there was a 2 car garage with a shed attached. Apparently, the former owner worked for Seidner’s and there were jars and labels stored in the shed. You can still get it at Dave’s I believe.
These folks can say what they want about Cain’s, both good and bad. I guess we all have our favorites of any products. But, I will tell you, there’s no better product than Cain’s Mayo for an excellent potato salad! My friends and family have always been so happy to see my potato salad at a get together. Simply the best!
Have been a Cain’s Mayo guy since the 50’s and there is still no better balanced mayonnaise on the market. Put it on everything when it comes to sandwiches but admit I am a lobster w/ butter guy and not mayo (just a preference) but would eat a lobster roll w/ mayo in a pinch! Also great in enhancing chocolate desserts. Why change when you have the best right here in New England!
Cain’s, and only Cain’s.
The Cains plant in Ayer, Mass. was closed in 2017.
When transferred to Silicon Valley in the late 90’s, my mom brought two things for me when my parents came to visit: a jar of Cains and a Blue Seal kielbasa. A few years back I had the same experience with the Cains getting weird and runny and I noticed the ingredient change, and soybean oil listed. Sir Kensington has worked well for me lately (sunflower oil), but the price is dear. Still, nothing beats the original Cains. Maybe someone someday will revive the original recipe.
Aldi offers a great mayonnaise (at a truly great price) their store brand that an employee told me was made by Hellmans that sits right alongside. While vacationing in FL, tried Dukes- excelkevt!
Any idea why I can’t find Cains Mayo anywhere. I have been looking at every store within driving distance with not one jar.
I am having the same issue here in Rhode Island, and it is the ONLY mayo I will eat!!!
I went to S & S in Middletown and Clements in Portsmouth, no Cains!
I went to Shaws and there were 4 on the shelve. Bought two of them. Opened it today and the taste is horrible! It was so bad i couldn’t eat it. went online and found out that the plant was shut down or soon to be and was bought by a company out of state. I’m like you it’s only Cains for me, but it doesn’t look promising.
Hey Cindy A. My sister Elaine C having the same problem in middletown RI
We are a Cains family and have been for years. We especially enjoy the sweet and tart taste of their excellent tartar sauce. Their relish is also tops in the field.
Their sweet pickles are also excellent.
Lately, we have not been able to purchase any of these items or any of Cain’s products at Market Basket or others. I have tried to research their corporate phone number but have not been successful. Market Basket’s store personnel don’t know what the problem is and are not receiving any shipments. I can imagine that the supply chain problem might have hurt them significantly along with high price of ingredients including eggs.
Any ideas?
I finally found some Cain’s mayonnaise at my local Hannaford. I am a native Mainer and have been a fan for years. The years that I lived out of New England, Cains mayo was one of the things I missed most. I am so disappointed. My potato salad was watery and much less flavorful, as was my tuna salad. I am now looking for a replacement but I know it will be hard to find. So irritating when a quality product is compromised for a quick profit.
I agree. I’ve been eating Cain’s since I was a child, and making salads with it since I got married 54 years ago. Your recipe has changed…..and not for the better. I will not buy Cain’s mayonnaise again. Too thin and watery.
So it’s not just me! I used to love and only use Cain’s mayo. I stopped eating it for awhile, got in the mood for some potato salad and when I opened the jar I thought it went bad. Went back to the store, got another one and nope, same. It’s horrible now. The old recipe was perfect. I’ll never buy it again either.
Memories of tuna and Cains in grammar school in the ’70s. Not in an area where Cains is available so my mom brings down a supply so I can share with my family.
Native Vermonter here, but moved to west coast…love Hellman’s mayo, but Cain’s hamburger relish is to die for! No one out here even knows what it is!
OMG…TOTALLY A Caines Mayo fan. I have taken to making my own to avoid any additives, but I do add a little Sweetener like Monk Fruit because that sweetness is what does it for me. I buy Cain’s products because I LOVE the taste. Although Cain’s pickle Relish has become scarce and I miss it. The brand I have been buying is way too syrupy.