Salad Cream Vs Mayonnaise: What Is The Difference?
If you’re American, most likely you’ve wondered what the difference between mayonnaise and salad cream is.
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If so, you’re probably not alone.
The fact is that these two condiments are very similar, but they are also different from each other in some ways.
Let’s figure it out in our blog post below.
What is salad cream?

Salad cream is a popular condiment in the UK and Australia.
It’s similar to mayonnaise, but it’s creamier and less salty.
It was originally made with egg yolks and has been produced by Heinz since 1903; it’s so popular that “salad cream” has become a colloquial reference to any creamy white sauce used as a dressing or sandwich spread.
Salad cream is an emulsion of oil, vinegar, and egg yolk.
The vinegar gives it its sour taste, while the egg yolk makes it thicker than standard mayonnaise.
The name comes from the fact that it was originally used as a salad dressing, but now it can be used in many different dishes per personal preference.
That said, there are many brands of salad cream out there today, which gives consumers a lot of options to choose from.
What is mayonnaise?

Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy dressing that is made from oil, egg yolks, and vinegar.
The main ingredient of mayonnaise is oil which contains approximately 10% fat and 15% protein.
A single tablespoon of mayonnaise contains around 100 calories but also provides your body with many vital vitamins and minerals including calcium, iron, and vitamin B12.
Mayonnaise can be used as both a condiment or an ingredient in other recipes such as sauces for meats or salads.
It also makes a great dressing for sandwiches or burgers by adding chopped herbs or spices such as paprika pepper.
Sometimes, mayonnaise can be used as a substitute for butter or margarine in recipes like deviled eggs or potato salad.
What are the differences between salad cream and mayonnaise?
There are some key differences that can help you distinguish these two dressings:
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Salad cream is a British condiment, while mayonnaise is an American one
The first difference between a salad cream and mayonnaise is their origins.
Salad cream originated in British cuisine, it is commonly used in the UK and Australia.
Meanwhile, mayonnaise is more common in the United States and in Asian cuisine.
Salad cream has more vinegar than oil, while the opposite is true for mayonnaise
Although both are made from eggs and oil, the main difference between salad cream and mayo lies in the vinegar content.
Salad cream is made up of more vinegar.
On the other hand, the ratio of oil to vinegar is higher in mayonnaise.
This is what makes salad cream lighter but has a sourer taste, while mayonnaise is creamier and less sour.
What are the similarities between salad cream and mayonnaise?
There are also some similarities between salad cream and mayonnaise besides the aforementioned differences:
Both contain three main ingredients which are eggs, oil, and vinegar
The reason why salad cream and mayo look and taste quite similar is that they are made out of the same ingredients.
Both include eggs (normally egg yolks only), oil, and an acid such as vinegar or lemon juice.
However, the different ratios of the ingredients result in the slightly different texture and flavor between these two kinds of dressing.
Salad cream and mayonnaise can be used interchangeably in cooking
Another thing in common between salad cream and mayonnaise is their uses in cooking.
Both are typically used as a salad dressing because it has a refreshing and pleasantly tangy taste and creamier texture to make your greens much more flavorful and delicious.
They can also make a great spread for sandwiches and burgers.
Which one is better?
Heinz Salad Cream, 14.9 oz | 365 by Whole Foods Market, Mayonnaise Organic, 11.2 Fl Oz |
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The answer depends on what you’re using it for and what is more available in your area.
If you’re eating a salad, salad cream seems to be more suitable.
It has a lighter consistency, allowing everything to blend well without weighing down the leaves.
However, if you’re making a sandwich or dip, mayonnaise will be a better choice as it adds more substance and keeps things together without being too watery.
Conclusion
There are many recipes that can be used to create your own mayonnaise sauce or salad cream from easy-to-find and affordable ingredients.
But if you are short on time, you can opt for store-bought salad cream or mayo from some famous brands like Heinz or Hellmann.
In the end, both salad cream and mayonnaise are equally delicious and helpful for a variety of recipes.
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