Today, Kevin and I are excited to review several Hellmann's items that we found for $4.29 each at Meijer. They had all five varieties, which was fantastic. We bought the Italian Herb & Garlic, Garlic Aioli, Chili Lime, Chipotle, and Spicy. Most of these are marketed as mayonnaise dressings, except the Garlic Aioli, which is labeled as a dip and spread. We’ll be trying them with crispy chicken, which we think pairs best with these types of dressings.
Italian Herb & Garlic Mayonnaise Dressing
The Italian Herb & Garlic mayonnaise dressing was the first one we tried. It boasts no artificial flavors, no trans fat, no saturated fat, and is cholesterol-free. It’s also a good source of omega-3 ALA. Upon tasting, we found the herb flavor to be extremely strong—almost overpowering. The garlic also had a very earthy taste. This combination was too intense for our liking, and we wouldn’t recommend it for a cheeseburger or steak. It might work better on an Italian sandwich or perhaps as a pizza topping for those who enjoy strong herb flavors.
Garlic Aioli Dip & Spread
Next, we tried the Garlic Aioli, which is designed as a dip and spread. It contains canola oil, roasted garlic puree, and dried garlic among other ingredients. The aioli had a smooth texture and a prominent garlic flavor, although not as overwhelming as the Italian Herb & Garlic. Kevin prefers the Hidden Valley Ranch Garlic, but for those who enjoy a straightforward garlic spread, this aioli could be a good option. It would work well on a chicken sandwich.
Chili Lime Tahini Mayonnaise Dressing
The Chili Lime Tahini dressing has a strong lime flavor with a noticeable kick of heat. It’s 40 calories per tablespoon and contains chili peppers. The lime hits first, followed by a piercing heat that lingers. This dressing would be great on tacos or a taco salad, providing a creamy yet spicy addition to the dish. For those who enjoy Tahini, this dressing is a solid choice.
Chipotle Mayonnaise Dressing
The Chipotle dressing is labeled as mild but has a surprising amount of heat. It has a delicious smoky flavor, which pairs well with the spice. This dressing would complement tacos or burritos nicely, adding a creamy texture and smoky taste. However, we felt the heat level was closer to medium rather than mild.
Spicy Mayonnaise Dressing
Finally, we tried the Spicy dressing, which is made with real chili peppers and is labeled as medium heat. It has a banana pepper-like flavor with a touch of vinegar. This dressing has a lingering heat that is quite strong, almost reaching a hot level for most people. The peppery flavor would go well with a variety of dishes, but we found it to be quite intense.
Final Thoughts
Overall, our favorites were the Chipotle and the Garlic Aioli. The Chipotle dressing, with its smoky flavor, and the Garlic Aioli, with its smooth texture, stood out to us. The Italian Herb & Garlic was too strong, and the Spicy dressing was a bit too intense in heat. If you’re looking for versatile dressings and spreads, the Chipotle and Garlic Aioli are great picks. Let us know if you plan on trying any of these products and where you find them.
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