A Viral Post Suggested Hellmann's Mayonnaise Was Being Discontinued — Is It True?

For over 100 years, condiment staple Hellmann's mayonnaise has been in existence. But, on Jan. 30, 2023, a now-deleted Facebook post from the company began to spark panic on the internet. The post alleged that the company was "discontinuing Hellmann's until further notice" due to high inflation and import costs.

Naturally, social media users everywhere began discussing the reported discontinuation, and "Hellmann's mayonnaise discontinued" began trending on most major social media platforms. Is Hellmann's mayonnaise actually being discontinued? Here's what we know.

After the post went viral, social media users began to spiral out of control, thinking Hellmann's mayonnaise was going the way of Ronzoni. One user wrote, "Is it true that Hellmann's is discontinuing????? How the hell am I suppose to make egg salad this Easter??" while another lamented, "Hellmann's ppl are saying the mayo is discontinuing please tell them it’s not true."

Thankfully, for the most part, Hellmann's fans can rest easy. The company went on Instagram to clarify its statement and amend that Hellmann's was being discontinued, but only in South Africa.

Their statement on Jan. 31, 2023, reads, "It’s hard to say goodbye to delicious Hellmann’s Mayonnaise. But, due to high inflationary import costs, we will regretfully be discontinuing Hellmann’s in South Africa until further notice. A big thanks to our loyal fans for all the mayo love over the years."

The brand has made no mention of their beloved mayonnaise being discontinued anywhere else in the world, so it seems that anyone outside South Africa can keep making their egg salad, chicken sandwiches, and chocolate cakes in peace.

Some fans of the brand have already taken the opportunity to make jokes despite the mayonnaise remaining in circulation in most countries.

One user wrote, "What is Joe Biden's plan to bring back Hellmann's mayonnaise?" Another user joked, "One day, many years in the future (I hope), this will be my tombstone, paid for by the good people at Hellmann’s mayonnaise." The user attached a picture of a tombstone marking them as a "brand-loyal consumer."

Either way, mayonnaise fans, never fear! Hellmann's isn't going anywhere in the U.S. — for now.

Since 2000, Unilever has owned and manufactured Hellmann's mayonnaise. But we can't credit the multinational consumer packaged goods company for creating the condiment — Richard Hellman gets that. Prior to being acquired by Unilever, Hellmann's mayonnaise was owned by Best Foods and was traded between a few more hands before it landed where it is today.

Although you may not be familiar with the Unilever name, the company owns plenty of other popular brands including Ben & Jerry's, Dove, Axe, and Knorr.

Now that you're familiar with your favorite condiment's history and have confirmed that it isn't going anywhere, you can rest easy knowing you don't have to buy Hellmann's mayonnaise in bulk the next time you make a trip to the grocery store.