Introducing Salad Cream: The British Condiment That Rivals Mayo

If you've recently visited the UK (or browsed a British food section in an international store), you've likely spotted a bottle of salad cream on the shelf. While its name might sound familiar, its place in the world of condiments can be a bit tricky. Is it mayonnaise? Or is it salad dressing? The truth is, it's a bit of both. And, much like mayonnaise, it has its loyal fans and staunch critics. Read on to discover more about this creamy delight and how to use it if you’re curious to try.

When Was Salad Cream First Created?

Salad cream was first introduced by Heinz in the UK in 1914. While Heinz is primarily associated with ketchup in the U.S., they have a rich history of producing a variety of products in Britain, including canned beans, pickles, horseradish, and spices. Initially, salad cream was mixed and jarred by hand, with workers required to produce 180 jars daily. In the early years, Heinz considered discontinuing the product, but after public demand, it was rebranded. By 2017, it had become the fifth-best-selling condiment in the UK.

How Is Salad Cream Different From Mayonnaise?

Imagine salad cream as a thinner, zestier take on mayonnaise. Both are made with egg yolks and oil, but the key difference lies in the ingredients: while mayo relies on oil for the emulsion, salad cream uses water, vinegar, and more egg yolk. This makes salad cream lighter (about half the calories and a third of the fat), runnier, and more tangy than mayo. If you're in the U.S., think of Miracle Whip—it’s the American equivalent of salad cream, often marketed as a lighter mayo alternative.

What Sets Salad Cream Apart From Ranch Dressing?

Ranch dressing is a salad topping that starts with mayonnaise, then spices it up with garlic, onion, mustard, herbs, and buttermilk for a pourable consistency. Salad cream, on the other hand, has no extra seasonings and is closer in texture and flavor to mayo. But both condiments have something in common: Brits enjoy dunking fries and pizza crusts in salad cream, much like Americans do with ranch dressing.

Ways to Enjoy Salad Cream

Salad cream is incredibly versatile—use it just like you would mayonnaise. It’s great in coleslaw, potato salad, or tuna and egg salad. You can also try it as a dip for fish sticks or as a topping for a crispy fish sandwich. For sandwiches (or a sarnie, as they say in the UK) or baked potatoes, it’s a delicious addition. When using it to dress a salad, just remember to cut back on the vinegar and lemon, as salad cream already packs a tangy punch.