Despite many feeling it would be a sin to put anything but one of three iconic condiments on a hotdog — and even then, there’s a discourse — a growing trend has seen many Americans turning to mayo for their hotdog topping.
The trend has grown all over social media, with users on TikTok posting videos of them trying the strange abomination, as well as a lengthy Reddit thread on the Costco sub-Reddit.
“Like not even the little pack of mayo, WHAT IS THE REASON ?! I also don’t like mayo THAT much but it hits different on a hotdog,” one TikTok user wrote in the caption.
Despite simply sharing her experience eating mayo on a hotdog, many shared their disgust in the video’s comments.
“Mayo on hot dog is a disease, get well soon,” one person wrote.
However, some seemed to be on board with the trend, saying they also enjoyed the condiment on their meat missiles.
With the growing wave of mayo users coming forward, the brand Hellmann’s shared that it heard their love and the disparagement they faced. In order to help its fans, the brand has said it will have a new “small, but mighty” invention to help them enjoy their summer dogs.
Taking to Instagram, Hellmann’s shared a post that teased the idea of a pocket-sized mayor dispenser that was refillable and would allow users to sauce up at establishments that didn’t accommodate their eating habits.
“It’s come to our attention that some of you are bringing your own mayo to hot dog spots where mayo isn’t offered,” the company wrote. “So today, we’re announcing the development of the Mini Mayo Dispenser: an innovative, miniaturized mayo delivery device designed to support mayo-on-dog lovers everywhere–especially consumers of our friends’ iconic, delicious, and beloved $1.50 hot dogs.”
However, it was not clear if the post was serious until the company confirmed that fans might be able to get the “small, but mighty (and necessary) gadget” in a statement to the New York Post.
Chris Symmes, Hellmann’s Head of Marketing, Condiments of Dressings North America at Unilever, shared that with those stepping forward despite the backlash, they felt it was the right thing to do.
“This TikTok showed us the lengths our mayo fans are willing to go to include Hellmann’s in their favorite meals. So when we saw a gap in the hotdog-and-mayo experience, it felt like the right time to show our passion for mayo with a creative solution,” Symmes said in a statement to The Post. “With these Hellmann’s blueprints for a mini mayo dispenser, we’re now on a mission to make sure everyone can put mayo on their hotdogs, everywhere.”
While it may seem polarizing, past surveys have found that around 20% of Americans prefer mayo on their hotdogs, though more may now come forward.