FOOD NEWS
What You Need To Know Before Getting Kewpie Mayo At Costco
By Betsy Parks
Kewpie Mayo has become a major cult favorite among chefs and in-the-know foodies, and if you're a Costco member, you can now get this popular item for a discount.
However, the internet seems to agree that the U.S. version isn't as good as the original Japanese version, and the Kewpie sold at Costco is an American-made formula.
The major ingredient missing in the American-made Kewpie mayo is monosodium glutamate (MSG). This non-essential amino acid is what gives a lot of foods their savory, umami flavor.
Kewpie mayo imported from Japan has MSG, but U.S. manufacturers stopped including it in their formula around 2017 because it's a controversial ingredient in America.
When compared side by side, many people who have bought both versions of the mayonnaise say that the U.S.-made Kewpie has an entirely different profile and is lighter in color.
"Totally different flavor!" said a commenter in one Reddit thread. "Japanese has a tang/kick - brightness to it while USA one is more eggy and blander."
While the Costco Kewpie is tempting and probably tasty, if you want the real deal, head to your local Asian grocery store to find the Kewpie imported from Japan.