A bizarre new food trend has exploded on TikTok, and it’s left many South Africans (and the rest of the world) scratching their heads – sliced mayonnaise.
Yes, you read that right.
The unusual concept has become the latest food fad on social media, sparking a mix of disgust, fascination, and internet-wide debate.
What is sliced mayonnaise?
Sliced mayonnaise is exactly what it sounds like: mayonnaise that’s been thickened and processed into slices, similar in appearance to a slice of cheese.
The idea is that you can lay it onto a sandwich like you would a slice of cheddar – no spreading necessary.
Some versions are sold pre-packaged in sheets, while others show DIY versions using gelatin or agar to solidify traditional mayo into a sliceable form.
@thevulgarchef Why spread it when you can slice it? #dukespartner #dukesmayo *these mayo slices are not a real product – just a little fun we cooked up with @dukesmayo ♬ original sound – The Vulgar Chef
Internet reacts: “Have we gone too far?”
TikTok users haven’t held back.
Reactions range from:
- “This is where I draw the line.”
- “Convenient? Maybe. Necessary? Definitely not.”
- “If sliced mayo is the future, I want no part in it.”
Others, however, have defended the innovation, suggesting it could be useful for bento boxes, packed lunches, or fast food assembly.
The science
Mayonnaise, typically made from oil, egg yolk, and acid (like vinegar or lemon juice), is an emulsion – a stable blend of oil and water.
While normally creamy and spreadable, it can be transformed into a solid using thickening agents like gelatin, starch, or carrageenan, giving it that jiggly, sliceable texture.
But turning mayo into a slice can also raise storage and safety concerns, especially if it’s homemade and left unrefrigerated.
Why it’s blowing up
This isn’t the first time a condiment trend has gone viral – who could forget pink sauce or ketchup caviar?
Platforms like TikTok accelerate food trends at lightning speed, turning the most niche concepts into global talking points overnight.
Final thoughts
Whether you find sliced mayonnaise innovative or just plain wrong, it’s clear that social media will continue to be a breeding ground for food experiments – the weirder, the better.
Would you try it? Or is this a condiment crime gone too far?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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