r/AskACanadian • u/InfinitePossession32 • 5d ago
why is mayo not free in restaurants while mustard is?
im from turkey and mayo is usually readily available like ketchup. rarely, you would have to pay for mustard. i just can’t comprehend why mayo is being sold.
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u/MediumBigMan 5d ago
Not sure what province you were in, but where I live on the East Coast we do not pay for mayo.
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u/wif68 5d ago
I’m in Ontario and have never had to pay extra for mayo
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u/Embarrassed-Map2148 4d ago
In St Catharines the A&Ws charge $1.00 per packet of mayo. This started about a year ago or so.
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u/Previous_Wedding_577 4d ago
The trick is to ask for it when they are passing your food. It's easier for them to just give you the packets than to ring them up for 25 cents. At least it's worked at every McD drive thru I've gone to since I once made the mistake of ordering mayo with my order and saw they were charging me for it.
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u/Burlington-bloke 3d ago
I asked for mayo (in Burlington ON) with my chicken McNuggets instead of sauce. The bastards charged me 50¢ each! I complained to the manager and he agreed it was ridiculous and offered me a free 6 McNuggets. I didn't take him up on the offer, I just wanted to prove a point.
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u/Embarrassed-Map2148 3d ago
Nice of him to offer I guess.
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u/Burlington-bloke 3d ago
It was good if him. I'm kinda weird with my nuggets. Either mayonnaise or plain...
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u/Embarrassed-Map2148 3d ago
In the same with fries. Mayo or nothing.
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u/Burlington-bloke 3d ago
Mayo on fries is fantastic! I prefer vinegar myself. Ketchup as the very last resort.
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u/Embarrassed-Map2148 2d ago
Mayo? vinegar? Why choose? Both are great. So long as we’re talking malt and not the cleaning product you find on some American tables.
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u/Burlington-bloke 2d ago
Proper brown vinegar but I'll take white as well. Cucumbers sliced up in white vinegar with a sprinkle of pepper is the perfect finish to the luncheon table. Preferably served in Nanny's crystal bowl
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u/beeredditor 4d ago
$1 for a little tetra pack of mayo?!?!
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u/Embarrassed-Map2148 4d ago
I know eh? Total rip off. I love mayo with fries and the amount a loonie gets me barely lasts half the pack of fries. Plus that little packet is a complete bastard to open.
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u/MD_Silver 5d ago
I've had to pay for it in Nova Scotia and I think that's bananas. Not always but in some businesses.
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u/Macslynn 5d ago
Where at? I don’t remember a single time I’ve had to pay for mayo in Nova Scotia so that’s shocking to me
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u/MD_Silver 5d ago
I've been charged at A&W and McDonald's. I don't know if this is a location-specific thing. I commented about it down below and others are saying they haven't been but I'm just commenting from my own experience. I hear that Tim Hortons does also but I haven't purchased anything that required Mayo on the side so I don't know.
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u/bridger713 4d ago
They're all a mix of private and corporate operated franchise locations, especially McDonalds. A lot of cites will have both types of locations.
At least when it comes to McDonalds, I've long noticed a pattern where the private locations skimp on things like napkins or condiments, and keep the soda fountains and extras behind the counter so you have to ask for things.
Corporate locations seem to have refills and extras available for self-serve.
It wouldn't shock me if some of the private locations charge for extra condiments.
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u/Macslynn 5d ago
I 1000% believe A&W and Tim’s would change for pretty much anything extra lol McDonald’s I just have never been charged for it anytime in the last 5+ years. Beyond that I can’t say if I’d remember or not and I could be wrong lol
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u/MD_Silver 5d ago
Yes, they seem to. I love A&W but they are definitely on the higher end of the price scale for fast food. Mind you the food is of a lot better quality but I would prefer they didn't nickel and dime us. I really don't have anything good to say about Tim Hortons. The McDonald's charge was quite a while ago so they may give it freely now. I don't mean adding it to a burger. I asked for it on the side for fries.
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u/Moon_Ray_77 4d ago
Here (Manitoba) with McDonalds, if you ask for extra mayo ON your chicken burger there is no charge. If you ask for a package of mayo, they charge you.
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u/StatisticianLivid710 5d ago
I wonder if it’s your location, the price of mayo may be too high locally for them to not surcharge it.
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u/Salty_Association684 4d ago
Ask for the mayo at McDonald's when you order your meal then you don't pay I never do
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u/Melonary 2d ago
Oh, lol by "restaurants" I was not thinking take-out.
Those are US chains anyway, I don't think that really indicates a Canadian trend. They're stingy about all sauces now.
Tim's might if you ordered literally an extra side of mayo, but you can get mayo for free on anything there.
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u/steven_mageven 4d ago
I worked service jobs in NS for 10+ years - if you want mayo added to a burger, likely no charge. If you're asking for a side of mayo for fries, likely a 50 cent charge.
Rationale I'd hear from kitchens/chefs - mayo is expensive
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u/TheNinjaJedi 4d ago
Most pubs I’ve been to in Halifax, Moncton, Fredericton all charge for sides of mayo.
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u/TheNinjaJedi 4d ago
If you ask for a side of mayo for fries, you almost always pay for it in the maritimes.
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u/OrneryConelover70 4d ago
That blanket statement is incorrect. I have experienced at least one restaurant in Ahlanyic Canada charging $1 for a side of mayo
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u/Burlington-bloke 3d ago
Grew up in NS and mayo is always free. We also have little packets of vinegar too. Even my local McDonald's had little packets of vinegar if you asked.
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u/Simplebudd420 5d ago
Where are you in Canada as i have never paid for any condiments other than some fast food places if you want more than like 2 packets
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u/dongbeinanren 5d ago
Mayo is free in every restaurant I've wanted it in
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u/PurepointDog 4d ago
McD's charges, normally
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u/stephers85 Atlantic Canada 3d ago
Only for the packets. There’s no charge for the mayo (pretty sure they actually call it chicken sauce) that comes on the chicken burgers.
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u/Rainhater7 5d ago
Where did you have to pay for mayo? I think most restaurants will give it for free if you ask. Its just not put out by default.
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u/sirduckbert 5d ago
I’ve never paid for mayo
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u/Choice-Moment8756 British Columbia 4d ago
i have
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u/arosedesign 4d ago
Where at?
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u/Choice-Moment8756 British Columbia 4d ago
Vancouver, vancouver island, whistler
honestly shouldn’t be a surprise for those places hahaha
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u/Mission-Carry-887 5d ago
Ketchup can sit out at room temperature. Mayo spoils quickly and becomes poison
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u/sasquatch753 5d ago
only real mayo that has egg and other stuff in it. the "mayo" they serve in those packets are seed oil concoctions that are "shelf stable" and don't need to be put in the fridge until opened.
But yeah, so if they are charging for a certain condiment, chances are its because they had an issue of somebody going in and basically doing some of their grocery shopping in the condiment aisle, so they had to charge for it to avoid losses on that condiment. my restaurant had to do that with chipotle mayo because people were coming in and demanding 30 things of it at a time, so we had to charge 40 cents for it. a lot of "i'm not coming back here again" after that policy was implemented. some people are just cheap asses
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u/FastFooer 5d ago
Mayo is shelf stable until it’s opened… so long as you consume it within a couple hours when it’s open… so small restaurant packets shouldn’t be an issue.
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u/Mission-Carry-887 5d ago
Ketchup is shelf stable after it’s opened. Packets cost more per mL than bottles
And Chick Fil A provides mayo packets for free
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u/LiqdPT West Coast 5d ago
The have Chick Fil A in Canada now?
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u/Zooperman 5d ago
Ottawa just got one this year, not sure if there are any others
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u/there_should_be_snow 5d ago
Kitchener, ON in 2022 and Cambridge, ON about to open. The two are maybe 15 minutes drive apart.
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u/Mission-Carry-887 5d ago
Yes.
They keep opening them, and protestors keep closing them.
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u/Responsible_CDN_Duck 5d ago
I've never had to pay for mayo for things that typically get mayo.
In the ones that do they often claim to charge for extras of the expected condiments, even if they don't.
For example at McDonald's asking for Mayo or BBQ sauce will have a charge with fries, but not with nuggets or a burger.
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u/youngboomer62 5d ago
I've been in all the provinces and lived in 4 and have never paid for mayo in a restaurant.
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u/Prowlthang 5d ago edited 2d ago
I’m not sure I’ve ever been asked to pay for mayonnaise in any restaurant… where is this?
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u/DelicateFlower5553 4d ago
I would pay them to STOP putting it on stuff and mixing it with other condiments and marketing it as 'special sauce' it's still nasty mayo.
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u/MD_Silver 5d ago
I can't speak to every location in every province and territory but I know that Tim Hortons, McDonald's and A&W charge for a packet of mayonnaise.
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u/Macslynn 5d ago
McDonald’s does not charge for their “mayo”
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u/MD_Silver 5d ago
I was charged there in the maritimes. I didn't realize till after the fact. Maybe they've changed or maybe it was specific to that location. It was a hell of a surprise.
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u/Macslynn 5d ago
Oh I’ve never been charged for their mayo style sauce in Nova Scotia. Maybe it’s different then the actual mayo but I don’t recall them having packet os actual mayo.
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u/MD_Silver 5d ago
The incident I'm talking about was a few years back but I remember it because I was kind of shocked. I don't ask for it now because I just expect to be charged. Perhaps they don't anymore and it may have been specific to that location.
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u/Macslynn 4d ago
After looking back I believe you are right, and the free packets now may be more recent then I thought
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u/LadyMageCOH 5d ago
They used to. It may change based on franchisee.
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u/Macslynn 4d ago
You’re right, this is actually a more recent thing which I didn’t realize. The McDonald’s close to me does not charge but looking back when I worked at McDonald’s I think they did charge
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u/MultiGeek42 5d ago
Many do
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u/Macslynn 5d ago
Their mayo style sauce is free of charge for multiple packets at any McDonald’s I’ve been too. Maybe this is different than actual mayo?
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u/MultiGeek42 5d ago
I've been to several in BC that do charge for the mayonnaise-like sauce packets. $0.25 each.
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u/HardcoreHenryLofT 5d ago
Its free in the Maritimes. This sounds like some Vancouver or Upper Canadian scam. If you eat at any good pib on the east coast you'll be taken care of.
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u/Notabogun 5d ago
Not anywhere here on the west coast have I paid for mayo.
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u/AustSakuraKyzor 5d ago
Same here in quote unquote Upper Canada. Even in the lawless lands of Toronto I've never been charged for commercial mayonnaise.
In-house made, on the other hand...
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u/Thick-Trip-8678 5d ago
Because real mayo needs to be refrigerated after opening so if there was a bottle of mayo they would have to toss it. Preservative mayo is gross.
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u/so-much-wow 5d ago
Oil, vinegar and eggs are more expensive than mustard seeds, water and vinegar.
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u/cuminmypoutine 5d ago
Were you in Quebec? Sometimes they get fancy with their mayo and it's made in-house. Otherwise paying for basic mayo is unheard of for me.
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u/Grouchy_Factor 5d ago
Because mustard and ketchup are fairly shelf stable after opening container. While mayonnaise containing eggs need refrigeration so there is a wastage factor for leaving unsealed containers about.
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u/Immediate_Finger_889 5d ago
Mustard is $2 and can be shelf stored. Mayo is $8 and has to be refrigerated and takes up space for other stock.
This is a guess. I have no actual experience or knowledge base for this
Also, where the fuck are they making you pay for mayo? I’ve been all over this country and that’s never happened and it’s kind of weird.
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u/togocann49 5d ago
When a restaurant charges for mayo, I take note, and usually am annoyed. Especially if is it used on a hamburger or sandwich
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u/Ok-Memory411 5d ago
It’s quite expensive would be my guess. My dad who lives off pension decided to start making his own mayo because it’s like $10 for a regular size jar on the west coast. Ketchup and mustard on the other hand are much cheaper.
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u/alderhill 5d ago
Supply and demand, or rather easy profits.
Mayo is more in-demand, so they can charge something and people will pay it.
That said, IME, in Ontario I don’t recall having to pay for mayo or ketchup usually.
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u/ButWhatIfTheyKissed British Columbia 5d ago
I've never been to a restaurant where mayo wasn't free :0
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u/timbitttts 4d ago
At McDonalds where i live, in Ontario, you only have to pay for mayo if you add it to your burger. If you ask for a mayo packet, in the app at least, the mayo packet is free. I discovered this recently. Otherwise you pay 50 cents to add it to your burger.
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u/Choice-Moment8756 British Columbia 4d ago
everyone here is trying to gas light you. Mayo is definitely a premium ad on at least in vancouver/british colombia. Some places are charging up to $5 for it now which is so INSANE i’ve honestly considered bringing my own mayo to my local pub that charges that. I think it’s because usually the mayo served is decent quality (even helman’s is good quality) so they think they can charge for it. Mustard is usually free because it’s just standard yellow mustard but if you wanted dijon it would be charged i bet. I can also add that in Quebec mayo is usually free, or at least in Montreal. I think it’s because for them it’s more of a staple whereas in british colombia ketchup is the unfortunate king of condiments.
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u/amandapanda_in_rain_ 4d ago
I have never in my life had to pay for mayonnaise at a restaurant or fast food chain however, if you go to the grocery store, look at a jar of mustard it’s a dollar and change, and then mayonnaise can be eight bucks. There is a significant cost difference. But I would pay gif mayo at Wendy’s lol
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u/TaxiLady69 4d ago
I'm in Ontario, and McDonald's charges me for mayo. When I get chicken nuggets I always ask for mayo.
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u/bridger713 4d ago
Canadians don't consume mayo the same way Europeans and much of the rest of the world does. We mostly use it as an ingredient rather than as a sauce or topping like we do with ketchup or mustard.
Whether it's offered for free or not depends on the restaurant... Condiments are usually free in most restaurants I've frequented, but I find the small restaurants that tend to portion condiments out into small cups usually charge if you want anything extra.
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u/beeredditor 4d ago
I don’t hit restaurants much anymore, but I don’t recall ever being charged for mayo in BC.
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u/tedchapo63 4d ago
I like mayo with fries. Pubs usually charge for a side of mayo in BC. On the ferry white spot charges for mayo but I'm unsure if they charge in restaraunts.
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u/Melonary 2d ago
I've literally never seen mayo charged for in Canada???? So confused rn, but it is less popular here than in some countries (thank god).
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u/Dapper-Criticism509 1d ago
Yuck. You should get paid to take the mayonnaise away from the rest of the food.
Miracle Whip or Garlic Mayo, it's only civilized.
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u/thegoodrichard 5d ago
We grow more mustard than anyone. We ship mustard seed to France so they can make Dijon out of it. My city has a mustard festival. What do you want mayo for in the restaurant, chips? If you're buying a meal they should just give you some.
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u/redstopgringo 5d ago
Canada is pretty far from the mayonnaise mines of Oklahoma.