If you thought mayonnaise was just a condiment, think again. Japan’s convenience store chain, Lawson, has launched Nomu Mayo, a bold creation that turns this beloved creamy staple into a chilled, drinkable beverage. Yes, you read that right—drinkable mayonnaise.
Packaged in a sleek 200ml cup adorned with a playful illustration of a mayo squeeze bottle, this curious concoction is priced at just ¥198 (around £1.04). While the label clarifies that it’s a “mayonnaise-style drink” and not actual mayo, early tasters report that its flavor is remarkably close to the real deal.
Mayo Mania in Japan
Mayonnaise has long been a culinary darling in Japan, used in everything from sushi and rice balls to pizzas and sandwiches. It’s even inspired innovations like mayo ice cream and sliced mayo sheets. But turning it into a beverage? That’s a whole new level of devotion—or madness, depending on who you ask.
Lawson describes Nomu Mayo as “the chilled drink mayo fanatics have long been waiting for,” offering a rich, tangy taste that aims to replicate the essence of Japanese mayonnaise, known for its thicker, creamier texture compared to Western varieties.
A Risky Experiment
While Nomu Mayo’s packaging touts its status as a “test sale,” reviews are already pouring in, and they’re as divisive as you might expect. Social media reactions range from outright disgust to mild curiosity.
One Reddit user lamented, “I love Japanese mayo, but this made me gag just thinking about it,” while another boldly declared, “Drinkable mayo?! Avoid at all costs!”
For mayo lovers willing to take a sip, the drink reportedly combines processed whole eggs with milk-based ingredients to create its signature flavor. Whether that’s a recipe for success or disaster remains to be seen.
A Test of Taste Buds
Nomu Mayo’s fate depends on whether mayo fanatics embrace it as a quirky indulgence or reject it as a step too far. If nothing else, it’s another example of Japan’s adventurous approach to food. Would you dare to drink your favorite condiment?