My mother shopped at A&P, and bought Ann Page “salad dressing”. That’s what all the miracle whip knockoffs are called. I’ve never been able to tell the difference between miracle whip and the knock-offs, but there’s no comparison between Hellmans and miracle whip or its knock offs.
Many of us can tell the difference in the non-real dressings. Most are too sweet or too thin, for example, compared to MW. Some have an off taste.
I’ve purchased, bought and eaten Hellman’s and others, also made my own and tasted other home-made. Just lacks something I call *zing*, for lack of a better word, compared to MW. Even with added lime juice or balsamic, I can’t quite reach that taste I’m looking for.
Everyone’s MMV.