The Ultimate Guide to Blue Plate Sandwich Spread: Why It Disappeared, How to Find It, and What to Do Next

The decision to discontinue Blue Plate sandwich spread didn’t happen in a vacuum. In 2022 the parent company, ConAgra Brands, announced a strategic shift toward high‑margin, health‑focused lines, citing stagnant sales for legacy condiments. Market data showed a 12% decline in sandwich‑spread purchases over three years, driven by consumers gravitating toward plant‑based and protein‑rich alternatives. At the same time, the company faced a supply‑chain snag: the proprietary blend of cultured dairy and specialty spices relied on a single overseas supplier that halted exports due to trade restrictions. When the ingredient cost rose 18%, the product’s profit margin slipped below the company’s target threshold, prompting the board to pull the line.

Adding to the pressure was a brand‑portfolio rationalization exercise. ConAgra grouped its spreads under a new “Premium Essentials” banner, and Blue Plate, despite its nostalgic appeal, didn’t fit the clean‑label narrative the banner promoted. Executives concluded that reallocating shelf space to newer, “clean‑label” spreads would generate higher ROI. The official press release framed the move as a “realignment with consumer preferences,” but internal memos leaked later revealed that the decision was primarily financial.

Fans have kept the conversation alive on social media, and that chatter has not gone unnoticed. In early 2024, a senior marketing manager hinted at a “potential limited‑edition comeback” during a quarterly earnings call, though no concrete timeline was offered. The hint sparked a surge in Google searches, pushing the keyword “Blue Plate return” into the top 5 trending food queries for a week.

While speculation is exciting, the realistic path to a revival hinges on two factors: demonstrable demand and a viable supply chain. Companies often use “test‑market” releases to gauge interest before committing to full production. If a petition gathers tens of thousands of signatures and retailers report sell‑through rates above 80% for any remaining stock, the brand may consider a small‑batch run, possibly under a nostalgic “throwback” label. Until those metrics materialize, the odds remain modest, but not impossible.

Even after a product is officially discontinued, residual inventory can linger in regional warehouses, discount clubs, and independent grocers. The Midwest, where Blue Plate historically held a strong market share, still reports occasional sightings on shelf‑edge displays at family‑owned supermarkets in Ohio and Indiana. Checking the “clearance” aisle of warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club can be fruitful, as they sometimes receive overstock shipments months after a product’s official end date.

Online platforms are another goldmine. Secondary marketplaces such as eBay, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace often list unopened jars at premium prices. Use search filters like “new” and “sealed” to avoid expired goods. Additionally, specialty food forums and Reddit’s r/foodswap community occasionally coordinate bulk purchases from liquidation warehouses, allowing fans to split the cost of a pallet of remaining stock. Always verify the sell‑by date before committing, as the spread’s emulsion can degrade over time.

If hunting for the original jar feels like chasing a ghost, you can recreate the flavor in your own kitchen with a handful of ingredients. The core of Blue Plate’s profile is a smooth blend of mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and a subtle tang from distilled white vinegar, all rounded out by a proprietary spice mix that includes mustard seed, celery seed, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Start with a base of 1 cup of high‑fat mayo, add 2 tablespoons of finely diced sweet relish, and whisk in 1 teaspoon of white vinegar.

Next, craft the spice blend: combine ½ teaspoon each of ground mustard seed, celery seed, and smoked paprika, then add a dash of garlic powder and a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. Stir the spices into the mayo mixture until fully incorporated, then let the spread rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld, mimicking the industrial aging process that gives the commercial product its depth. Adjust sweetness or tang by tasting and adding extra relish or vinegar in small increments.

While a homemade version satisfies the craving, some diners prefer a ready‑made alternative that offers convenience and consistent texture. Several brands have stepped into the vacuum left by Blue Plate. Duke’s Mayonnaise now sells a “Sandwich Spread” that blends mayo with sweet relish and a hint of dill, delivering a similar sweet‑savory balance. Another contender is “Heinz Sweet Relish Mayo,” which combines the classic Heinz relish with a creamy base, though it leans sweeter than the original.

For those seeking a healthier angle, “Sir Kensington’s Classic Mayo” can be mixed with equal parts of a low‑sugar pickle relish and a splash of apple cider vinegar, creating a lower‑calorie version with a comparable tang. Lastly, niche artisan producers on platforms like Etsy offer small‑batch spreads flavored with smoked chipotle or horseradish, providing adventurous twists on the classic profile while still satisfying the desire for a creamy sandwich enhancer.

Grassroots campaigns have proven effective for resurrecting beloved products—from Crystal Pepsi to Surge. In the case of Blue Plate, a petition launched on Change.org in March 2023 quickly amassed 28,000 signatures, prompting a media mention in Food & Wine. The petition’s success lies in its clear call‑to‑action: a request for the brand to produce a limited‑run batch, paired with a pledge from signers to purchase a minimum of two jars each.

Beyond petitions, fans can amplify their voice by tagging the brand’s official accounts on Instagram and Twitter, using hashtags like #BringBackBluePlate. Direct emails to the company’s consumer‑relations department, citing personal anecdotes and attaching the petition link, add a personal touch. When a brand sees a coordinated, data‑driven demand—especially if it aligns with a potential marketing angle such as a “nostalgia campaign”—the likelihood of a response increases dramatically.

Blue Plate isn’t solely defined by its sandwich spread; the line also includes classic mayonnaise, mustard, and a handful of salad dressings. Recent quarterly reports show that the mayonnaise segment remains profitable, with a 7% year‑over‑year growth driven by the rise in home cooking during the pandemic. The company has invested in reformulating the mayo to include cage‑free eggs, a move that resonates with today’s ethical consumers.

Given this momentum, it’s reasonable to expect that the broader Blue Plate portfolio will continue to be stocked, especially in regions where the brand enjoys strong loyalty. The company’s supply chain for mayonnaise and mustard is stable, relying on domestic dairy farms and spice distributors unaffected by the overseas issues that plagued the sandwich spread. As a result, while the spread may stay dormant, the rest of the line is likely to thrive and perhaps even expand into new flavors that could eventually circle back to a spread‑style product.

Supporting a brand after a product’s disappearance requires more than a single tweet. Start by organizing local “taste‑test” events where you bring homemade or alternative spreads and invite friends to compare them to memories of the original. Capture the experience on video and share it with the brand’s marketing team; real‑world user‑generated content is gold for companies looking to launch nostalgic campaigns.

Another powerful tactic is bulk purchasing. If you locate a retailer with remaining stock, buying multiple jars not only clears shelves but also generates sales data that the brand can reference when evaluating a relaunch. Finally, consider collaborating with food bloggers or micro‑influencers who have a dedicated following in the condiment niche. Their endorsement, paired with a clear call‑to‑action for followers to sign a petition, can turn a modest fan base into a viral movement that catches the attention of corporate decision‑makers.