Police are spreading their resources in the hunt for mayonnaise stolen from business premises in South Australia.

Officers say they are puzzled about why anyone would want to take 42 kilograms of mayonnaise.

The tubs have been stolen from a business at Whyalla.

Police said the thieves took the two 21-kilogram tubs from a refrigerated warehouse over the weekend.

Their media alert urged that anyone hearing of people making large quantities of coleslaw or potato salad call CrimeStoppers.