Is dijon mayonnaise gluten free?

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

Most traditional mayonnaise and Dijon mustard recipes are naturally free of gluten-containing ingredients. However, the real safety of any commercial Dijon mayonnaise depends on specific ingredients, manufacturing practices, and potential cross-contamination. Knowing what to check for on the label is essential to ensure your Dijon mayonnaise is truly gluten free.

Quick Summary

This guide examines whether Dijon mayonnaise is suitable for a gluten-free diet. It details why labels must be carefully checked for hidden gluten sources and cross-contamination risks, explains ingredient differences, and highlights brands with confirmed gluten-free status.

Key Points

Check Labels: Always look for an explicit 'gluten-free' label or third-party certification to ensure commercial products are safe.
Watch for Hidden Gluten: Hidden sources like malt vinegar, wheat-based thickeners, and cross-contamination pose risks, even if primary ingredients are safe.
Understand the Ingredients: Both traditional mayo and Dijon mustard are made from naturally gluten-free ingredients (eggs, oil, mustard seeds, vinegar).
Make It Yourself: To ensure 100% gluten-free status and avoid any risks, making homemade dijonnaise with certified ingredients is the best option.
Trusted Brands Exist: Several brands, like Sir Kensington's and Primal Kitchen, offer certified gluten-free dijonnaise or mayo products.

Understanding the Ingredients: Is Dijon Mayonnaise Naturally Gluten Free?

At its core, dijonnaise, or dijon mayonnaise, is a simple combination of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. The base ingredients for both of these condiments are typically naturally gluten free. Traditional mayonnaise is made from a simple emulsion of oil, egg yolks, vinegar, and seasonings like salt. The primary components of Dijon mustard are mustard seeds, white wine or white wine vinegar, water, and salt. Based on these foundational ingredients alone, both condiments should be safe for someone on a gluten-free diet.

The Sneaky Sources of Hidden Gluten

The simplicity of these recipes can be misleading. Hidden gluten can appear in packaged foods, including condiments, through several avenues. For people with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, understanding these risks is critical.

Malt Vinegar: While most vinegars like distilled white vinegar are considered gluten-free, malt vinegar is made from barley and is not safe. Some brands of Dijon mustard or other condiments may use malt vinegar for flavor, making them off-limits.
Additives and Thickeners: Some manufacturers may use wheat-based starches or other gluten-containing additives to thicken or stabilize their sauces. Always read the ingredients list carefully for terms like 'modified food starch' or 'wheat flour'.
Flavorings: Certain flavorings or spices added to a Dijon mayonnaise blend could contain gluten. For instance, some spice blends may include gluten-containing carriers or fillers.
Cross-Contamination: This is one of the biggest threats for individuals with celiac disease. Even if a product's ingredients are all gluten-free, it can become contaminated if it's processed on shared equipment with other gluten-containing foods, such as dressings or sauces.

How to Verify if Your Dijon Mayonnaise is Gluten Free

The most reliable method for ensuring a store-bought condiment is safe is to look for specific product labeling. Reputable food companies understand the seriousness of gluten allergies and clearly indicate the gluten-free status of their products.

Look for Certification Seals: A product bearing a gluten-free certification seal, such as from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or similar programs, has been tested to contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten and is considered very safe.
Check for 'Gluten-Free' Claims: According to FDA regulations, a product labeled 'gluten-free' in the U.S. must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. This provides a strong level of assurance, though some prefer the even stricter standards of third-party certification.
Read the Ingredients List: In the absence of a gluten-free label, a thorough review of the ingredients is necessary. Check for any of the previously mentioned hidden gluten sources. Also, look for any disclaimers about shared equipment, which could indicate a risk of cross-contamination.

Comparison Table: Store-Bought vs. Homemade Dijon Mayonnaise


Feature	Store-Bought Dijon Mayonnaise	Homemade Dijon Mayonnaise
Gluten Status	Varies by brand. Can be unsafe due to hidden ingredients or cross-contamination.	100% gluten-free if using certified ingredients. Complete control over ingredients.
Convenience	Highly convenient; ready to use off the shelf.	Requires preparation time, including sourcing individual ingredients.
Cost	Typically more affordable per ounce for major brands.	Can be more expensive initially depending on the quality of oil and other components.
Freshness & Flavor	Taste profile determined by the brand; preservatives may be present.	Superior freshness and customizable flavor; no preservatives.
Safety Assurance	Relies on certification labels and ingredient checking. Cross-contamination risk exists.	Complete peace of mind as the cook controls all variables and sources.

Making Your Own Guaranteed Gluten-Free Dijonnaise

For those who want absolute certainty, making your own dijonnaise is the best option. It's a simple, quick process and allows you to select certified gluten-free ingredients for every component. All you need are a few basic items and a blender or food processor.

Homemade Dijonnaise Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 cup light-flavored olive oil or other neutral oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 tbsp certified gluten-free Dijon mustard
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
1. Combine the egg, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend on low until the ingredients are combined.
3. While the blender is running, slowly drizzle in the oil.
4. Continue blending until the mixture thickens and emulsifies into a creamy mayonnaise.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Gluten-Free Dijon Mayonnaise Brands

Many brands offer safe, certified gluten-free options for both mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. You can either mix them yourself or find pre-made dijonnaise.

Sir Kensington's: Offers both gluten-free Dijon mustard and dijonnaise options, like their Dijonnaise which is labeled gluten-free.
Boar's Head: A reliable brand that explicitly labels all its mustards and sauces, including their Delicatessen Style Mustard, as gluten-free.
Primal Kitchen: Specializes in clean, allergen-friendly condiments, with all their products, including their avocado oil mayos, being certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Is dijon mayonnaise gluten free? The answer is a conditional "yes." While the core components are naturally gluten-free, the risks of hidden gluten and cross-contamination in commercial products mean that consumers must be diligent. Always look for a certified gluten-free label or check for transparent ingredients and manufacturing practices. For complete peace of mind, making your own dijonnaise at home with certified gluten-free ingredients is the safest and most delicious route. By staying informed, you can safely enjoy this versatile and flavorful condiment. For further reading on safe gluten-free living and labeling guidelines, refer to the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while most mayonnaise is made from naturally gluten-free ingredients, some brands may add gluten-containing additives, or it could be at risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Most standard Dijon mustard is gluten-free, but you must check the label. Some manufacturers might use malt vinegar or other additives that contain gluten. Certified gluten-free brands are the safest choice.

The primary risks are hidden gluten-containing ingredients, such as malt vinegar or wheat-based thickeners, and the potential for cross-contamination if produced on shared equipment.

You should not assume a restaurant's condiments are safe. Condiment bottles are often refilled, and kitchen cross-contamination is a significant risk for those with celiac disease. Always ask staff to check the original bottle or use a sealed, single-serving packet.

Both regular and Dijon mustard can be gluten-free, but you must check ingredients for both. Dijon has a distinct flavor from using brown mustard seeds and white wine/vinegar, which are generally gluten-free, while regular mustard uses yellow seeds. The risk of gluten lies in additives, not the base ingredients.

Yes, making dijonnaise at home is the safest option because you have complete control over all ingredients. By choosing certified gluten-free mustard, eggs, and oils, you can ensure it is 100% safe.

A third-party certification seal, like from the GFCO, means the product has been rigorously tested to contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten, offering a high level of assurance for those with celiac disease.