Is Ken's Honey Mustard Low FODMAP? A Complete Guide to Ingredients & Alternatives

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Monash University Low FODMAP Diet app, honey is classified as a high-FODMAP ingredient due to its excess fructose content, making Ken's honey mustard unsuitable for a low-FODMAP diet. This guide will detail the specific ingredients that make this popular dressing problematic for IBS and provide delicious, gut-friendly alternatives.

Quick Summary

Ken's honey mustard is not low FODMAP because it contains honey, a high-fructose ingredient, and other potential additives. This article explores the specific ingredients to avoid and offers low-FODMAP alternatives, including a simple homemade recipe.

Key Points

Ken's is High FODMAP: Ken's honey mustard is not suitable for a low FODMAP diet primarily due to its high content of honey and often high-fructose corn syrup.
Honey is the Culprit: Honey contains excess fructose, a fermentable carbohydrate that can trigger IBS symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Check for HFCS: Always read the ingredient list, as different versions of Ken's honey mustard may contain high-fructose corn syrup, another high-FODMAP ingredient.
Consider Store-Bought Alternatives: Brands like FODY Foods offer certified low-FODMAP dressings, including some that mimic the flavor profile of honey mustard.
Make a Homemade Version: A delicious low-FODMAP alternative can be made at home using pure maple syrup instead of honey, combined with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
Beware Hidden Ingredients: Be cautious of general terms like 'spices' and 'natural flavors' on labels, which could indicate hidden onion or garlic powder.
Portion Control is Key: Even with low-FODMAP condiments, sticking to small, tested serving sizes is important to avoid stacking FODMAPs.

Why Ken's Honey Mustard is Not Low FODMAP

While Ken's brand offers a variety of salad dressings, its popular honey mustard variety is not suitable for individuals following a low-FODMAP diet. The primary reason is the inclusion of honey, which contains excess fructose—a type of fermentable carbohydrate that can trigger digestive symptoms in sensitive individuals. Different formulations of Ken's honey mustard list slightly varying ingredients, but most include honey and some versions also list high-fructose corn syrup.

The High-FODMAP Culprits

Several ingredients in Ken's honey mustard contribute to its high-FODMAP status:

Honey: The main ingredient responsible for the high-FODMAP classification. While some people may tolerate honey in very small amounts (less than one teaspoon), the quantity typically found in commercial dressings is likely to cause issues for those with fructose malabsorption.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): Several versions of Ken's dressing contain HFCS, a concentrated source of fructose, making it a definite high-FODMAP trigger.
Spices: The general term 'spices' on an ingredient list can sometimes conceal high-FODMAP ingredients like onion or garlic powder, which are common flavor enhancers in dressings. While the FDA in the USA requires specific labeling for onion and garlic, other regions may not, so caution is advised.
Natural Flavors: Similar to 'spices,' the inclusion of 'natural flavors' can sometimes indicate hidden sources of onion or garlic extract. This can be a concern for individuals who are particularly sensitive to fructans.

Low FODMAP Alternatives to Ken's Honey Mustard

Following a low-FODMAP diet doesn't mean you have to give up delicious condiments. There are several safe alternatives to get that sweet and tangy flavor profile without the digestive distress.

Safe Store-Bought Condiments

If you prefer convenience, look for these safe options at the grocery store:

FODY Foods: This brand specializes in certified low-FODMAP products, including various salad dressings and sauces. FODY dressings are made with gut-friendly ingredients and are a reliable choice.
Plain Mustard: Dijon, yellow, and whole-grain mustard are typically low FODMAP, as long as the ingredient list is free of added honey, onion, or garlic. Always check the label to be sure.
Simple Vinaigrettes: A basic dressing made from olive oil, a low-FODMAP vinegar (like apple cider or red wine), and herbs is a safe and flavorful option.

How to Make Your Own Low FODMAP Honey Mustard

Creating a homemade version gives you complete control over the ingredients. This recipe replaces honey with maple syrup to maintain the flavor without the high-fructose content. It is adapted from a recipe by A Little Bit Yummy, a trusted low-FODMAP resource.

Ingredients:

4 tbsp mayonnaise (ensure it's low FODMAP, check for milk solids or HFCS)
3 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
3 tbsp pure maple syrup (ensure it's pure)
1 tbsp white vinegar
Black pepper to taste
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. For a creamier texture, you can blend it briefly. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Ken's Honey Mustard vs. Homemade Low-FODMAP Honey Mustard


Feature	Ken's Honey Mustard	Homemade Low-FODMAP Maple Mustard
Sweetener	Honey, High-Fructose Corn Syrup	Pure Maple Syrup (Low FODMAP)
FODMAP Content	High in excess fructose and potential fructans	Low FODMAP, safe for most IBS sufferers
Additives	Contains artificial preservatives and flavors	Free of artificial additives
Ingredients	Soybean Oil, Vinegar, Sugar, Honey, HFCS, Spices	Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Maple Syrup, Vinegar, Spices
Digestive Impact	Potential for bloating, gas, and discomfort	Gentle on the digestive system

Common Pitfalls to Avoid with Condiments

When shopping for any condiment on a low-FODMAP diet, it is crucial to read labels carefully. Many commercial products contain hidden high-FODMAP ingredients that can derail your progress. Be on the lookout for:

Hidden Fructans: Look out for onion, garlic, inulin, chicory root, and wheat flour in ingredient lists.
High-FODMAP Sweeteners: Besides honey and HFCS, also avoid agave syrup, sorbitol, and mannitol.
Serving Size: Even low-FODMAP items can become high-FODMAP in large quantities. The Monash app provides specific serving sizes for many foods to help you manage intake.
Cross-Contamination: When eating out, be aware that many sauces are prepared using high-FODMAP bases, making them unsafe.

Conclusion

For individuals on a low-FODMAP diet, Ken's honey mustard is not a safe choice due to its high content of excess fructose from honey and high-fructose corn syrup. However, numerous delicious and gut-friendly alternatives are available. Safe options include certified low-FODMAP dressings from brands like FODY Foods or a simple homemade version using maple syrup as a substitute for honey. By carefully reading labels and making informed choices, you can still enjoy flavorful condiments without compromising your digestive comfort. Remember to always stick to recommended serving sizes, as even safe ingredients can become problematic in excess. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on FODMAPs, consult the Monash University Low FODMAP Diet app, the authoritative source on the subject. For additional resources and recipe inspiration, you can also explore websites like A Little Bit Yummy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honey is not low FODMAP because it contains a higher amount of fructose than glucose, an imbalance known as 'excess fructose.' This can be poorly absorbed by the small intestine and cause digestive issues for individuals with IBS.

A great low FODMAP substitute for honey is pure maple syrup. It provides a similar sweetness and can be used in homemade dressings to achieve a honey mustard-like flavor without the high-fructose content.

It is not recommended to have any amount of Ken's honey mustard, especially during the elimination phase of the low FODMAP diet. The honey and other potential high-FODMAP ingredients make it a high-risk condiment, and there are many safer, certified low-FODMAP alternatives available.

Yes, Ken's Lite Honey Mustard is also considered high FODMAP. While the specific ingredients may vary, product checks indicate it contains at least one ingredient that is high FODMAP, consistent with the standard version.

No, most plain mustards like yellow, Dijon, and whole-grain mustard are low FODMAP. The issue arises when high-FODMAP ingredients like honey, garlic, or onion are added during processing, as is the case with Ken's honey mustard.

For a quick, safe alternative, you can mix low-FODMAP mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, a small amount of maple syrup, and a splash of vinegar. This will give you a similar flavor profile without the digestive triggers.

In addition to honey and high-fructose corn syrup, check for ingredients like onion powder, garlic powder, inulin, chicory root, and certain fruit juices. Also, be wary of the terms 'spices' or 'natural flavors,' especially when not in the USA, as they might hide high-FODMAP ingredients.