Is There Any Sugar in Dijon Mustard?

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Dijon mustard typically contains only trace amounts of sugar, if any, in its traditional form. However, an increasing number of commercial brands may include a small amount of added sugar for flavor balance, making it essential to read the ingredient list carefully. This mild addition can affect those following low-sugar diets like keto or Whole30, so always check the label to be sure.

Quick Summary

The sugar content in Dijon mustard varies by brand and recipe. Many traditional or keto-friendly versions contain little to no sugar, while some commercial products may have a small amount added for taste. Checking the nutritional facts and ingredient list is the only way to confirm a specific brand's sugar content.

Key Points

Check the Ingredient List: The most reliable way to find out if your Dijon mustard contains sugar is to read the ingredient list, not just the nutritional facts.
Small Amounts are Common: Some commercial brands add a small amount of sugar to balance the flavor, but the quantity is often small enough to be rounded to 0g per serving on the nutrition label.
Traditional Dijon is Sugar-Free: The classic French recipe for Dijon mustard does not use sugar, relying on mustard seeds, white wine, and vinegar for its flavor.
Keto and Whole30 Options Exist: Look for brands explicitly labeled as keto or Whole30 compliant, as these are formulated to exclude added sugars.
Homemade is a Safe Bet: Making your own Dijon mustard from scratch gives you full control over the ingredients and guarantees it is sugar-free.
Flavor vs. Sweetener: The sharp, tangy flavor of Dijon comes from the seeds, wine, and vinegar, not sweetness.

The Core Ingredients of Dijon Mustard

Traditional Dijon mustard, which originated in the French city of Dijon, uses a straightforward recipe that does not require sugar. The classic components include mustard seeds, white wine or verjus (the acidic juice of unripe grapes), vinegar, and salt. The characteristic pungent flavor comes from the brown or black mustard seeds, which are more intense and complex than the yellow seeds used in American yellow mustard. The acidity from the wine and vinegar provides a tangy sharpness that defines its flavor profile, without needing sweetness from sugar.

Why Some Brands Add Sugar

Modern commercial food production often adjusts traditional recipes to appeal to a broader consumer base. In the case of Dijon mustard, some manufacturers add a small amount of sugar or other sweeteners to mellow the sharp, tangy flavor and create a more balanced taste. The amount is typically very low, often listed as 0 grams of sugar per serving on the nutrition label due to rounding, but it is still included in the ingredients list. This is particularly true for larger-scale producers who are mass-producing condiments for a general market. For specialty or homemade mustards, the inclusion of sugar is a recipe choice, not a necessity.

Deciphering Nutritional Labels and Ingredient Lists

Becoming a savvy shopper means knowing how to read a product's label effectively, especially when monitoring your sugar intake. For Dijon mustard, you must examine both the nutrition facts panel and the ingredient list.

Nutrition Facts: Check the 'Total Sugars' line. Many labels will show 0g, which is common for a standard 1-teaspoon serving size due to rounding. This doesn't necessarily mean no sugar was added.
Ingredient List: This is the most reliable source. Scan the list for words like 'sugar,' 'cane sugar,' 'high fructose corn syrup,' or 'honey'. Ingredients are listed in descending order of weight, so if 'sugar' is far down the list, the amount is minimal.

Dijon vs. Other Mustards: A Comparison Table

To better understand the sugar content of Dijon, here is a comparison with other popular mustards, using typical nutritional values. Note that figures can vary significantly by brand.


Mustard Type	Key Features	Primary Mustard Seed	Typical Sugar Content (per serving)	Keto Friendly?
Dijon	Sharp, tangy, creamy	Brown or black	Trace amounts (often 0g on label)	Yes (usually)
American Yellow	Mild, tangy, bright yellow	Yellow seeds, turmeric	Trace amounts (often 0g on label)	Yes (usually)
Honey Mustard	Sweet, tangy, creamy	Yellow/brown seeds	High (honey is a key ingredient)	No
Sweet Mustard	Sweet and mild	Varies	High (sugar is a key ingredient)	No
Spicy Brown	Pungent, grainy texture	Brown seeds	Trace amounts (often 0g on label)	Yes (usually)
Whole Grain	Coarse texture, nutty flavor	Whole seeds (brown/yellow)	Trace amounts (often 0g on label)	Yes (usually)

Finding Sugar-Free Dijon Options

For those who need to avoid sugar completely, several reliable options are available. Look for brands that are explicitly marketed as Whole30 compliant, keto-friendly, or that list only the foundational ingredients. Another option is to make your own Dijon mustard at home, giving you complete control over the ingredients. A basic recipe typically includes mustard seeds, white wine or vinegar, and salt, with no sugar required. The flavor naturally mellows and develops complexity over a few days in the refrigerator. You can find excellent recipes on reputable food blogs or websites.

The Verdict: Reading the Label is Key

In conclusion, while traditional Dijon mustard recipes don't call for sugar, the definitive answer to whether your specific jar contains it lies in reading the ingredient list. Don't rely solely on the nutrition facts, especially for small serving sizes. For most applications and health-conscious eaters, the sugar content in Dijon is negligible, but for strict dietary adherence like keto, verifying the ingredients is the only surefire method.

Conclusion: Navigating Sugar Content in Dijon Mustard

The question of whether there is sugar in Dijon mustard is not a simple yes or no, but a reflection of manufacturing practices. For the most part, a minimal or zero-sugar content is standard, which is why Dijon is a favorite condiment for many on restricted diets. However, the variation among commercial brands necessitates a quick check of the ingredient panel. By understanding the difference between a traditional recipe and a market-driven one, consumers can make informed choices to align with their dietary needs, whether that means a store-bought version with no added sugar or a homemade alternative. The nuanced truth is that while sugar isn't a core part of Dijon, it's not universally absent, making vigilance a virtue for label-readers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manufacturers may add a small amount of sugar to their Dijon mustard to mellow the sharp acidity and appeal to a broader audience that prefers a milder flavor profile.

Yes, most Dijon mustards are keto-friendly, especially those with no added sugar. A typical 1-teaspoon serving contains negligible carbohydrates, though you should still check the label for hidden sweeteners.

Most brands of Dijon mustard are gluten-free, as the core ingredients—mustard seeds, vinegar, water, and salt—are naturally free of gluten. Always check the label to ensure no gluten-containing additives were used.

Yes, Dijon mustard is typically vegan, as its ingredients are plant-based. Some rare variations might include egg yolks as a thickener, so it is always wise to review the ingredient list.

To find a sugar-free Dijon, look for brands that advertise being Whole30 compliant or keto-friendly. You can also make your own or choose smaller, artisan brands known for traditional recipes.

Both Dijon and yellow mustards are typically very low in sugar, often showing 0g per serving. However, both can have small amounts of sugar added by some manufacturers. The main difference lies in their primary seeds and acidulant—Dijon uses brown/black seeds and white wine, while yellow mustard uses yellow seeds and vinegar.

The FDA allows food companies to list 0g of sugar if the amount per serving is less than 0.5 grams. For small serving sizes like a teaspoon of mustard, this means a trace amount can still be present, so the ingredient list is the most accurate source of information.