Is there gluten in GREY Poupon Dijon mustard?

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to manufacturers and dietary specialists, Grey Poupon Dijon mustard does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients in its recipe. This means that the mustard seeds, white wine, and other standard components are naturally gluten-free. However, a lack of official certification and labeling raises concerns for those with celiac disease due to potential cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Quick Summary

Grey Poupon Dijon mustard is made with ingredients that do not contain gluten, but it lacks a certified gluten-free label due to potential cross-contamination concerns.

Key Points

Ingredient Safety: Grey Poupon's recipe does not contain any gluten ingredients, as confirmed by Kraft Heinz's labeling policies.
Cross-Contamination Risk: The product lacks a gluten-free certification, indicating a potential risk of cross-contamination during production.
Celiac Caution: Individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity should avoid Grey Poupon due to the risk of trace gluten exposure.
Labeling Matters: A product labeled 'gluten-free' offers certainty, while products like Grey Poupon, which are not labeled, should be approached with caution.
Certified Alternatives: Several brands like Boar's Head and Annie's Naturals offer certified gluten-free Dijon mustard alternatives.
Manufacturer Disclosure: The parent company, Kraft Heinz, clearly states on its website that products are labeled in compliance with FDA standards, which includes disclosing intentionally added gluten but not guaranteeing against cross-contamination for unlabeled items.

Understanding the Ingredients in Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard

For individuals concerned with a gluten-free diet, the most important step is always to scrutinize the ingredient list. A review of Grey Poupon's standard Dijon mustard reveals no gluten-containing components. The core ingredients are:

Distilled white vinegar
Mustard seed
Water
Salt
White wine
Citric acid
Tartaric acid
Fruit pectin
Sugar
Spices Crucially, the vinegar used in Grey Poupon is distilled, which is typically considered safe for a gluten-free diet, even if derived from a gluten-containing grain like wheat. Citric acid, another ingredient that sometimes causes concern, is widely regarded as safe for those with celiac disease. The recipe contains no wheat flour or malt vinegar, which are common sources of hidden gluten in other mustard varieties.

The Critical Issue of Cross-Contamination

While the ingredient list appears safe, the production process is the main point of caution. Grey Poupon's parent company, Kraft Heinz, follows a policy of disclosing all gluten-containing ingredients on product labels. However, the absence of a certified 'gluten-free' label on the Grey Poupon product is a strong indicator that the manufacturer cannot guarantee it is free from trace amounts of gluten. This risk arises from shared manufacturing facilities or equipment used to process products that do contain gluten. For someone with a severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease, even small amounts of gluten can trigger a reaction, making unlabeled products a potential hazard. Organizations like Gluten-Free Watchdog track this very issue, confirming that Grey Poupon is not labeled gluten-free.

Comparison of Dijon Mustards: Grey Poupon vs. Certified GF Options

For those who need to avoid all risk of cross-contamination, comparing Grey Poupon to certified alternatives is essential. This table highlights key differences.


Feature	Grey Poupon Dijon	Certified GF Dijon (e.g., Boar's Head, Annie's)
Ingredients	No gluten-containing ingredients in recipe.	No gluten-containing ingredients in recipe.
Official Label	Not Labeled Gluten-Free.	Explicitly labeled as gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination Risk	Potential risk due to manufacturing processes.	Low to no risk, with processes managed to prevent contamination.
Celiac Safety	Not recommended for those with celiac disease.	Recommended for celiac patients.
Ingredient Sourcing	Kraft Heinz discloses all ingredients on the label.	Often uses specific sourcing (e.g., corn-based vinegar) to ensure safety.

Safe Alternatives for Celiac Sufferers

For those with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, opting for a certified gluten-free mustard is the safest choice. Several brands explicitly label their products, including their Dijon varieties, as gluten-free.

Boar's Head: All of their mustards, including their delicatessen-style mustard, are certified gluten-free.
Annie's Naturals: Offers organic Dijon mustard labeled gluten-free.
Koops' Mustard: A wide variety of mustards, including Dijon, are labeled gluten-free.
Sir Kensington's: Many products are certified gluten-free.

Checking for the official 'certified gluten-free' logo, or confirming on the manufacturer's website, is the most reliable way to ensure a product's safety. For example, the Gluten Free Watchdog website provides detailed information about specific products and manufacturer statements.

Conclusion: Navigating Grey Poupon and the Gluten-Free Question

In summary, whether Grey Poupon Dijon mustard is safe depends on the individual's level of sensitivity. The classic Dijon mustard recipe itself does not contain gluten ingredients, making it a viable option for those with mild sensitivities who do not react to trace amounts. However, the absence of a certified gluten-free label means the product is not guaranteed to be free from cross-contamination. For individuals with celiac disease, the potential risk is too high, and certified gluten-free alternatives should be chosen instead. Always verify product labeling and consider certified options for absolute certainty. The safest course of action for those with a serious gluten allergy is to avoid Grey Poupon and choose a brand that guarantees a certified gluten-free process from start to finish.

The Final Word on Gluten in Grey Poupon

While Grey Poupon Dijon mustard doesn't list gluten ingredients, the absence of a gluten-free certification means it carries a cross-contamination risk, making it unsafe for those with celiac disease. The ultimate decision rests on your personal health needs and risk tolerance regarding gluten exposure.

Visit Gluten-Free Watchdog for more information on verifying food safety

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the white wine used in Grey Poupon is not a source of gluten. Wine is naturally gluten-free and does not contain any ingredients that would cause a reaction for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

The product is not labeled 'gluten-free' because of the potential for cross-contamination in the manufacturing facility, where other products containing gluten may be processed. Without this certification, the company cannot guarantee that no trace amounts of gluten are present.

People with mild gluten sensitivity might be able to tolerate Grey Poupon, as the ingredients themselves are gluten-free. However, due to the cross-contamination risk, individuals should assess their personal tolerance levels and sensitivity to trace gluten.

The safest way is to look for a mustard that is explicitly labeled 'certified gluten-free'. This indicates that the product has been tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten and that the manufacturer follows procedures to prevent cross-contamination.

Yes, citric acid is widely considered safe for a gluten-free diet. Any concerns about its sourcing are largely unfounded, and it is a safe ingredient for those with celiac disease.

Kraft Heinz discloses all intentionally added gluten ingredients on its product labels. However, for products like Grey Poupon that don't have a gluten-free label, they do not guarantee against cross-contamination from shared manufacturing lines.

No, not all Dijon mustards are unsafe. Many brands offer certified gluten-free Dijon mustard. The key is to check the packaging for a clear 'certified gluten-free' label to ensure safety from cross-contamination.