Top Picks: What Brand of Mustard is Gluten-Free?

November 9, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, even minor exposure to gluten can cause significant health issues for individuals with celiac disease. For those following a gluten-free diet, a seemingly simple condiment like mustard can pose a risk of hidden gluten or cross-contamination. That's why knowing what brand of mustard is gluten-free is essential for safe eating.

Quick Summary

This guide identifies several popular and certified gluten-free mustard brands, explores the risks of cross-contamination in both products and preparation, and provides detailed information on selecting safe options. It highlights key differences between brands and offers practical advice for navigating the grocery store and dining out.

Key Points

Certified vs. Labeled: Certified gluten-free products (like Sir Kensington's) are the safest bet for celiacs, as they adhere to stricter manufacturing standards.
Check Ingredients Carefully: Always read the ingredients list for potentially hidden gluten sources, such as malt vinegar.
French's and Annie's are Safe Bets: French's Classic Yellow and Annie's organic mustards are widely available and labeled gluten-free, but always check the most current label for updates.
Avoid Brands with Cross-Contamination Risk: Grey Poupon, though lacking gluten ingredients, does not guarantee against cross-contamination, making it risky for those with celiac disease.
Prevent Kitchen Cross-Contamination: Use separate condiment jars or squeeze bottles in shared kitchens and avoid 'double-dipping' to keep your mustard safe.
Read Store Brand Labels: Store brands like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods often offer gluten-free mustards, but check the label on each specific variety for confirmation.

Navigating the Gluten-Free Mustard Market

Mustard, in its simplest form, is typically made from mustard seeds, vinegar, water, and spices, which are all naturally gluten-free. However, the risk arises from certain additives or the manufacturing process itself. Some brands use malt vinegar, which is derived from barley and contains gluten. Moreover, cross-contamination can occur when a product is manufactured in a facility that also processes gluten-containing foods. For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, vigilance is key.

Certified vs. Labeled Gluten-Free

There's a significant difference between a product that is simply labeled "gluten-free" and one that is certified by an organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).

Certified Gluten-Free: This label means the product and its manufacturing facility have been rigorously tested to ensure they meet strict standards, often testing below 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This provides the highest level of assurance for those with celiac disease.
Labeled Gluten-Free: The FDA requires that products labeled "gluten-free" must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. While this is sufficient for many, it doesn't guarantee against cross-contamination at the same level as a certified product. It's crucial to check the label for any specific certification logos.

Top Gluten-Free Mustard Brands

Here are some of the most reliable and widely available brands that offer gluten-free mustard options. Always double-check the label for the most up-to-date information, as formulas and manufacturing practices can change.

French's

French's is a classic and widely trusted option. Their Classic Yellow Mustard is confirmed gluten-free and has been for years. Many of their other varieties, including Dijon and Honey Mustard, are also labeled gluten-free. However, be aware that some of their products may have changed their labeling practices in recent years, so checking the current bottle for a clear "gluten-free" statement is always best, especially for specialty flavors.

Annie's Homegrown

Annie's offers a range of organic mustards, all of which are labeled gluten-free. Their Organic Yellow Mustard, Organic Dijon Mustard, and Organic Honey Mustard are all safe choices. Annie's is a great choice for those seeking organic and non-GMO options in addition to being gluten-free.

Sir Kensington's

This brand is a favorite among those who prioritize high-quality ingredients. All of Sir Kensington's products, including their mustards, are certified gluten-free and Non-GMO Project Verified. Their Yellow Mustard and Spicy Brown Mustard are both excellent, flavorful, and safe options.

Trader Joe's

Many of Trader Joe's private-label products are gluten-free, including their Organic Yellow Mustard. However, as with any store brand, always read the label carefully. Some specialty or seasonal mustards might contain gluten or be at risk for cross-contamination, as evidenced by some third-party labeling apps.

Whole Foods Market (365 Brand)

Whole Foods' 365 Everyday Value brand offers several organic and gluten-free mustards, including Organic Yellow Mustard and Organic Dijon Mustard. As a store brand, it's generally a safe bet, but checking for the gluten-free label on each product is the safest practice.

Grey Poupon

Grey Poupon is a more complex case. While their mustards do not contain any gluten ingredients, they are not labeled "certified gluten-free". This means there is a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. For those with celiac disease, it's a brand to approach with caution or avoid altogether.

How to Check Mustard for Gluten

Read the Ingredients List: Look for red flags such as malt vinegar, wheat flour, or unspecified "spices" that could contain gluten. Also, watch out for flavoring that may be from wheat.
Look for a Certification: The most reliable method is to look for a certified gluten-free symbol on the label, such as the GFCO or a similar organization's mark.
Check for an Allergen Statement: The label should clearly state if it contains wheat, which is a major source of gluten. While the absence of a wheat allergen statement is a good sign, it is not a complete guarantee of being gluten-free.
Research the Manufacturer: If you are unsure, you can check the company's website or contact customer service for their official gluten-free status and manufacturing protocols.

Comparison of Popular Mustard Brands


Brand	Status (as of 2025)	Certification?	Notes	Recommendation
French's Classic Yellow	Labeled Gluten-Free	No (in USA)	Classic and widely available, but relies on manufacturer claim.	Safe for most, but cross-check label for recent changes.
Annie's Organic Mustard	Labeled Gluten-Free	No	All organic varieties are gluten-free.	Excellent organic, non-GMO option.
Sir Kensington's	Certified Gluten-Free	Yes	Entire product line is certified gluten-free.	Highest level of assurance.
Grey Poupon	Not labeled Certified GF	No	No gluten ingredients, but cross-contamination risk is possible.	Avoid if celiac or highly sensitive.
Trader Joe's Organic Yellow	Labeled Gluten-Free	No	Good budget option, but check specific varieties.	Reliable, but read label per specific product.
Whole Foods 365 Organic	Labeled Gluten-Free	No	Many options available and clearly labeled.	Great organic, accessible store brand.

Beyond the Jar: Avoiding Cross-Contamination

Even with a safe jar of mustard, cross-contamination can still happen in the kitchen or at a restaurant.

Utensils: Never use a knife or spoon that has touched gluten-containing bread or food to scoop mustard from the jar. A dedicated, separate condiment jar for gluten-free family members is a great solution.
Sharing: At gatherings or in shared households, it is easy to accidentally contaminate a condiment with gluten. A separate, marked jar or squeeze bottle for gluten-free individuals is ideal.
Restaurants: Be cautious at restaurants where condiment bottles are refilled. The bottle itself or the contents could have been contaminated. Ask for a new, sealed packet of mustard if possible.

Conclusion: Making a Safe Choice

For those on a gluten-free diet, selecting the right mustard requires diligence. While most plain yellow mustards are inherently free of gluten ingredients, relying on certified or clearly labeled brands like Annie's or Sir Kensington's offers the highest level of safety. For classic brands like French's, always confirm the current label, and be extremely cautious with brands like Grey Poupon that don't guarantee against cross-contamination. By reading labels, being mindful of kitchen practices, and choosing trusted brands, you can enjoy your favorite foods worry-free while maintaining your health.

Want to find out more about the different types of mustards and their gluten-free status? Check out Verywell Fit's comprehensive guide on gluten-free mustard brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, French's Classic Yellow Mustard is widely considered gluten-free. While their U.S. products may no longer be explicitly labeled as such on the bottle, the ingredients are inherently gluten-free, and it is produced without gluten. For the highest sensitivity, always check the current label.

Grey Poupon does not contain gluten ingredients in its recipe, but it is not labeled as 'certified gluten-free'. This means there is a risk of cross-contamination from the manufacturing facility, so it is not recommended for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.

To prevent cross-contamination, use separate, dedicated jars of mustard for individuals with gluten sensitivities. Ensure that no utensils used on gluten-containing food are dipped into the gluten-free jar.

A "certified gluten-free" label indicates the product has been verified by a third-party organization, such as GFCO, and typically contains less than 10 ppm of gluten. A standard "gluten-free" label meets the FDA requirement of less than 20 ppm, but does not involve the same level of independent verification.

No, while the basic ingredients (mustard seeds, vinegar, water, salt) are gluten-free, some varieties can contain gluten from additives, thickeners, or flavorings. Additionally, cross-contamination is a risk during manufacturing.

No, malt vinegar is made from barley and contains gluten. If you see malt vinegar listed in the ingredients, the product is not gluten-free and should be avoided.

Sir Kensington's is a brand known for its certified gluten-free products, including its mustard varieties. You can also look for the GFCO seal on other brands' labels.