What's in French's yellow mustard?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

French's Classic Yellow Mustard, an American staple since its introduction at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, is surprisingly simple, containing just a handful of core ingredients. While the exact formula is a proprietary secret, the main components are publicly known and listed on every bottle, giving insight into its mild, tangy flavor profile. For over a century, the formula has remained consistent, delivering the iconic taste that pairs perfectly with hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches.

Quick Summary

French's classic yellow mustard contains distilled vinegar, water, #1 grade mustard seed, salt, turmeric, paprika, natural flavor, and garlic powder. The minimal ingredient list makes it a simple condiment, suitable for various diets, including vegan and gluten-free, without artificial flavors or dyes.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: French's yellow mustard is made with distilled vinegar, water, #1 grade mustard seed, salt, turmeric, paprika, natural flavor, and garlic powder.
Turmeric for Color: The bright yellow color of the mustard comes primarily from the turmeric spice, not the mustard seeds themselves.
Flavor Profile: It is known for its mild, tangy flavor, which is less pungent than mustards made with brown or black mustard seeds.
Dietary Information: The classic version is naturally vegan and gluten-free, with no artificial colors or preservatives.
Low Calorie: Being very low in calories and fat, it is a simple condiment that fits into many dietary plans.
Long History: The brand has been a popular American condiment since its introduction at the 1904 World's Fair.

Core Ingredients of French's Classic Yellow Mustard

The ingredient list for French's yellow mustard is deceptively simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in creating the iconic flavor and color. The key ingredients found on the label are:

Distilled Vinegar: This is the primary liquid base that provides the signature tangy and sharp flavor. It acts as a preservative, extending the product's shelf life naturally.
Water: Used to create the proper consistency and texture of the mustard.
#1 Grade Mustard Seed: French's uses finely ground, high-quality yellow mustard seeds (Sinapis alba), which provide the mild, zesty flavor. The yellow variety is less pungent than brown or black mustard seeds.
Salt: A flavor enhancer that balances the acidity of the vinegar and the subtle heat from the mustard seeds.
Turmeric: Responsible for the mustard's vibrant, classic yellow color. This common spice also provides a faint, earthy flavor.
Paprika: Adds a mild, peppery flavor and contributes to the overall reddish-yellow hue.
Spice: This general term, often on an ingredient list, typically refers to a blend of spices that contribute to the unique flavor profile. While proprietary, it often includes other common spices found in mustard recipes.
Natural Flavor: Like "spice," this is a catch-all term for flavorings derived from a natural source.
Garlic Powder: Included for an additional layer of mild savory flavor.

The Role of Turmeric in Yellow Mustard

While many people assume the vibrant color of yellow mustard comes naturally from mustard seeds, the truth is it's primarily from turmeric. Turmeric is a root spice known for its intense yellow color and a long history of use in food and traditional medicine. Without turmeric, yellow mustard would have a much paler, more beige appearance. The curcumin in turmeric provides the color but also offers a slight earthy taste that contributes to the mustard's overall flavor complexity.

Is French's Yellow Mustard Vegan and Gluten-Free?

Yes, French's Classic Yellow Mustard is both vegan and gluten-free. The ingredient list is free of any animal-derived products, including dairy, eggs, or other by-products, making it suitable for a vegan diet. Similarly, it does not contain any gluten-based ingredients like wheat flour, which is sometimes used as a thickener in other mustard varieties. However, those with severe gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should always check labels, as manufacturing processes can vary, though French's is widely recognized as a gluten-free product.

Nutritional Facts at a Glance

French's yellow mustard is a low-calorie and low-fat condiment, making it a popular choice for many diets. A typical serving (about one teaspoon) contains virtually no calories, fat, or sugar. The primary nutritional factors to be aware of are sodium content and the small amounts of minerals derived from the mustard seed and spices.

Comparison of French's with other common mustards


Feature	French's Classic Yellow	Dijon Mustard	Spicy Brown Mustard
Primary Mustard Seed	Yellow (white) seeds	Brown and black seeds	Brown seeds
Main Liquid Base	Distilled vinegar and water	White wine or verjuice	Vinegar
Flavor Profile	Mild, tangy, slightly savory	Sharp, complex, and spicy	Pungent, grainy, and robust
Coloring Agent	Turmeric	None added; natural beige color	Natural brown color
Texture	Very smooth and creamy	Smooth, but can be grainy	Coarse and grainy
Common Uses	Hot dogs, hamburgers, deli sandwiches	Sauces, vinaigrettes, marinades	Deli sandwiches, sausages

Conclusion

French's yellow mustard is a time-tested American classic thanks to its simple, consistent recipe. The ingredients—distilled vinegar, mustard seed, salt, turmeric, and other natural spices—combine to create a mild, tangy flavor and a recognizable bright yellow color. It is a versatile condiment that has maintained its popularity for over a century due to its straightforward recipe and broad appeal. The product's vegan and gluten-free status adds to its accessibility, making it a kitchen pantry staple for generations of families. For those seeking a reliable, classic yellow mustard, French's remains a steadfast choice. For more information on the history of this iconic brand, you can visit the McCormick website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary ingredient in French's yellow mustard is distilled vinegar, which provides its characteristic tangy flavor and acts as a preservative.

Yes, French's yellow mustard is suitable for vegans. The ingredients, including mustard seed, vinegar, and spices, are all plant-based with no animal products or by-products.

Yes, French's yellow mustard is generally considered gluten-free and does not contain wheat flour, which is sometimes used as a thickener in other mustards.

The bright yellow color of French's mustard comes from the inclusion of turmeric spice, a root known for its strong yellow pigment.

French's uses a #1 grade, finely ground yellow mustard seed (Sinapis alba), which is milder than other varieties of mustard seed.

No, French's classic yellow mustard does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Its flavor and color come from natural spices.

French's recommends refrigerating the mustard after opening to maintain the best flavor and quality.

In food labeling, 'natural flavor' is a proprietary ingredient term used for flavorings derived from a natural source, such as a spice or fruit, to create a specific flavor profile.