Which Brands of Mustard Are Gluten-Free? A Guide to Safe Condiments

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

While mustard seeds are naturally gluten-free, some varieties contain hidden gluten through additives like malt vinegar or thickeners. This guide will help you confidently navigate the grocery store to find which brands of mustard are gluten-free and safe for your diet.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of gluten in mustard, outlines brands that are labeled gluten-free, and details how to identify ingredients and risks for those with celiac disease.

Key Points

Check for Explicit Labeling: The safest mustard brands, such as Koops' and Sir Kensington's, explicitly state they are "gluten-free" on the label.
Beware of Malt Vinegar: Malt vinegar, derived from barley, contains gluten and is a common hidden source in some mustards; check ingredient lists carefully.
Watch for Cross-Contamination: Brands that don't carry a gluten-free label, like Grey Poupon, may be produced on shared equipment and pose a risk for highly sensitive individuals.
Confirm Vinegar Sources: While distilled vinegars are generally safe, some brands may use wheat-derived vinegar; brands like Annie's use corn or cane-derived vinegar.
Homemade is Safest: For complete control, use certified gluten-free dry mustard powder and mix it yourself with safe ingredients.
Be Cautious with Honey Mustard: Some honey mustards or specialty varieties may use wheat thickeners to achieve a desired consistency.
Trust Certifications: Third-party certifications, like GFCO, ensure a product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten, providing an extra layer of security.

Understanding Mustard and Gluten

For those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, understanding the ingredients in processed foods is critical. Mustard is often mistakenly assumed to be universally gluten-free, but that is not always the case. The final product's gluten status depends on its specific ingredients and manufacturing processes.

The Naturally Gluten-Free Components

At its core, mustard is made from naturally gluten-free ingredients: mustard seeds, water, and spices. These components pose no risk to individuals on a gluten-free diet. The issue arises with the addition of other ingredients, particularly vinegar, which can introduce gluten.

The Hidden Gluten Risks

The primary culprits for hidden gluten in mustard are:

Malt Vinegar: Made from barley, malt vinegar contains gluten and is not considered safe for a gluten-free diet. It's the most common source of gluten in mustards and often found in specialty or spiced varieties.
Wheat Thickeners: In some cases, wheat flour or starch may be used as a thickening agent, especially in some specialty mustards or sauces. This is a definite source of gluten.
Cross-Contamination: Even if a mustard contains no gluten ingredients, it may still pose a risk if it's manufactured on shared equipment with products that contain gluten. For very sensitive individuals, seeking out certified gluten-free products is the safest option.

Reputable Gluten-Free Mustard Brands

Finding a safe mustard requires diligent label reading, but many brands are reliable. The safest options are those that explicitly state "gluten-free" on their packaging.

Brands with Explicit Gluten-Free Labeling

Koops' Mustard: This brand is a top contender, with the company labeling all of its fourteen flavors of mustard as gluten-free. Their varieties include Dijon, Honey Mustard, and Spicy Brown.
Sir Kensington's: Many of Sir Kensington's mustards, including their Classic Yellow, Dijon, and Spicy Brown, are certified gluten-free and have the label clearly marked on the packaging.
Boar's Head: Primarily known for its deli meats, Boar's Head also produces a range of mustards. According to the company, all of its mustards, including Delicatessen-Style and Honey Mustard, are gluten-free to less than 20 parts per million (ppm).
Annie's Naturals: Annie's organic mustards, such as their Organic Honey Mustard and Organic Dijon Mustard, are considered gluten-free below 20 ppm. The brand uses distilled white vinegar from corn or beets, not wheat.
Organicville: This brand offers several organic mustard options, including Dijon and yellow varieties, which are labeled gluten-free.
Plochman's: The Original Yellow Mustard from Plochman's is labeled gluten-free.
Dillman Farm: This brand offers several all-natural, gluten-free mustards, including Dijon.

Brands to Approach with Caution

Some popular brands, while not containing obvious gluten ingredients, do not carry a specific "gluten-free" label due to potential cross-contamination risks.

Grey Poupon: This mustard contains no gluten ingredients but is not labeled gluten-free. It may be subject to cross-contamination during manufacturing, making it a risk for celiacs.
Guldens: Similarly, Gulden's mustards do not contain gluten ingredients but lack a gluten-free label. The company also notes that the vinegar can be derived from corn or wheat.
Heinz: Many Heinz mustards are made with natural ingredients, but they are not labeled gluten-free, so cross-contamination remains a possibility.

How to Vet Mustard for Gluten

For anyone with a serious gluten sensitivity, the following steps are crucial for ensuring a mustard's safety:

Read the Label: Always check the ingredient list for any mention of wheat, barley, rye, or malt vinegar. Under U.S. regulations, gluten-containing grains must be declared as allergens.
Look for Certification: The most reliable indicator is a certified gluten-free label, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) mark. This guarantees the product has been tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Confirm the Vinegar Source: If a mustard contains white vinegar, it's generally safe as the distillation process removes gluten proteins. However, malt vinegar is never safe. Some brands, like Annie's, specify their vinegar source to be naturally gluten-free.
Buy Uncontaminated Dry Mustard: If you prefer absolute control, use dry mustard powder and mix it with safe vinegar and water at home. Just ensure the powder has not been processed in a shared facility.

Mustard Brand Comparison Table


Brand	Status for Celiacs	Key Ingredient Considerations
Koops'	All products are labeled gluten-free	Safe choice; explicitly labeled gluten-free.
Sir Kensington's	Labeled or Certified gluten-free	Safe choice; check labels for certification marks.
Boar's Head	All mustards are gluten-free to <20 ppm	Safe choice; excellent for deli-style mustards.
Annie's Naturals	Organic mustards labeled gluten-free (<20 ppm)	Safe choice; uses certified organic, gluten-free vinegar.
Grey Poupon	Contains no gluten ingredients, but not labeled GF	Risk of cross-contamination; avoid if highly sensitive.
Guldens	Contains no gluten ingredients, but not labeled GF	Risk of cross-contamination; vinegar source can vary.
Heinz	Not labeled gluten-free	Risk of cross-contamination; avoid if sensitive.

Conclusion

While mustard's fundamental ingredients are gluten-free, a number of factors can introduce gluten, making label-reading a necessity for those with celiac disease. Certified and explicitly labeled brands like Koops', Sir Kensington's, and Boar's Head offer safe and delicious options. Less sensitive individuals may tolerate brands without a gluten-free label, but those with celiac should exercise caution with uncertified products like Grey Poupon or Guldens due to cross-contamination concerns. The safest and most controlled method is making your own mustard from certified-safe dry mustard powder. Ultimately, understanding which specific brands of mustard are gluten-free empowers you to make informed choices and safely enjoy your meals. For additional resources on living a gluten-free lifestyle, consult with a trusted organization like Coeliac UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all yellow mustard is gluten-free. While many basic yellow mustards are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, some varieties or brands may use additives or be subject to cross-contamination, so always read the label.

Yes, malt vinegar contains gluten because it is made from barley. Products containing malt vinegar are not safe for individuals on a gluten-free diet.

No, you cannot always trust restaurant mustard. The bottle could be refilled with a different brand, or the utensils used could cause cross-contamination. When eating out, it's best to ask staff for sealed, single-use packets or to confirm if the mustard is certified gluten-free.

Yes, dry mustard powder, or what is sometimes called 'mustard flour,' is naturally gluten-free as it comes from ground mustard seeds. However, it is important to ensure it hasn't been cross-contaminated during processing.

The safest way is to look for brands with an official 'certified gluten-free' label on the packaging. This indicates the product has been tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.

Basic Dijon mustard made with mustard seeds, white wine, or white wine vinegar is typically gluten-free. However, some manufacturers may add ingredients that are not. Always check the label, and for high sensitivity, stick to explicitly labeled brands like Koops' or Sir Kensington's.

You should check the type of vinegar used. Distilled vinegars are safe, even if derived from gluten grains, but malt vinegar is not. Look for brands that specify their vinegar source or use certified organic vinegar.