Which English Mustard is Gluten-Free? Your Guide to a Safe Nutrition Diet

October 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Most mustard seeds are naturally gluten-free, but prepared English mustard often contains wheat flour as a thickener, making it a hidden source of gluten for those with celiac disease or sensitivities. For a safe and compliant nutrition diet, it's essential to understand which English mustard is gluten-free before purchasing.

Quick Summary

Many ready-made English mustards are not gluten-free due to the addition of wheat flour. However, safe certified options and mustard powder alternatives exist, requiring careful label-reading to avoid hidden gluten ingredients.

Key Points

Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredients list for terms like wheat flour or malt vinegar, as many English mustards contain gluten additives.
Colman's Distinction: Colman's mustard powder is generally safe and gluten-free, but their prepared English mustard sold in jars contains wheat flour.
Certified Options Exist: Brands like Tracklements, Otter Vale, and Eskal offer explicitly labelled and certified gluten-free English mustard varieties.
Look for Certification: The Crossed Grain symbol or other reputable gluten-free certifications indicate that a product meets strict safety standards.
Be Wary in Restaurants: Avoid using condiments like mustard in restaurants, as bottles are often refilled and may be subject to cross-contamination.

The Hidden Gluten in Prepared English Mustard

English mustard is renowned for its powerful, fiery flavour, but for those on a gluten-free diet, it presents a unique challenge. Unlike many other mustards, traditional English varieties commonly use wheat flour as a bulking agent and thickener during processing. This makes many popular pre-made jars unsuitable for people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. The gluten content is not in the mustard seeds themselves but in the additives used to create the classic paste consistency. The risk extends beyond wheat flour; some mustards might use malt vinegar, which is made from barley and contains gluten, though this is a less common issue with English mustard compared to brown sauces.

The Critical Importance of Label Reading

Never assume a condiment is safe for a gluten-free diet without first examining the ingredients list. Even brands that typically offer gluten-free products may have specific varieties or seasonal products that contain gluten. The only foolproof method is to read the packaging on every purchase. Under food labelling laws in many countries, manufacturers must declare if a product contains wheat flour, even as a minor ingredient. Look for these key terms on the packaging:

WHEAT flour
BARLEY
MALT EXTRACT or MALT VINEGAR

For additional security, seek out products with a clear 'gluten-free' certification label, such as the Crossed Grain symbol from Coeliac UK. This ensures the product has been tested to meet strict standards for safety, including precautions against cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Which English mustard is gluten-free?

Fortunately, a number of reliable gluten-free English mustard options are available on the market. These brands take care to use safe ingredients and manufacturing processes, but as always, a quick check of the label is recommended to confirm.

Comparison of Gluten-Free and Non-Gluten-Free English Mustards


Brand/Product	Gluten-Free Status	Key Ingredients to Note	Certification	Where to Buy
Colman's English Mustard Powder	Gluten-Free	Mustard flour, turmeric, salt	Not officially certified but verified by Colman's as gluten-free	Supermarkets, online
Colman's Original English Mustard (jar)	NOT Gluten-Free	Contains WHEAT flour	N/A	Supermarkets
Tracklements Strong English Mustard	Gluten-Free	Cider vinegar, sea salt, raw cane sugar	Stated on label	Supermarkets, online
Otter Vale Smooth English Mustard	Gluten-Free	No artificial colours or flavours	Stated on label	Online, speciality stores
Eskal GF English Mustard	Gluten-Free	Specially produced for gluten-free diets	Stated on label	Online, speciality stores
Arran Fine Foods Gluten Free Mustard	Gluten-Free	Red grape vinegar, honey, horseradish	Stated on label	Fine food stores, online

The Convenience of Mustard Powder

A great way to ensure your English mustard is gluten-free is to make it yourself from powder. A brand like Colman's English Mustard Powder is confirmed safe for those with celiac disease as it doesn't contain wheat flour, unlike the pre-made jarred version. You simply mix the powder with water to achieve your desired consistency and level of heat. This method offers complete control over the ingredients and eliminates the risk of hidden additives. You can further experiment by mixing the powder with different liquids, like cider vinegar, to adjust the flavour profile.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

Even when using a certified gluten-free product, a risk of cross-contamination can exist in certain situations. In restaurants or delis, the contents of mustard pots are often refilled, meaning a gluten-containing mustard could be placed in a jar originally containing a gluten-free brand. To be completely safe when dining out, it's best to ask for a fresh, sealed portion or avoid mustard altogether unless you can be sure of the source.

Conclusion: Savvy Shopping for a Safe Condiment

Making informed choices is key to maintaining a safe gluten-free diet without compromising on flavour. While many traditional English mustards are off-limits due to the use of wheat flour, a growing number of producers cater specifically to the gluten-free market. Options like Tracklements and Otter Vale offer delicious, pre-made English mustard that is clearly labelled. For those who prefer to control every ingredient, mustard powder from a trusted source, like Colman's, provides a versatile and guaranteed safe alternative. By always checking the label and being mindful of cross-contamination, you can continue to enjoy the bold, spicy kick of English mustard safely.

For more information on gluten-free living, you can consult reliable sources like Coeliac UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Colman's Original English Mustard in the jar contains wheat flour and is therefore not gluten-free. However, the Colman's English Mustard Powder is confirmed to be free of wheat flour and is a safe gluten-free option when mixed at home.

Several brands produce certified or explicitly labelled gluten-free English mustards, including Tracklements Strong English Mustard, Otter Vale Smooth English Mustard, Eskal GF English Mustard, and Arran Fine Foods Gluten Free Original Mustard.

Yes, using mustard powder is an excellent and safe way to create gluten-free English mustard. Simply mix a brand like Colman's English Mustard Powder with water to your desired consistency, as the powder itself is gluten-free.

English mustard is different from many other mustards because manufacturers often use wheat flour as a bulking and thickening agent. This is not common in many French or American mustards, but it is a frequent additive in English varieties.

Cross-contamination is a significant risk with condiments in restaurants or communal settings. Waiters and patrons can unintentionally transfer gluten-containing ingredients into an otherwise safe mustard, especially if communal pots are used.

Look for a clear 'gluten-free' claim on the label, and check the ingredients list for 'wheat flour' or other gluten-containing additives. Products with an official gluten-free symbol, like the 'Crossed Grain' mark, provide the highest level of assurance.

While malt vinegar is derived from barley and contains gluten, it is not a standard ingredient in most English mustards. It is more commonly found in products like brown sauces. Always check the ingredients to be certain.