Which Wholegrain Mustard Is Gluten-Free?

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 1% of the global population has celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. Given that the basic ingredient, mustard seed, is naturally gluten-free, understanding what wholegrain mustard is gluten-free involves scrutinizing all other ingredients and production methods.

Quick Summary

This guide explains how to identify safe, gluten-free wholegrain mustard by checking for certified labels, understanding hidden gluten risks like malt vinegar, and being aware of cross-contamination in manufacturing processes and restaurant settings. A comprehensive table compares different brands for easy reference.

Key Points

Always Check for Certification: The most reliable way to confirm if a wholegrain mustard is gluten-free is to look for a seal from a reputable certification program like GFCO.
Scrutinize the Ingredients List: While mustard seeds are naturally gluten-free, some mustards may contain malt vinegar (from barley) or wheat flour as thickeners, which are unsafe.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: Even if ingredients are safe, gluten can be introduced during manufacturing if shared equipment is used. Certified products follow protocols to prevent this.
Avoid Malt Vinegar: This is a specific type of vinegar made from barley that is not gluten-free, unlike distilled vinegars which are typically safe.
Be Cautious When Dining Out: Restaurant condiment bottles are often refilled and may be cross-contaminated with other gluten-containing items.
Trust Transparent Brands: Opt for brands like Maille or Tracklements that explicitly label their wholegrain mustard products as gluten-free and transparently list ingredients.

Understanding Gluten in Condiments

While mustard seeds are naturally gluten-free, the final product can contain gluten due to other ingredients or cross-contamination during manufacturing. It is crucial for individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity to be diligent in checking labels and brand certifications.

The Culprits: Hidden Gluten in Mustard

The most common sources of gluten in mustard are derived from additives and vinegars. For instance, malt vinegar, made from barley, contains gluten and should always be avoided. However, most other types of vinegar, such as distilled vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and white wine vinegar, are typically safe even if their source is a gluten grain, because the distillation process removes the gluten protein. Other potential risks include wheat flour or starch used as a thickening agent, which may appear in some specialty or bulk mustards.

Certified Gluten-Free Labels: Your Safest Bet

The clearest indication of a safe product is a certified gluten-free label from a reputable organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS). These certifications verify that the product has been tested to meet strict standards (e.g., less than 20 ppm of gluten) and that manufacturing processes minimize the risk of cross-contact.

Gluten-Free Wholegrain Mustard Brands

Many wholegrain mustards on the market are certified gluten-free or made with exclusively gluten-free ingredients. When shopping, always double-check the label, but consider brands that have a strong track record of transparency and certification.

Maille Old Style Whole Grain Mustard: Explicitly labeled as gluten-free and Non-GMO Project Verified.
Clovis Whole Grain French Mustard: Labeled as gluten-free and Non-GMO Project Verified.
Tracklements Robust Wholegrain Mustard: Clearly states 'Gluten free' on the label.
Organic Kitchen Wholegrain Mustard: Marketed as vegan and gluten-free.
Global Organics Wholegrain Mustard: Also explicitly labeled gluten-free.
Sir Kensington's: While known for yellow mustard, they often specify gluten-free status on their products.

Navigating Cross-Contamination Risk

For those with severe gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, manufacturing processes are a significant consideration. Some products are made in facilities that also handle gluten-containing ingredients, which introduces a risk of cross-contact. A certified gluten-free seal helps mitigate this, as it typically requires measures to prevent such contamination. Eating out is particularly risky, as condiment bottles in restaurants may be refilled, increasing the chance of cross-contact.

Comparison of Wholegrain Mustard Attributes


Brand	Gluten-Free Certified?	Noteworthy Features	Potential Gluten Risks	Sourcing Transparency	Additional Certifications
Maille Old Style	Yes (per packaging)	Classic French flavor, versatile	Low (certified)	Good	Non-GMO Project Verified
Tracklements	Yes (per packaging)	Robust flavor, handmade	Low (certified)	Good	Vegan friendly
Clovis	Yes (per packaging)	French origin, Non-GMO	Low (certified)	Good	Non-GMO Project Verified
Cartwright & Butler	No explicit mention	Refined blend, elegant packaging	High (stated 'may contain gluten')	Moderate	None stated
Centaur Foods	Yes (per distributor info)	Bulk/catering size, vegan-friendly	Low	Moderate	BRCGS Certified Production

Conclusion: How to Buy Safely

To determine what wholegrain mustard is gluten-free, the best practice is to always check for an official gluten-free certification mark on the packaging. In the absence of certification, carefully review the ingredients list, paying special attention to the type of vinegar used (avoiding malt vinegar) and looking for any thickeners like wheat flour. When dining out, always inquire about the brand used and the kitchen's preparation procedures to avoid cross-contamination. By prioritizing certified brands and careful label reading, you can confidently enjoy wholegrain mustard as part of a safe, gluten-free diet.

Final Recommendations

For absolute certainty, a certified gluten-free product is the only guarantee of safety against gluten exposure, especially for individuals with celiac disease. Companies like Maille, Tracklements, and Clovis offer verified gluten-free options that can be trusted. For uncertified products, vigilance regarding ingredients and manufacturing statements is essential. Being a savvy label-reader is the key to managing a gluten-free diet successfully and enjoying a wide variety of condiments without worry.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all wholegrain mustards are automatically gluten-free. While the mustard seeds are naturally gluten-free, some brands may add gluten-containing ingredients like malt vinegar or wheat-based thickeners during production, or risk cross-contamination during manufacturing.

You should specifically look for malt vinegar, which is derived from barley and is not gluten-free. Additionally, be cautious of any unlisted 'natural flavors' or thickeners like wheat flour or starch.

The safest method is to purchase a product that is certified gluten-free by a recognized organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This indicates it has been tested and meets strict safety standards.

No, you should never assume mustard in a restaurant is gluten-free. Bottles are often refilled, which poses a high risk of cross-contamination. Always inquire with the staff about the specific brand and its ingredients.

Cross-contamination occurs when a naturally gluten-free product comes into contact with gluten-containing ingredients or equipment during the manufacturing process. This can happen in facilities that also produce items with wheat, barley, or rye.

No, distilled vinegar is generally considered safe for a gluten-free diet, even if it is derived from a gluten grain. The distillation process effectively removes the gluten protein from the finished product.

Several brands offer certified gluten-free wholegrain mustard. Reputable examples include Maille Old Style, Tracklements Robust Wholegrain, and Clovis Whole Grain French Mustard.