Dijon mustard is a delicious and versatile condiment that goes well with almost anything. Juicy burgers, salad dressings, and roasted chicken, to name a few. But, is Dijon mustard gluten-free?
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Dijon mustard is a yellowish sauce or paste made from fermented white vinegar, citric acid, tartaric acid, salt, water, white wine vinegar, and mustard seeds. The name comes from the French city of Dijon where it was originally produced. Today, the United States imports over 90% of its mustard supply.
"Is Dijon mustard gluten-free?"
It depends on whether you mean gluten-free in terms of ingredients or gluten-free as in celiac disease. Gluten-Free diet labeling requirements vary widely across countries. In the U.S., manufacturers can label their foods containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten as being gluten-free. This means that even though they contain a bit of wheat flour, they are labeled as suitable for a gluten-free diet on the product labels.
Most mustards are gluten-free and suitable for special diets; however, some contain malt vinegar, which has gluten. This contamination with wheat makes mustard unsuitable for gluten-free diets. The gluten-free label on products depends on good manufacturing practices and brands that recognize the seriousness of food allergies. The brands I've recommended below understand cross contamination and the importance of correct labeling.
So, let's dive into dijon mustard and its ingredients, while also exploring other mustard varieties from popular mustard brands like organic yellow mustard and organic honey mustard. I'll share some of my favorite brands of mustard that are also safe for dairy-free diets.
Jump to:
- Understanding Gluten-Free Certification for Dijon Mustard
- What is in mustard?
- How is mustard made?
- Is Dijon Mustard Gluten-Free?
- Gluten-Free Dijon Mustard Brands You Can Trust
- Are All Dijon Mustards Gluten-Free?
- Ingredient Spotlight: What Makes Dijon Mustard Unique?
- How to Use Dijon Mustard
- Delicious Gluten-Free Recipes Featuring Dijon Mustard
- Final Thoughts on Gluten-Free Dijon Mustard
Understanding Gluten-Free Certification for Dijon Mustard
While Dijon mustard typically contains gluten-free ingredients, the key to safely enjoying it as part of a gluten-free diet lies in understanding product labeling. In the U.S., for a product to be labeled gluten-free, it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This means that some products, while not containing gluten ingredients directly, might still carry trace amounts of gluten due to cross-contamination in manufacturing processes.
What is in mustard?
Mustard sauce is made from ground yellow mustard seeds, vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and spices. The ingredients must be mixed together well and then cooked for about 10 minutes at high heat until thickened.
How is mustard made?
Once the thickened mustard sauce has cooled, the mixture is strained through cheesecloth to remove any remaining solids.
Is Dijon Mustard Gluten-Free?
Yes, basic dijon mustard is gluten-free; however, some manufacturers may add ingredients such as malt vinegar to their recipes. Malt vinegar contains gluten, so it should be avoided by those with celiac disease. If you're unsure whether your product contains gluten, ask your manufacturer. I recommend the app Spoonful to quickly check if something is gluten-free at the grocery store. I would also like to note that mustard is vegan and is suitable for special diets like the dairy-free diet.
Gluten-Free Dijon Mustard Brands You Can Trust
Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard
Grey Poupon doesn't contain any gluten, but the mustard may be cross-contaminated when it's made. If you are celiac, avoid Grey Poupon mustard.
French's Classic Dijon Mustard
French's Classic Dijon Mustard does not have a gluten-free label, so there may be some cross-contamination. But, French's Yellow Mustard and Spicy Brown Mustard are labeled gluten-free. I think we can all agree French's mustard is a classic condiment, and it is totally safe for gluten intolerance.
Sir Kensington's Mustard
Sir Kensington's Mustard is certified gluten-free and labeled with a gluten-free label on the package. It's a delicious, tangy mustard perfect for sandwiches. Also, check out Sir Kensington's Yellow Mustard with a splash of white wine vinegar if you like a basic yellow mustard.
Boar's Head Honey Mustard
Boar's Head is a fabulous brand because they label their products with a gluten free label. In fact, all of their mustards and sauces are certified gluten-free. Boar's Head has an entire line of gluten-free mustards including yellow mustard, honey mustard dipping sauce, and delicatessen-style mustard. It's awesome that with Boar's Head you don't have to worry about cross - contamination. There's no need to check allergen statements on Boar's Head mustards because they're all gluten-free.
Annie's Horseradish Mustard
I love Annie's. They do such a good job with gluten-free products. Annie's Homegrown Organic Yellow Mustard is tangy, smooth, and delicious. It's the classic yellow mustard taste that you're craving made with distilled vinegar.
Koops' Spicy Brown Mustard
Looking for spicy mustard? Try Koops. It's completely gluten-free and totally delicious, according to the ingredient statement. It's a product of the USA and made in Wisconsin. Seriously love the extra spice this brown mustard gives sandwiches and salads.
Are All Dijon Mustards Gluten-Free?
For the most part, most organic dijon mustard is gluten-free. As I mentioned above, it's important to scan the product packaging and product details for any mention of malt, wheat, or rye. If the product is not labeled gluten-free, it means there may have been cross - contamination with gluten during manufacturing.
Ingredient Spotlight: What Makes Dijon Mustard Unique?
Dijon mustard's distinctive flavor comes from its unique combination of brown mustard seeds and white wine or white wine vinegar. Unlike regular yellow mustard, which is made with white mustard seeds and turmeric, Dijon's ingredients contribute to its creamier texture and sharper taste. When selecting a gluten-free Dijon mustard, ensure that it doesn't contain malt vinegar or any wheat derivatives, which are common in some mustard recipes.
How to Use Dijon Mustard
You can use dijon mustard in so many ways! Some of my favorite dishes contain regular yellow mustard. Mix up a delicious salad dressing using dijon mustard as the base, mix into cold salads, massage a dijon mustard sauce into a rotisserie chicken, or use it as a delicious condiment. I think we can all agree it's the second most loved condiment behind ketchup on hot dogs.
Delicious Gluten-Free Recipes Featuring Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard is not just a condiment but a versatile ingredient that can elevate various dishes. Here are a few gluten-free recipes where Dijon mustard plays a starring role:
- Gluten-Free Honey Mustard Chicken: A savory and sweet dish that combines the tanginess of Dijon mustard with the natural sweetness of honey.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Dijon Sauce: Give your veggies a zesty twist with a Dijon mustard sauce that's both flavorful and gluten-free.
- Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette: Perfect for dressing any salad, this gluten-free vinaigrette adds a punch of flavor to fresh greens.
Final Thoughts on Gluten-Free Dijon Mustard
Choosing a gluten-free Dijon mustard doesn't mean compromising on taste. By selecting the right brands and incorporating Dijon mustard into your gluten-free recipes, you can enjoy the rich, complex flavors it offers while adhering to your dietary needs. Always check labels for the gluten-free certification and be mindful of potential cross-contamination to ensure a safe and delicious dining experience.
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