Dijon Mustard is a tangy condiment that has a variety of culinary uses. But is it gluten-free?
Is Dijon mustard gluten-free? In short, yes! Pure Dijon mustard does not contain gluten.
The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but not all store-bought options are produced the same.
What is Dijon mustard?
Dijon mustard is a type of mustard that originated in the city of Dijon in the Burgundy region of France.
It is made from ground mustard seeds, white wine or wine vinegar, water, and salt. With a smooth and creamy texture and slightly spicy flavor, it has a tangy gourmet taste mustard fans love.
Is Dijon mustard safe for Celiac disease?
In its pure form—mustard seeds, white wine or wine vinegar, salt—traditional Dijon remains gluten-free. This makes it suitable for those with Celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or non-Celiac gluten sensitivity.
Some brands may add additional ingredients or use manufacturing processes that introduce gluten-containing ingredients.
For this reason, it is important to check the ingredients list and allergen statements for possible cross-contamination or added ingredients in any mustard product. Those that are worried about cross-contamination should purchase brands choose brands that are certified GF or produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
Types
While traditional Dijon follows a specific recipe, variations, and adaptations have emerged over time. Some of these types may include:
Traditional - This is the classic that adheres to the original recipe. It is made with brown or black mustard seeds, white wine or wine vinegar, water, and salt. It has a smooth texture and a tangy, slightly spicy flavor.
Whole Grain -This type retains the whole mustard seeds, giving it a textured and slightly crunchy consistency. It still maintains the tangy flavor but with added texture.
Honey - In this variation, honey is added creating a sweeter and milder flavor profile. The honey Dijon adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the mustard.
Spicy - This version incorporates additional spices or chili peppers to intensify the heat and add a spicy kick to the traditional flavor. It is preferred by those who enjoy a bit more heat in their mustard.
Organic or all-natural - These variations are made with organic or all-natural ingredients, often using high-quality mustard seeds and natural kinds of vinegar. They aim to provide an option for those seeking non-GMO ingredients or certified organic ingredients.
Uses
This delicious condiment can be used in your favorite recipes and is suitable for a gluten-free diet. Some common uses include:
Sandwiches and wraps - A step up from regular yellow mustard, it adds a tangy and flavorful element to sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, and wraps.
Salad dressings - Often used as an ingredient in homemade salad dressings. It adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to vinaigrettes and helps emulsify the dressing, creating a creamy texture.
Marinades and glazes - A popular component in marinades and glazes for meat, poultry, and fish. It helps tenderize the protein and imparts a tangy, savory flavor. It can be combined with other ingredients like herbs, spices, oils, and citrus juices to create delicious marinades and glazes.
Sauces and gravies - It can be incorporated into sauces and gravies to add depth of flavor.
Dips and spreads - The tangy mustard can be combined with mayonnaise, yogurt, sour cream, or even cashews to create flavorful dips and spreads. It pairs well with pretzels, crackers, fresh vegetables, and even chicken wings.
Dressings for meat and cheese boards - Served alongside cured meats and cheeses as a condiment, it complements the flavors of these savory items and adds a tangy contrast.
Brands
While naturally without gluten, some brands may have cross-contamination during processing or packaging. It is always important to check the product labels and allergen statements of the brands you are considering for gluten-free options.
In the United States, the FDA regulates the "gluten-free label" and those products with a "certified gluten-free label" are done by independent organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, with their own set of standards. Most often, these standards are stricter than the FDA's and use dedicated gluten-free facilities, but still must meet the FDA criteria.
The following list of brands are certified gluten-free or made in a facility free from wheat and other gluten-containing products:
- Organicville (certified gf)
This list of popular mustard brands are labeled gluten-free:
- Maille
- Annie's Organics
- Edmond Fallot
- French's
- Sir Kensington's
Grey Poupon - Does not have a gluten-free label and does not have an allergen statement on the website, but uses gluten-free ingredients.
You can make your own homemade mustard Dijon-style or purchase any of these brands in your local grocery stores or online.
A note about vinegar
Not all types of vinegar are produced with the same ingredients. Malt vinegar, for example, is made from gluten-containing grain barley.
Flavored or seasoned vinegar may also contain gluten ingredients. According to Beyond Celiac, vinegar that contains wheat proteins will be marked on the label.
Helpful tips
- The brand information in this article comes from the brand websites at the time this article was written. Going direct to the brand website is the fastest way to get the most up-to-date allergen information on a specific product. This is usually found in the FAQ section.
- If the risk of cross-contamination is a concern, make sure you check the product label for information regarding its GF designation. If it is not clear, always contact the brand directly.
- Remember, just because a product does not use gluten-containing ingredients, does not necessarily mean it wasn't processed in a facility that produces foods with gluten ingredients or gluten-containing grains.
Please note: Always check labels as some manufacturers Include gluten or dairy, or process In the same facility as wheat. This article is meant to help highlight gf products but is not an exhaustive list or medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for best practices and care for your individual needs.
Leave a Reply