Mustard is a popular condiment that is commonly used on sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, and various other foods. It comes in different varieties, including yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, honey mustard, and spicy brown mustard. With its tangy, pungent flavor, mustard adds a unique taste to dishes. However, some people may wonder if mustard contains dairy or eggs, especially those who have food allergies or follow certain diets like vegan or lacto-vegetarian.
Does mustard have dairy?
The answer is no, mustard does not contain dairy ingredients like milk, butter, cheese, cream, or whey. Mustard is primarily made from the ground seeds of the mustard plant. Here are the main ingredients found in most mustard:
- Mustard seeds – ground yellow or brown mustard seeds are the basis for making mustard condiments.
- Vinegar or lemon juice – added for tanginess and to help bring out the sharp mustard flavor.
- Water – helps blend the ingredients into a sauce or paste.
- Salt – enhances flavor.
- Spices and herbs – different varieties can contain spices like turmeric, paprika, garlic, onions, etc.
- Wine or beer – some Dijon mustards and beer mustards use wine or beer as an ingredient.
As you can see, traditional mustard does not contain any dairy products. The main dairy allergen, milk, is not present in regular commercially prepared mustards. So those who are vegan or lactose intolerant do not have to worry about consuming mustard.
However, there are some specialty mustard varieties that do contain dairy:
- Honey mustard – may contain cream or milk.
- Cheese mustard – contains added cheese.
- Herb mustard – some brands add butter or cream.
- Creamy mustard – includes cream for a smoother texture.
So in most cases, plain yellow, Dijon, spicy brown, or beer mustard does not contain dairy. But it’s a good idea to check the ingredients label of flavored mustard products to confirm they are dairy-free if you have an allergy or dietary restriction.
Does mustard have egg?
Regular mustard does not contain any egg ingredients like egg yolks, egg whites, powdered eggs, or egg protein. Here are some examples of popular mustard brands that do not contain egg:
- French’s Classic Yellow Mustard
- Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard
- Gulden’s Spicy Brown Mustard
- Heinz Yellow Mustard
- Inglehoffer Sweet Hot Mustard
- Koops’ Deli Style Mustard
- Maille Dijon Originale Mustard
- Plochman’s Honey Mustard
- Stonewall Kitchen Honey Mustard
- Thomy Dijon Mustard
The main ingredients in these popular mustards are mustard seeds, vinegar, water, salt, spices, and in some cases, honey or wine. But none contain egg. So mustard can be safely consumed by those with egg allergies.
However, there are a few specialty mustard varieties that use egg as an ingredient:
- Mayonnaise-based mustards – Some brands add mayonnaise, which contains egg yolk.
- Mustard remoulade – Often contains minced egg.
- Certain homemade mustard recipes – Can be thickened with egg yolk.
Most major commercial yellow, Dijon, honey, and deli-style mustards are egg-free. But as always, it is wise to verify by reading the ingredient label if you have an egg allergy.
Why mustard does not contain dairy or egg
There are a few reasons why most mustards do not contain dairy or egg ingredients:
- Traditional mustard is made by grinding mustard seeds, adding vinegar and spices, and blending into a sauce or paste. Dairy and eggs are not essential ingredients.
- Many types of mustard originated hundreds of years ago before dairy and eggs could be easily added as ingredients.
- Mustard is often used in cooking, on sandwiches, hamburgers, pretzels, and in dips where dairy or egg are already present. So adding these ingredients to mustard itself is unnecessary.
- By avoiding dairy and eggs, mustard remains affordable to produce and has a relatively long shelf life.
- People with dairy/egg allergies need condiment options like mustard to add flavor to meals.
Of course, some gourmet and artisanal mustard makers produce enhanced versions with cream, milk, honey, or egg. But the standard yellow, Dijon, brown, and spicy mustards are intentionally designed to be dairy and egg-free.
What about mustard allergy?
While mustard does not contain dairy or egg, some people are allergic to mustard itself. The main allergen in mustard is the protein from mustard seeds. Symptoms of mustard allergy may include:
- Tingling or burning sensation in the mouth
- Swelling of lips, tongue, and throat
- Hives or itchy rash
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Headache and dizziness
- Nausea, cramps, or diarrhea
- Anaphylaxis in severe cases
People who are allergic to mustard should avoid all products containing mustard seeds, including the condiment, mustard flour, mustard greens, etc. Treatment for mustard allergy involves managing symptoms with antihistamines, corticosteroids, epinephrine auto-injectors, etc. Under a doctor’s supervision, some people may try to control mild symptoms by cooking mustard seeds thoroughly to denature some of the protein allergens.
What about mustard and lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a condition where people lack adequate lactase enzyme to properly digest lactose, a milk sugar found in dairy products. This leads to digestive issues after consuming dairy.
Mustard, without added dairy ingredients, is generally safe for those with lactose intolerance. The mustard seeds, vinegar, and other ingredients in regular mustard do not contain lactose. So yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, honey mustard, and other varieties without added dairy can be safely consumed on a lactose-free diet.
However, some flavored or creamy mustards do contain dairy-based ingredients. Checking labels is the best way to determine if a particular brand of mustard is appropriate for limiting lactose intake.
Tips for people avoiding dairy and egg
Here are some helpful tips for people wishing to avoid dairy and egg while still enjoying mustard:
- Check the ingredient list – Make sure mustard does not list milk, butter, cream, whey, or egg ingredients.
- Look for vegan labels – Brands labeled “vegan” will not contain milk or egg.
- Ask about ingredients when dining out – Find out what type of mustard is served at restaurants.
- Try different mustard varieties – Sample yellow, Dijon, spicy brown, honey, or whole grain mustards to find appealing flavors.
- Make your own egg/dairy-free mustard – Find recipes tailored to dietary needs.
- Inform others about your allergy – Let friends/family know mustard made with dairy or egg could cause a reaction.
With so many varieties of mustard available today, there are ample options to choose from that are dairy and egg-free. A little label reading and research makes it possible to safely enjoy mustard.
Nutrition facts for popular mustard brands
Here is a nutritional comparison table showing some common mustard brands and their nutrition facts in a typical 1 teaspoon (5g) serving:
| Mustard | Calories | Total Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| French’s Classic Yellow | 5 | 0g | 75mg |
| Grey Poupon Dijon | 15 | 0g | 74mg |
| Heinz Yellow | 0 | 0g | 90mg |
| Maille Dijon Originale | 20 | 0g | 152mg |
| Plochman’s Honey Mustard | 20 | 0g | 50mg |
| Thomy Dijon Mustard | 20 | 0g | 124mg |
As shown, mustard is very low in fat and calories. Popular brands provide 0-20 calories per serving, with no fat, along with 50-150mg of sodium. Honey mustard has slightly more calories due to added honey. But overall, mustard is a low calorie condiment when used in moderation.
How to substitute for mustard containing dairy/egg
For mustards that contain dairy or egg, there are a few good substitutions to try:
- Instead of honey mustard: Use plain Dijon + honey or maple syrup to taste.
- Instead of cheese mustard: Mix Dijon with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Instead of creamy mustard: Blend silken tofu + lemon juice + Dijon + seasoning.
- Instead of mayonnaise-based: Try an eggless vegan mayo or a soy sauce + vinegar blend.
- Instead of mustard remoulade: Make a sauce with eggless mayo, mustard, pickles, and herbs.
With a combination of ingredients like mustard, oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, herbs, and spices, it’s possible to mimic the flavor of dairy and egg-based mustards. Getting creative with homemade recipes allows those with dietary restrictions to still enjoy mustard’s zippy flavor.
Is mustard gluten-free?
Most mustard is naturally gluten-free, since it is made from ground mustard seeds, vinegar, water, and spices. The protein gluten is not found in mustard seeds. Some brands clearly label their mustard products as “gluten-free” which provides confirmation.
However, certain specialty mustards may contain gluten:
- Mustard flour – can be a blend of mustard and wheat flour.
- Beer mustard – some are made with barley malt from gluten grains.
- Flavored mustards – certain varieties include gluten ingredients like soy sauce, broth, or malt vinegar.
As long as a mustard does not contain obvious sources of gluten like wheat, barley, rye, or malt, it is most likely safe for a gluten-free diet. But those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should still check labels to confirm gluten-free status before consuming.
Conclusion
For most people wanting to avoid dairy and egg, plain yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, brown mustard, honey mustard, and other common varieties are perfectly fine to eat. Pure mustard is vegan and does not inherently contain milk or egg ingredients.
However, certain gourmet mustards do incorporate dairy, egg, gluten, or other allergens in their recipes. Checking ingredient labels provides the best assurance that a mustard product aligns with your dietary needs and restrictions.
With an abundance of choices available today, there are plenty of mustard options that are free of dairy and egg. A bit of careful selection makes it easy to enjoy mustard’s bright, tangy flavor – even on a restricted diet.
