Mustard is a popular condiment used in many cuisines around the world. It comes in a wide variety of flavors and varieties. Many people enjoy the tangy, pungent taste of mustard. However, some mustards contain added sugars, which may be a concern for people monitoring their sugar intake.
What is Mustard?
Mustard is a condiment made from the seeds of the mustard plant. The seeds are ground and mixed with water, vinegar, and other ingredients to make a thick paste. The flavor of mustard comes from compounds called glucosinolates found in mustard seeds. When the seeds are crushed, these compounds mix with enzymes and create the sharp, pungent taste associated with mustard.
There are three main types of mustard: yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and stone ground mustard. Yellow mustard is the mild, bright yellow condiment commonly used on hot dogs. Dijon mustard originated in Dijon, France and has a smoother texture and subtle flavor. Stone ground mustard uses whole mustard seeds and has a rougher texture with bold, spicy heat.
Do Mustards Contain Added Sugar?
Some mustards do contain added sugars as part of their ingredients. This is more common in sweet, honey, or Dijon style mustards. The sugar enhances the flavor and balances the bitterness and acidity of the mustard. It also acts as a thickening agent and stabilizer for the consistency of the condiment.
Here are some examples of popular mustards that contain added sugars:
- French’s Classic Yellow Mustard – Contains high fructose corn syrup
- Heinz Honey Mustard – Contains high fructose corn syrup, sugar
- Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard – Contains high fructose corn syrup
- Gulden’s Spicy Brown Mustard – Contains sugar, molasses
The amount of added sugars can range anywhere from 1-4 grams per teaspoon serving. While this is a relatively small amount, it could be relevant for people counting carbohydrates or limiting sugar intake.
Reasons to Choose Sugar Free Mustard
Here are some reasons why you may want to choose sugar free mustard:
- You are monitoring sugar or carb intake – Sugar free is better for low carb, keto, or diabetic diets
- You prefer the pure, tangy flavor – No sugars to take away from the mustard flavor
- You are avoiding added or processed ingredients – Sugar free is more natural
- You don’t want the thickness and texture from sugar – Sugar free has a thinner, smoother consistency
Overall, sugar free mustard gives you the true mustard experience without extra sweetness or thickness from added sugars. The flavor and heat of the mustard seeds and vinegar can stand on their own.
Finding Sugar Free Mustard
Luckily, there are many great options for sugar free mustard. Here are some tips for finding brands without added sugars or sweeteners:
- Read the ingredient label – Look for mustard without sugar, corn syrup, honey, or other sweeteners. Watch out for “spices” as this can sometimes include sugar.
- Look for organic brands – Organic mustards tend to have fewer artificial ingredients and unnecessary additives like sugar.
- Try stone ground or deli style – These coarse-textured mustards often do not contain sweeteners and focus on mustard flavor.
- Choose yellow mustard – Classic bright yellow mustard has a milder flavor that generally doesn’t require added sugar.
- Shop specialty aisles – Natural food stores or specialty markets are more likely to carry sugar-free varieties.
- Make your own – Whip up homemade mustard and leave out any sweeteners for full control over the ingredients.
Popular Sugar Free Mustard Brands
Here are some recommended brands of sugar free mustard:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Annie’s Naturals | Organic yellow mustard. Only ingredients are vinegar, water, mustard seed, salt, turmeric (for color), natural flavor. |
| Grey Poupon | Original coarse ground and yellow mustard. No sugar added. |
| Kozy Shack | Deli-style mustard. Ingredients include water, vinegar, mustard seed, salt, and spices. |
| Primal Kitchen | Organic, gluten-free yellow mustard. Only 5 simple ingredients including vinegar, mustard seeds, salt. |
| Trader Joe’s | Organic yellow mustard at a budget friendly price. Just 5 ingredients. |
Homemade Sugar Free Mustard Recipe
Making your own mustard at home allows you to control all the ingredients. Here is a simple recipe for sugar free mustard:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mustard seeds
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- Dash of garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the mustard seeds for 1-2 minutes until they start to pop.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the toasted mustard seeds, water, vinegar, salt, turmeric, and garlic powder if using.
- Blend until smooth, about 2-3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Transfer mustard to an airtight container and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to develop.
- Store leftover mustard in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
This easy homemade mustard has no added sugars – just the natural flavors of mustard seeds, vinegar, and spices. You can adjust the ingredient amounts to suit your tastes. Try substituting different vinegars like champagne vinegar for a twist.
Choosing the Best Sugar Free Yellow Mustard
When it comes to sugar free yellow mustard, the top brands that stand out are:
- Annie’s Naturals Organic Yellow Mustard – Made with just 5 simple, organic ingredients including vinegar, water, mustard seed, salt, and turmeric. Annie’s is widely available and a trusted natural brand.
- Primal Kitchen Organic Yellow Mustard – Contains only organic mustard seeds, vinegar, water, salt, and spices. Primal Kitchen offers high quality, healthy condiments without additives.
- Trader Joe’s Organic Yellow Mustard – A quality organic sugar free option sold at a great value. Trader Joe’s is known for its affordable natural products.
All three brands offer organic, sugar free yellow mustards made with 5 ingredients or less. They stick to just the basics – vinegar, water, mustard seed, salt, and spices. This results in a classic mustard flavor you can feel good about putting on your table.
Sugar Free Dijon Mustard Options
Dijon mustard has a smooth, subtle flavor compared to yellow mustard. The best sugar free Dijon mustards include:
- Grey Poupon Original Dijon Mustard – A quality brand you can find in most grocery stores. No sugars or corn syrup added.
- Maille Dijon Originale – Made in France. Features mustard seeds, vinegar, salt, and spices.
- Roland Sugar Free Dijon Mustard – Uses apple cider vinegar and natural spices. Sweetened with monk fruit extract instead of sugar.
Grey Poupon and Maille are classics when it comes to Dijon mustard. Roland offers a low carb sugar free option sweetened lightly with monk fruit. Any of these are excellent choices for sandwiches, dressings, marinades, and recipes calling for Dijon-style mustard.
Spicy Brown Mustards Without Sugar
For bolder, coarser sugar free mustard, try these recommended spicy brown mustards:
- Gulden’s Spicy Brown Mustard – Despite its brand name, the original Gulden’s spicy brown is sugar free. It uses a blend of sharp mustard seeds and spices.
- Boar’s Head Spicy Brown Mustard – Housemade with an extra zesty kick. Only 5 ingredients including vinegar, mustard seeds, and red pepper.
- Koops’ Deli Spicy Brown Mustard – Portland, Oregon based deli-style mustard. Uses burgundy vinegar and cracked mustard seeds.
These spicy brown mustards feature more potent flavors from yellow and brown mustard seeds, vinegar, and pepper. They make a great topping for brats, sandwiches, burgers, and other bold foods.
Stone Ground and Whole Grain Mustards
Stone ground and whole grain mustards offer bolder mustard flavor without sweeteners. Recommended brands include:
- Brooklyn Stone Ground Mustard – Handmade in small batches with a thick, coarse texture.
- Ingelhoffer Stone Ground Mustard – Imported from Germany. Features a blend of mustard seeds, vinegar, water, and salt.
- Edmond Fallot IGP Moutarde à L’Ancienne – Traditional whole grain mustard from Burgundy, France. Aged in wine barrels.
These authentic stone ground and whole grain mustards highlight the robust flavor of whole mustard seeds. They make flavorful additions to sandwiches, pretzels, sausages, and classic deli fare.
Mustard Powder and Mustard Seed
For maximum mustard flavor in cooking and recipes, use mustard powder or mustard seeds:
- Mustard powder – Ground dried mustard seeds into a fine powder. Add to dressings, sauces, marinades, etc.
- Whole mustard seeds – Use yellow, brown, or black seeds whole or coarsely crushed. Add to rubs, pickling brines, homemade mustard, etc.
With mustard powder and seeds you control the amount of “heat.” Use them for an extra mustard kick in anything from mac and cheese to salad dressings and curries.
How to Read Mustard Ingredient Labels
Reading the ingredient label is the best way to identify added sugars in mustard. Here are some guidelines:
- Ideally 5 ingredients or less including vinegar, water, mustard seed, salt, and spices
- Watch for these sweeteners: Sugar, honey, molasses, corn syrup, maple syrup, agave
- Beware of “spices” – Can hide sugars but usually not in simple mustards
- Some acidity regulators or thickeners may indicate added sugars
- Mustard seeds, vinegar, and water should be top ingredients
Simply avoiding mustards with obvious sweeteners like honey, sugar, or corn syrup on the label is a good place to start. Stick to mustard with core ingredients to ensure you’re getting the real deal.
Conclusion
To maximize mustard flavor while avoiding unnecessary sugars, choose brands of yellow, Dijon, spicy brown, or stone ground mustard that do not contain added sweeteners. Read ingredient labels closely and look for mustards with fewer, more natural ingredients. Popular sugar free mustard brands include Annie’s Naturals, Grey Poupon, Primal Kitchen, and Trader Joe’s.
Making your own homemade mustard is also an excellent way to control the ingredients and omit added sugars. With so many choices available today, you don’t have to miss out on the bright, tangy flavor of mustard by choosing sugar free options.
