Is Dijon Mustard Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing on the jar and go straight to the formulation. The standard Dijon mustard ingredient list is remarkably clean regarding keto restrictions. Let's analyze the key components found in the typical jar.

First, we have Mustard Seed. This is the backbone of the condiment. Mustard seeds are primarily composed of fiber and healthy fats, containing very few digestible carbohydrates. They are the definition of a low-carb plant ingredient.

The acidity comes from Vinegar and White Wine. While wine can sometimes be a source of residual sugar, the amount used in Dijon mustard is minimal. By the time it is mixed with the mustard seeds and salt, the sugar contribution per serving is effectively zero. Citric Acid and Tartaric Acid are also listed; these are natural acids used for preservation and flavor balancing, carrying no carbohydrate load.

Finally, we see Turmeric and Spices. Turmeric is often added for that classic Dijon yellow hue (since real Dijon is often pale greyish-yellow). These are dried spices, which are negligible in terms of net carbs. There are no thickeners, no maltodextrin, and no hidden sweeteners in this profile.

Nutritional Value

When evaluating a product for ketosis, we look at the net carbs (Total Carbs minus Fiber). A standard serving of Dijon mustard (one teaspoon) typically contains less than 1 gram of total carbohydrates. Since the fiber content is roughly equal to the total carbs, the net carb count is often zero.

In terms of calories and fat, Dijon mustard is very low calorie, usually sitting around 3 to 5 calories per teaspoon. It contains trace amounts of fat from the mustard seeds, but it is not a significant source of dietary fat. This makes it an excellent 'free food' for those tracking macros. It fits easily into the strict 20-50g daily net carb limit required to maintain ketosis.