National Mustard Day – Aug. 2, 2026

National Mustard Day
Categories:
Tags:
CookingFood
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
First Saturday of August
Holiday emoji:
🌭

National Mustard Day invites condiment lovers to celebrate the zesty, versatile topping every first Saturday in August. From classic yellow to spicy brown and gourmet Dijon, there’s a mustard for every palate. Discover new varieties, experiment with recipes, and share your favorite mustard creations with friends and family.

Want to sponsor National Mustard Day? Learn how

Expected National Mustard Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Mustard Day brings out the best in condiment-loving brands. Expect fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King to offer deals on hot dogs and burgers, often featuring special mustard varieties. Grocery stores such as Kroger and Walmart typically run sales on popular mustard brands like French’s, Gulden’s, and Grey Poupon. Specialty food stores and local delis might host tasting events or offer discounts on gourmet mustards. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August approaches.

Platform Guide for National Mustard Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalMustardDay. Share vibrant photos of your favorite mustard dishes, from hot dogs to pretzels.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalMustardDay. Film creative mustard taste tests, DIY condiment recipes, or fun facts about mustard.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalMustardDay. Host a poll asking followers about their favorite mustard type or brand.

Social Media Tips for National Mustard Day

Individuals

Host a mustard tasting party with friends, trying different varieties from around the world. Pair them with sausages, pretzels, or sandwiches.

Creators

Develop a unique recipe featuring mustard as a star ingredient, like a mustard-crusted salmon or a gourmet mustard sauce. Share a video tutorial.

Brands

Launch a limited-edition mustard flavor or a special National Mustard Day bundle. Run a social media contest asking users to share their best mustard pairing.

Top Brands for National Mustard Day

  1. French's

    Founded in 1904 in Rochester, New York, French's is synonymous with classic yellow mustard. Its iconic squeeze bottle and bright flavor have made it a staple at barbecues and ballparks across America for generations.

  2. Grey Poupon

    Originating in Dijon, France, in 1866, Grey Poupon is known for its sophisticated Dijon mustard. Its distinctive flavor, made with white wine, elevated the condiment to a gourmet status in the American market.

  3. Gulden's

    Established in 1862 by Charles Gulden, Gulden's is one of the oldest mustard brands in the United States. It's famous for its spicy brown mustard, a perfect complement to deli sandwiches and hot dogs.

  4. National Mustard Museum

    Located in Middleton, Wisconsin, the National Mustard Museum houses the world's largest collection of mustards and mustard memorabilia. Founded by Barry Levenson, it's the official originator and primary celebrator of National Mustard Day.

  5. Oscar Mayer

    Founded in 1883 in Chicago, Oscar Mayer is a leading producer of hot dogs, bacon, and lunch meats. Their products are often paired with mustard, making them a natural partner for National Mustard Day celebrations.

  6. Hormel Foods

    Founded in 1891 in Austin, Minnesota, Hormel Foods is a global branded food company. They produce a variety of meat products, including chili and hot dogs, which are frequently enjoyed with a dollop of mustard.

  7. Trader Joe's

    Founded in 1967 in Pasadena, California, Trader Joe's is known for its unique and affordable gourmet food items. They offer a diverse selection of specialty mustards, from spicy to sweet, catering to adventurous palates.

National Mustard Day Hero

Barry Levenson

Barry Levenson is the founder and curator of the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin. A former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin, Levenson founded the museum in 1986 after being inspired by a late-night infomercial. His passion for mustard led him to establish National Mustard Day, making him the key figure behind the holiday's creation and ongoing celebration.

History of National Mustard Day

Mustard has been among the most used spices in the world for centuries. Believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt, it was used for medicinal purposes as well as a spice. The Greeks and Romans followed suit, utilizing mustard for both flavoring and as a herbal remedy. Mustard was prescribed as a cure for a range of ailments, from snakebites to hysteria.

The mustard arrived in Northern France where it was gradually cultivated by local monks. The word ‘mustard’ is derived from the word ‘mosto’ or ‘grape muss’ — a type of unfermented wine that hasn’t matured and was mixed with mustard seeds by the French monks. Monasteries started producing large amounts of mustard in the 9th century, from which they generated even larger amounts of income through sales.

Prepared mustard or modern mustard as we know it, was created in Dijon, France in the 13th century. The preparation of this condiment is thanks to the efforts of Pope John XXII of Avignon, who loved mustard and created a special post of Grand Moustardier du Pape or the Grand Mustard-Maker, to which he appointed his nephew.

At the beginning of the 19th century, mustard was finely milled into powder by the world’s first mustard millers, the British. This is how mustard became an industrial-level food ingredient. In 1904, the modern yellow mustard was introduced in Rochester, New York, from where it became popular due to its pairing with the classic American hot dog.

National Mustard Day timeline

400s
Romans write down the first-known recipe for mustard
1300s
Pope John Paul XXII created a new Vatican position: Grand Moutardier du Pape, or mustard-maker to the pope
1904
George T. French introduces yellow mustard (known as "American mustard" around the world!)
1984
Grey Poupon debuts its iconic "Pardon me" ads and sparks a sales boom of its mustard

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Mustard Day

Local restaurants and delis can celebrate National Mustard Day by featuring special mustard-themed dishes or offering a ‘mustard flight’ with various gourmet options. Food trucks could offer free mustard upgrades or a signature hot dog with a unique mustard blend. Specialty food stores can host tasting events, showcasing artisanal mustards and pairing them with cheeses or charcuterie. Encourage customers to share their mustard experiences on social media using #NationalMustardDay.

Traditions

On National Mustard Day, grab the mustard and pair it with different food items. Used as a condiment for cheeses, meat, and bread food items such as hamburgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and even pizza, its versatility is enjoyed today by food lovers everywhere.

Mustard is also a fantastic dressing for salads, an ingredient for sauces, and used in some marinades. If mustard is not being used as a condiment or key ingredient, then its many benefits are being enjoyed in the form of mustard seeds, and mustard oil, both of which have proven benefits for the skin and body.

National Mustard Day FAQs

When is National Mustard Day?

In 2026, National Mustard Day falls on Saturday, August 1, inviting everyone to savor their favorite condiment. This annual celebration is always held on the first Saturday of August.

How much mustard do Americans consume?

Americans consume approximately 2.5 billion dollars worth of mustard annually, making it one of the nation’s most beloved condiments. This includes everything from classic yellow to gourmet Dijon varieties.

What are the most popular types of mustard?

The most popular types of mustard in the U.S. include classic yellow, spicy brown, and Dijon mustard. Each offers a distinct flavor profile, from mild and tangy to sharp and pungent.

Who founded National Mustard Day?

National Mustard Day was founded by Barry Levenson, the curator of the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin. He established the holiday to celebrate the condiment and promote his unique museum.

National Mustard Day Activities

  1. Mustard is the favorite topping for hot dogs

    A National Hot Dog and Sausage Council survey found that 71% of people confirm mustard as their top hot dog condiment. It’s a staple at baseball games and other sporting events, always on hand to supplement the concession stand food. It’s the perfect garnish for a tasty treat — just make sure you pick up an extra napkin so you don’t spill any on your shirt!

  2. It’s good for you

    It's well-known in science circles that the elements found in mustard seeds can stop cancer cell growth. Mustard is also used as a remedy for muscle pains and certain types of skin disorders. Mustard seeds come with high levels of calcium, magnesium and potassium. As a great addition to some of your favorite foods, mustard is a low-calorie, low-sugar alternative to other condiments.

  3. You can put it on almost anything

    Mustard isn’t just for hot dogs. With all the varieties, it’s the condiment for creatives: if you can dream it, you can achieve it! Try out a breakfast casserole infused with honey Dijon. Bake up some mustard-roasted potatoes. Glaze a ham with honey mustard. If you can’t let go of your traditional roots, have a Chicago-style hot dog with yellow mustard, chopped onions, relish, a pickle spear and tomato slices.

5 Facts About Mustard That You Don’t Know

  1. Plant vs. condiment

    Mustard is a plant, and prepared mustard is a condiment — an important distinction to make.

  2. More than just a condiment

    The Ancient Greeks and Romans used mustard to soothe pains, cure stings and bites, and even ease toothaches.

  3. Broccoli is mustard’s cousin

    As part of the Brassica family, mustard plants are relatives of broccoli.

  4. Mustard on the go

    King Louis XI refused to travel without mustard.

  5. There is no ‘mustard yellow’

    The color mustard yellow is made by adding turmeric and not actual mustard seeds.

Why We Love National Mustard Day

  1. You can learn all about it at the National Mustard Museum

    Located in Middleton, Wisconsin, the National Mustard Museum is the birthplace of National Mustard Day and the Holy Grail for mustard lovers. Started by Barry Levenson in 1992, the museum is home to nearly 6,000 different types of mustards from all over the world. Stop by to see the Great Wall of Mustard, an antique collection of mustard pots, and try out a free mustard tasting! This free museum is open seven days a week.

  2. Host a mustard-tasting

    Serve up pretzel rods, hot dog bites and pita bread for guests to test out as many types of mustard, as possible. Hit up your local store to buy out their mustard varieties. You should even try out a local artisan market to see if you can pick up additional, hard-to-find mustards. Place the different kinds in small serving dishes and let everyone try out all the combinations of snacks and toppings.

  3. Make your own mustard

    Who says that French’s and Grey Poupon should have the monopoly on good mustard? Try out your own recipe on National Mustard Day. Soak mustard seeds for a full day in your liquid of choice: vinegar, water, wine or even beer. Then, grind up the seeds in a food processor. Make the mustard to your liking by adding your favorite flavors, like brown sugar, honey or tarragon.

National Mustard Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 August 2 Saturday