Colmans Products

Colman's: Britain's Beloved Mustard Since 1814 For over two centuries, Colman's has been synonymous with English mustard, representing one of the oldest and most cherished food brands in British culinary history. From its humble origins in a Norfolk mill to becoming a staple in kitchens across the nation, Colman's has maintained its commitment to quality and flavour through generations. At Grocefully, we help you compare Colman's prices across all major UK supermarkets, ensuring you find the best deals on these iconic British products. The Historic Origins of Colman's The Colman's story begins in 1814, when Norfolk flour miller Jeremiah Colman purchased a mustard manufacturing business situated by the River Tas, near the historic city of Norwich. This acquisition marked the beginning of what would become one of Britain's most enduring food brands. Jeremiah chose an ideal location for mustard production. The fertile soil of East Anglia had long been suitable for growing mustard seed, and the region's flour milling tradition provided the expertise needed to grind and process the delicate seeds into the fiery condiment we know today. The combination of local agricultural knowledge and milling skill created the perfect foundation for what would become an empire built on mustard. Nine years after Jeremiah established the business, his nephew James joined the enterprise, bringing fresh energy and ideas to the growing company. The partnership between uncle and nephew proved successful, with the business expanding steadily throughout the early Victorian era. In 1851, the company passed to James's son, Jeremiah James Colman, who would oversee a period of remarkable growth and innovation. The Bull's Head and Royal Recognition The visual identity that has become inseparable from Colman's mustard emerged during the mid-nineteenth century. In 1855, the familiar bull's head logo first appeared on the company's English Mustard, creating an image that would become recognised across the world. The choice of a bull was apt, symbolising strength and the robust, powerful flavour of English mustard that distinguished it from its milder continental counterparts. Eleven years later, in 1866, Colman's introduced the distinctive red and yellow livery that remains the brand's signature to this day. These bold colours, standing out on shop shelves and kitchen tables alike, became visual shorthand for quality mustard in British households. The same year brought an honour that few food manufacturers could claim. Queen Victoria granted Colman's a Royal Warrant, recognising the company as a supplier to the royal household. This regal endorsement spoke to the quality of Colman's products and established the brand's credentials among discerning consumers. Remarkably, this Royal Warrant tradition continues to the present day, with successive monarchs maintaining the association between the Crown and this Norwich-born brand. The Carrow Works: Industrial Innovation Under the leadership of Jeremiah James Colman, the company moved to larger premises at Carrow, on the outskirts of Norwich. The Carrow Works would become synonymous with Colman's for over 160 years, growing into one of the largest food manufacturing facilities in Britain. The Carrow Works wasn't simply a factory; it became a model of Victorian industrial paternalism. The Colman family took a progressive approach to worker welfare that was unusual for its time. They established schools for workers' children, provided healthcare through a company dispensary, and built housing for employees. The company even created recreational facilities and ran adult education classes, believing that workers' wellbeing contributed to the quality of their products. This enlightened approach extended to agricultural practices as well. Colman's worked closely with local farmers to improve mustard seed cultivation, ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality raw materials. The company's agricultural advisers helped farmers optimise their yields while maintaining the specific characteristics that made Norfolk mustard seed ideal for English mustard production. Mergers and Growth The early twentieth century brought significant changes to Colman's. In 1926, together with Reckitt, the company acquired French's, the American mustard manufacturer, for £750,000. This acquisition represented Colman's entry into the American market, though the two mustard traditions remained distinct – English mustard maintaining its heat while American-style yellow mustard appealed to different tastes. The relationship with Reckitt deepened further when, in 1938, Colman's merged with Reckitt and Sons of Hull to form the Reckitt & Colman conglomerate. This merger brought together two of Britain's most respected household products companies, creating a powerhouse in consumer goods that would endure for decades. Throughout these corporate changes, Colman's maintained its focus on mustard and condiment production. The Carrow Works continued to serve as the heart of British mustard manufacturing, with the distinctive yellow packaging rolling off production lines much as it had for generations. The Unilever Era In 1995, Unilever acquired the food brands from Reckitt & Colman, bringing Colman's into one of the world's largest consumer goods portfolios. Under Unilever's ownership, Colman's has continued to evolve while respecting its heritage, expanding its product range to meet changing consumer needs whilst maintaining the quality that has defined the brand for two centuries. As one of the oldest existing food brands in the Unilever portfolio, Colman's holds a special place in the company's history. The brand's longevity speaks to its enduring appeal among British consumers, who continue to reach for the familiar yellow packaging when seeking authentic English mustard. A Bittersweet Transition For many in Norwich, the decision in 2017 by Unilever to close the Carrow Works factory marked a bittersweet moment. The closure in 2019 ended an era stretching back over 160 years, severing the physical connection between Colman's and the city where it was born. The bulk of Colman's mustard production has since moved to Burton-on-Trent, whilst the processing of mustard seeds continues at a separate facility near Norwich. The Norfolk connection hasn't been entirely lost – local farmers still grow mustard seed for the brand, and the Colman's Mustard Shop and Museum in Norwich keeps the heritage alive for visitors. For many Norfolk residents and mustard enthusiasts, the factory closure represented the end of an important chapter in British industrial history. Yet the brand itself continues, adapting to modern production methods whilst maintaining the recipes and quality standards established centuries ago. Understanding English Mustard To appreciate Colman's products fully, one must understand what makes English mustard distinctive. Unlike the mild, vinegar-heavy American yellow mustard or the wine-infused French varieties, English mustard is characterised by its heat and pungency. English mustard is made from a blend of brown and white mustard seeds, ground to a fine powder. The brown seeds provide the characteristic heat, while white seeds contribute a more mellow, balanced flavour. When mixed with cold water, these ground seeds release their essential oils, creating the eye-watering pungency that English mustard is famous for. The heat of English mustard serves a purpose beyond mere sensation. It cuts through fatty foods brilliantly, which is why it has traditionally been served with roast beef and ham in British cuisine. The sharp, cleansing taste refreshes the palate between bites of rich meat, making both the meat and the mustard more enjoyable. Colman's has perfected this balance over two centuries, creating a mustard that is hot enough to command respect but refined enough to enhance rather than overwhelm the foods it accompanies. Colman's Product Range While Colman's is most famous for its English mustard, the brand has expanded over the years to offer a comprehensive range of condiments and cooking products for the British kitchen. English Mustard Products The flagship product remains Colman's Original English Mustard, available in the iconic glass jar with yellow lid. This ready-made mustard offers convenience whilst delivering the characteristic Colman's heat that has been enjoyed for generations. For traditionalists, Colman's English Mustard Powder allows home cooks to make their own fresh mustard. Many enthusiasts believe that freshly mixed mustard has a slightly superior flavour, with the mixing water activating enzymes that produce maximum pungency. The powder also offers versatility, being useful as a flavouring in cheese dishes, salad dressings, and numerous recipes. Colman's also offers various sizes and formats of their English mustard, from small jars perfect for occasional use to larger sizes suited to households that reach for the mustard regularly. There are also squeezable bottles for convenience and larger catering sizes for professional kitchens. Condiments and Table Sauces Beyond mustard, Colman's has become a trusted name for traditional British table sauces. Colman's Mint Sauce is a perennial favourite, the perfect accompaniment to roast lamb and a Sunday lunch essential in many households. Made with real mint leaves and a carefully balanced vinegar base, it offers the bright, fresh flavour that complements lamb beautifully. Colman's Horseradish Sauce provides another classic pairing, this time for roast beef. The sharp, sinus-clearing heat of horseradish cuts through the richness of beef, creating a combination that has graced British tables for centuries. Colman's Tartare Sauce offers a creamy, tangy complement to fish and chips and other seafood dishes. Apple Sauce rounds out the condiment range, providing the traditional accompaniment to roast pork. Sauce Mixes and Pour-Over Sauces Recognising that modern families need convenient cooking solutions, Colman's has developed an extensive range of sauce mixes and pour-over sauces designed to make weeknight dinners easier without sacrificing flavour. Colman's Parsley Sauce mix is a kitchen staple, perfect for serving with fish or ham. The brand's Bread Sauce mix captures the flavours of a traditional Christmas accompaniment in convenient form. White Sauce mix provides a versatile base for numerous dishes, from cauliflower cheese to lasagne. The range extends to more substantial recipe mixes. Colman's Shepherd's Pie mix helps home cooks create this British classic with minimal fuss. Casserole mixes in various flavours transform simple ingredients into satisfying family meals. These products maintain the Colman's commitment to quality whilst acknowledging that time is precious for modern families. Pour-over sauces in the Colman's range include gravies and cooking sauces that can be heated and served in minutes. These convenient products allow families to enjoy flavourful meals even on the busiest weeknights. Recipe Mixes for International Flavours While rooted in British tradition, Colman's has expanded to offer recipe mixes that help home cooks explore international flavours. The Hot Chili Con Carne Recipe Mix brings Tex-Mex flavours to British kitchens, while other mixes cater to the increasingly diverse tastes of UK consumers. These recipe mixes embody Colman's philosophy of making good food accessible. By providing carefully balanced seasonings and clear instructions, they help home cooks of all skill levels create satisfying meals. The Science of Mustard Heat Understanding why mustard is hot reveals the fascinating chemistry behind this ancient condiment. Mustard seeds contain compounds called glucosinolates, which are essentially inactive until the seeds are ground and mixed with liquid. When water meets ground mustard seed, an enzyme called myrosinase breaks down the glucosinolates to release allyl isothiocyanate – the compound responsible for mustard's pungent heat. This same compound is found in horseradish and wasabi, explaining the similar sensation these condiments produce. The temperature of the water affects the intensity of the reaction. Cold water produces the hottest mustard, as it allows the enzyme to work efficiently without being destroyed. Hot water, conversely, deactivates the enzyme before it can produce maximum heat, resulting in a milder product. This is why Colman's mustard powder instructions recommend mixing with cold water. It's also why some cooks let their freshly mixed mustard rest for ten to fifteen minutes before serving – this allows the reaction to complete, producing maximum flavour and heat. Interestingly, the heat of mustard is volatile and diminishes over time, especially when exposed to heat. This is why freshly mixed mustard has a particularly strong flavour, and why adding mustard at the end of cooking rather than the beginning preserves more of its character. Colman's and British Food Culture Colman's holds a unique position in British food culture, representing continuity and tradition in an era of constant change. The brand has been a fixture on British tables through world wars, social revolutions, and culinary trends, remaining relevant while countless other brands have come and gone. The association between Colman's and the traditional Sunday roast is particularly strong. A dollop of English mustard alongside roast beef, a spoonful of mint sauce with lamb, or horseradish with cold cuts – these combinations feel essentially British, and Colman's has provided these accompaniments for generations of families. This cultural significance extends beyond mere food. Colman's represents a connection to the past, to grandparents' kitchens and holiday meals, to the comforting rituals of family dining. For many Britons, the yellow tin of mustard powder evokes memories of childhood, of watching parents prepare Sunday dinner, of the particular flavours that marked special occasions. Cooking with Colman's Mustard While mustard is often thought of purely as a condiment, it has enormous potential as a cooking ingredient. Colman's mustard and mustard powder can transform dishes, adding depth, heat, and complexity. In cheese dishes, mustard is almost magical. A teaspoon of Colman's mustard powder added to cheese sauce for macaroni cheese or cauliflower cheese enhances the cheese flavour without making the dish taste of mustard. The same principle applies to Welsh rarebit, where mustard is an essential ingredient. Mustard makes an excellent component of marinades, particularly for pork and chicken. Combined with honey, it creates the classic honey-mustard glaze that caramelises beautifully under heat. With olive oil and herbs, it forms a flavourful coating for roasting. Salad dressings benefit from mustard's emulsifying properties. A classic vinaigrette made with Colman's mustard will stay combined rather than separating, while the mustard adds depth to the dressing's flavour. Even in baking, mustard has a place. A small amount added to pastry for cheese straws or savoury tarts enhances flavour without being detectable as mustard. Comparing Colman's Prices Across UK Supermarkets One of the key benefits of shopping for Colman's products through Grocefully is the ability to compare prices across all major UK supermarkets. Colman's products are available nationwide, but prices can vary significantly between retailers and promotional periods. Regular price comparisons reveal that savings are often possible by shopping at the right retailer or timing purchases to coincide with offers. Given that households may purchase multiple Colman's products regularly – mustard, mint sauce, horseradish, and various cooking sauces – these savings can accumulate meaningfully over time. Grocefully tracks prices at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Ocado, and other major UK retailers, providing comprehensive coverage of where Colman's products are available and at what price. This makes it easy to identify the best current deals and plan purchases accordingly. Storage and Usage Tips Getting the most from Colman's products requires proper storage and handling. Prepared mustard should be stored in the refrigerator after opening, where it will maintain its quality for several months. Mustard powder, being dry, can be stored in a cool, dark cupboard. When mixing mustard powder, prepare only what you need for immediate use. Freshly mixed mustard has the best flavour and heat; the pungency diminishes over the following hours. For maximum heat, use cold water and let the mixture stand for ten to fifteen minutes before serving. Mint sauce and other condiments should also be refrigerated after opening. While these products are acidic and thus resistant to spoilage, refrigeration maintains their fresh taste and texture. The Heritage Lives On Despite the closure of the Norwich factory, Colman's heritage remains vibrant. The Colman's Mustard Shop and Museum in Norwich continues to celebrate the brand's history, offering visitors the chance to explore two centuries of mustard-making tradition. The museum displays artefacts from throughout Colman's history, including vintage packaging, advertising materials, and equipment from the original production processes. For food history enthusiasts and those curious about British industrial heritage, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Local farmers in Norfolk continue to grow mustard seed for the brand, maintaining the agricultural connection that stretches back to Jeremiah Colman's time. While production may have moved, the raw materials still come from the same East Anglian soil that nurtured the company's growth. A Brand Facing the Future Recent news suggests that Colman's may be approaching another significant chapter in its history. Unilever has reportedly been considering the sale of several heritage food brands, including Colman's, as part of a strategic shift towards health and beauty categories. Such a sale, if it proceeds, would mark only the third change of ownership in over 200 years. Whatever the future holds, Colman's has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability throughout its history. The brand has survived world wars, changing tastes, corporate mergers, and factory closures, emerging each time with its core identity intact. For consumers, the brand's future ownership matters less than continued commitment to quality. As long as Colman's English Mustard maintains its characteristic heat and flavour, the brand will continue to have a place in British kitchens. Why Colman's Endures The longevity of Colman's speaks to something fundamental about brand value. While countless food brands have appeared and disappeared over two centuries, Colman's has remained relevant. Several factors explain this endurance. Quality has been paramount. From Jeremiah Colman's insistence on sourcing the best mustard seed to modern quality control processes, the brand has never compromised on the fundamental excellence of its products. Consistency has built trust. Consumers know exactly what they're getting with Colman's products. The English Mustard their grandparents enjoyed tastes essentially the same as the product on shelves today. In a world of constant change, this reliability has value. Cultural relevance has kept the brand connected to British life. Colman's hasn't simply sold mustard; it has positioned itself as an essential component of British culinary tradition. The brand has become woven into the fabric of British food culture in a way that transcends mere commercial success. Conclusion Colman's represents more than just mustard. It embodies British culinary heritage, industrial history, and the enduring value of quality and tradition. From Jeremiah Colman's Norfolk mill to kitchens across the nation, the brand has maintained its commitment to excellence for over two hundred years. Whether you're seeking the classic heat of English Mustard, the freshness of Mint Sauce, or the convenience of modern cooking mixes, Colman's offers products that deliver on both flavour and heritage. By comparing Colman's prices across UK supermarkets through Grocefully, you can ensure you're getting the best value on these iconic British products. Explore Colman's products on Grocefully today and discover how smart shopping can help you enjoy these traditional British flavours without paying more than necessary.