Why Does Whataburger Put Mustard (Not Ketchup) on Its Burgers?
Whataburger puts mustard on its burgers because the original 1950 Whataburger came with mustard, and when ketchup was later removed from the recipe, mustard stayed. You can still ask for ketchup or mayonnaise instead.
Mustard has been there from the start
The original 1950 Whataburger came with ketchup and mustard, plus lettuce, three tomato slices, four dill pickles and chopped onions. Over the years the recipe stayed largely the same, but ketchup was removed, leaving mustard as the only sauce on the classic burger.
Today the #1 still comes with mustard: 15 calories, against 15 for ketchup and 50 for mayonnaise. See the #1 Whataburger.
Why mustard works on a Whataburger
Mustard is light, sharp and low in calories, and it sits well with pickles and onions, which are also on the #1. A Reddit thread on how mustard became the default at Whataburger drew 97 comments, so for many fans it is part of what makes a Whataburger taste like a Whataburger.
How to get ketchup or mayo instead
Ask for it. Swapping mustard for ketchup, mayonnaise or a sauce like Creamy Pepper is a normal custom order. Mayonnaise adds about 35 calories over mustard. Ketchup packets, including Spicy Ketchup, come with your order on request.
Every sauce and its calories is on Whataburger sauces and condiments.
The 1950 build vs today
The first Whataburger had a quarter-pound patty on a wide bun with fresh lettuce, three slices of tomato, four dill pickles, chopped onions, ketchup and mustard. Today's #1 has a 5-inch patty on a 5-inch bun with tomato, lettuce, pickles, diced onions and mustard.
So in more than 75 years the main change to the classic burger is the missing ketchup. Everything else, including the mustard, is still there.
Mustard in the calorie count
Because mustard is only 15 calories, it adds almost nothing to the #1's 590 calories. Mayonnaise would add 50, which is one reason the classic build is lighter than most burgers with a creamy sauce. Calories for every part are on the calorie calculator.
Which burgers come with mustard
Mustard is the sauce on the #1, #2 and #3, the #4 Jalapeño & Cheese, and the Jr. burgers. The Patty Melt and Avocado Bacon Burger use Creamy Pepper instead, and the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger has its own sauce plus mustard.
The full line-up is on the burger menu.
Frequently asked questions
Does Whataburger put mustard on burgers?
Yes. The classic #1 comes with mustard, not ketchup or mayonnaise.
Did Whataburger ever use ketchup on its burgers?
Yes. The original 1950 burger had ketchup and mustard; ketchup was later removed.
Can I get ketchup on my Whataburger?
Yes, ask for it as a custom change.
Does the Whataburger Jr. come with mustard?
Yes, the #7 and #8 Jr. burgers have the same toppings as the #1, including mustard.
Why did Whataburger remove ketchup?
The company history notes only that ketchup was later removed from the recipe; it does not give a reason.
How many calories is the mustard on a Whataburger?
15 calories.