4 Best Substitutes for Dijon Mustard

Often considered a partner to ketchup, mustard is a classic condiment. There are several types of mustard, each with its own unique flavors and colors to distinguish them. Of them, Dijon mustard is a popular type.

This mustard has French origins and a yellow-brown color. The flavor is often described as intense, tangy, savory, and subtly spicy. It differs from regular mustard in that it is usually made with white wine or wine vinegar along with brown or black mustard seeds instead of white ones.

When you think of mustard, you probably think of the regular variety that comes in packets at ball games and burger joints. Dijon mustard is viewed as a slightly more elevated option that comes in jars or bottles at most grocery stores and is often added to salad dressings, sauces, soups, breading, slaws, and more. If you do not have Dijon mustard on hand or prefer a different type of mustard, try these Dijon mustard alternatives.

Why Use an Alternative?

There may be instances where a substitute for Dijon mustard is necessary. Common reasons include mustard allergy and personal preference, but running out of Dijon mustard is also valid.

Mustard allergies are not common, but they can be serious. Between 2% and 10% of the general population experience food allergies. People who are allergic to mustard can have a life-threatening allergic reaction with symptoms like chest tightness, wheezing, and nausea. People with allergies to pollen, nuts, seeds, and legumes may be sensitive to mustard as well.

Dijon mustard can have an intense and somewhat spicy taste. For this reason, some may prefer a more mild type of mustard or another condiment.

Dijon Mustard Nutrition

This nutrition information for a 5 gram serving of Dijon mustard is provided by the USDA.

The nutritional values of Dijon mustard may vary depending on the manufacturer since they may be made with different ingredients. Some are higher in sodium and sugar than others, for example.

Popular Substitutes

Other types of mustard make for excellent dijon mustard substitutes because they are also made with mustard seeds and usually have a similar creamy consistency. Most can be substituted in equal amounts. Other condiments can also be used as an alternative depending on the recipe, especially if you have an allergy to mustard.

Stone-Ground Mustard

Stone-ground mustard is considered the best substitute for Dijon mustard. Like Dijon, stone-ground mustard is also made with brown mustard seeds, giving it a distinguishable flavor compared to the more mild types of mustard made with white mustard seeds.

Stone-ground mustard is exactly what it sounds like—the result of finely ground brown mustard seeds. White wine may also be added, making it more similar to Dijon mustard.

Nutritionally, stone-ground mustard contains more calories, fat, and carbohydrates than Dijon mustard. It may also contain more sodium and salt depending on the ingredients. Because the ingredients of stone-ground mustard are usually rather simple, you can likely find one that aligns with your nutritional goals.

Yellow Mustard

Yellow mustard is the classic condiment that pairs well with ketchup. It is what you are likely to add to hot dogs, corn dogs, and burgers. If you do not have Dijon mustard in your pantry, you can always turn to yellow mustard—it is reliable, affordable, accessible, and easy to work with. It is not as low in calories, carbohydrates, fat, and sugar as Dijon mustard, but it is still rather low in these nutritional values.

Because yellow mustard is like a blank slate, you can also amp it up at home to more closely resemble Dijon mustard. For instance, you can add white wine vinegar to give it more tang. Because yellow mustard is made with white mustard seeds instead of black or brown, the flavor will be slightly different, though.

Spicy Brown Mustard

Some say that Dijon mustard has a slight kick. This is due to the spices that are added to Dijon mustard to add a more intense flavor. If the spicy element of Dijon mustard appeals to you, you can kick it up a notch by opting for spicy brown mustard in its place.

Like the name suggests, spicy brown mustard is made with brown mustard seeds, which is similar to Dijon mustard. If you like spicy food, use spicy brown mustard at a 1:1 ratio as Dijon mustard.

Spicy brown mustard and Dijon mustard are similar in terms of nutrition. However, spicy brown mustard may be higher in sodium.

Horseradish Sauce

If you or a loved one has a mustard allergy, substituting Dijon mustard with other types of mustard may not be an option. In that case, other condiments may work. Horseradish sauce is a suitable Dijon mustard substitute since it has a similar tangy flavor and creamy consistency. Like Dijon mustard, it is usually made with some type of vinegar.

A comparable serving size of horseradish sauce will add more calories, fat, and sodium than Dijon mustard. Horseradish sauce also contains dairy products, so it may not be an option for those with dairy allergies or intolerances.

A Word From Verywell

Dijon mustard is a beloved condiment and ingredient in savory recipes known for its unique flavor and creamy texture. It is most commonly used in salad dressings and vinaigrettes, but it can also be used as part of a breading or marinade for meat. Though it is not as commonly used as yellow mustard, Dijon mustard has earned a place in most kitchens.

However, there may be times when a Dijon mustard substitute is warranted. Allergies, personal preference, and lack of availability are common reasons to use an alternative to Dijon mustard.