Looking for a substitute for Dijon mustard in your recipe? Whether you’re out of it or just want to try something different, here are the best substitutes for Dijon when cooking, making marinades, or making salad dressings. Some of the best alternatives include stone-ground mustard, yellow mustard, honey mustard, and spicy brown mustard.

Jar of dijon mustard with scattered mustard seeds.

Dijon Mustard Overview

Dijon mustard is a popular mustard used as a key ingredient in many dishes. Traditionally, white wine was used instead of vinegar, but now many Dijon mustards use cider vinegar or wine vinegar.

This mustard has a sharp, pungent flavor that is often used as a condiment for meats and cheeses. It can also be used in salad dressings and as an ingredient in many recipes.

Because of its strong flavor, Dijon mustard is usually used sparingly. However, it can add a nice zing to many dishes.

What it tastes like

Dijon mustard is a type of mustard that came from the city of Dijon, France, in 1866.

It is a French condiment that has been used for centuries. The first recorded use of mustard as a condiment dates back to 1336 and King Philip VI.

What’s in it

Dijon mustard is made from ground mustard seeds, vinegar, water, and salt.

Dijon mustard can also be used in recipes for dressings, sauces, and marinades. It is an essential ingredient in many French dishes, and its popularity has spread to other parts of the world as well.

Wooden scoop of mustard seeds spilled out.
Mustard seeds.

How it’s used

As mentioned, Dijon mustard can be used as a condiment on sandwiches and salads, or as an ingredient in sauces and dressings. Additionally, it can be used as a marinade for meats and vegetables.

When mixed with oil and herbs, it creates a flavorful and tenderizing marinade that is perfect for grilling or roasting.

Whether you’re using it as a condiment or an ingredient, Dijon mustard is a versatile and flavorful pantry staple that can help add flavor to any dish.

Best Substitutes for Dijon Mustard

While it is possible to buy Dijon mustard in most supermarkets, it can be expensive. It’s also easy to run out if you haven’t stocked your pantry in awhile.

In any case, you may be looking for a Dijon substitute that is cheaper and/or easier to find.

Some of the most popular substitutes for Dijon mustard include stone-ground mustard, yellow mustard, honey mustard, and spicy brown mustard. There are some additional substitutes you can use which we’ll cover in this article (see below).

Each of these substitutes has a different flavor profile, so it is important to choose one that will complement the dish you are making.

1. Stone-ground mustard

Bowl of Stone-ground mustard with small spoonful.
Stone ground mustard.

Stone-ground mustard is a type of mustard that is made from whole mustard seeds.

This mustard has a milder flavor than Dijon mustard and is commonly used as a condiment on sandwiches and in salads (it’s also known as deli mustard). It can also be used in cooking to add flavor to dishes.

I recommend using stone-ground mustard as a substitute for Dijon mustard in any dish where you want a milder flavor. Overall, though stone ground or “whole grain mustard” is a great substitute for Dijon.

To substitute one teaspoon of Dijon mustard, use one teaspoon of stone-ground mustard.

2. Yellow mustard

Bowl of yellow mustard on white back ground.
Yellow mustard.

Yellow mustard is a type of mustard that is made from yellow mustard seeds. It is vinegary and tangy, with a slightly sweet flavor.

Another benefit of yellow mustard is that it’s usually very inexpensive and easy to find at most grocery stores. It’s the most common type of mustard that Americans use.

Yellow mustard is often used as a condiment on hot dogs and sandwiches. It can also be used in vinaigrettes and marinades, or as an ingredient in potato salad and coleslaw.

I recommend using yellow mustard as a substitute for Dijon mustard in any dish where you want a vinegary flavor. I would say that it is a good Dijon mustard substitute especially if you don’t mind a less intense flavor.

To substitute one teaspoon of Dijon mustard, use one teaspoon of yellow mustard.

3. Spicy brown mustard

Bowl of spicy brown mustard and mustard seeds.
Spicy brown mustard.

Spicy brown mustard is made from brown mustard seeds and has a hot, peppery flavor. It goes well in dishes that also contain other strong flavors, such as grilled meats or robust cheeses.

I recommend using spicy brown mustard as a substitute for Dijon mustard in any dish where you want a spicy flavor such as meat sandwiches. In general, it is a great alternative to Dijon and is perfect for spicy food with a lot of heat.

Note that it will have a coarser texture than regular Dijon.

To substitute one teaspoon of Dijon mustard, use one teaspoon of spicy brown mustard.

4. Honey mustard

Jar of honey mustard with mustard seeds.
Honey mustard.

Honey mustard is a popular choice. It is sweeter than Dijon mustard and has a creamy texture. While it doesn’t have the same sharp flavor as Dijon mustard (because it has less vinegar), it can still be used in many recipes.

Honey mustard is sweeter than Dijon mustard and would pair well with roast chicken or pork. I would say that overall it is a good substitute for Dijon.

I recommend using honey mustard as a substitute for Dijon mustard in any dish where you want a sweet flavor.

To substitute one teaspoon of Dijon mustard, use one teaspoon of honey mustard.

Other Alternatives

If you don’t have one of the above best Dijon mustard substitutes, don’t fret!

You can usually make do with other condiments that have a tangy flavor such as: Worcestershire sauce, German mustard, horseradish sauce, white wine vinegar, or hot English mustard.

Or, you can try making your own good alternative by mixing mustard powder with sour cream or another creamy base (even egg yolks would work).

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of using one of the top four dijon mustard alternatives. If you don’t have any of these, choose one of the other substitutes listed above.

SubstituteProsCons
Stone-ground MustardMilder flavor, good for sandwiches and salads.Less sharp than Dijon, may not suit all recipes requiring Dijon’s tanginess.
Yellow MustardVinegary and tangy, inexpensive and easy to find.Sweeter and less intense than Dijon.
Spicy Brown MustardHot, peppery flavor, great for robust dishes like grilled meats.Spicier, might overpower milder dishes.
Honey MustardSweeter alternative, pairs well with roast chicken or pork.Much sweeter, lacks Dijon’s sharpness.

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Conclusions

If you are looking for a substitute for Dijon mustard, there are several options available, each with a different flavor profile. Ultimately, the best substitute for Dijon mustard depends on your personal preferences and the dish you are making. With a little trial and error, you are sure to find a substitute that you love.

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.