10+ Substitutes for Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard is a staple ingredient in so many delicious recipes, from a wide variety of cuisines. Known for its rounded, acidic flavor, dijon mustard is a pantry staple. If you ever find yourself running low or are looking for other ways to brighten up your recipes, these substitutes for Dijon mustard have you covered. 

Whole-Grain Mustard

• Whole grain mustard is the best substitute for Dijon mustard because of the similarity of flavor and tangy flavor. German mustard is also a form of grainy mustard. 
• The key difference between the two mustards is the coarser texture. 
• Dijon mustard blends easily into smooth sauces because it is ground into a paste, whereas whole-grain mustard does have some pops of texture from the seeds. Despite the textural difference, whole-grain mustard is still a suitable substitute in various recipes. 

Stone Ground Mustard Powder

• Dry mustard powder can be used instead, keeping the same creamy texture as it is made from ground mustard seeds.
• Mustard powder can be reconstituted with water to form a paste similar to Dijon mustard which makes it a good substitute.
• Stone-ground mustard is slightly less acidic than prepared mustard because jarred mustard has added vinegar. Overall, it does have a similar flavor profile to the taste of dijon. 
• Keep in mind that stone-ground mustard is like any other spice, and will lose its potent flavor over time and will have a mild flavor if you have had it in your pantry for too long. 
• If your personal preference is to replicate the same pale yellow color, the mustard powder will be an excellent substitute. 

Spicy Brown Mustard

• As the name suggests, spicy brown mustard (also known as creole mustard or deli mustard) has more of a kick and strong flavor than Dijon. 
• Brown mustard uses less vinegar and more brown mustard seeds as the main ingredients. 
• If using spicy mustard instead of dijon, you will want to use slightly less. If used with restraint, spicy brown mustard is a great option for a dijon substitute.
• Most recipes that call for dijon mustard are not meant to have an overly spicy flavor or punchiness, so you do not want to overpower the recipe. 

Hot English Mustard

• Hot English mustard uses two types of mustard seeds (brown & white). 
• The two types of mustard seeds combined with vinegar form a spicier product that has a unique flavor profile.
• Much like spicy brown mustard, you will want to use much less in your recipe in place of dijon mustard. 
• Also, be mindful that this mustard has a bright, distinct color that can alter your final product. 

Honey Mustard

• Honey mustard is exactly what the name suggests - dijon mustard mixed with honey. 
• This makes honey mustard a great alternative for dijon. 
• Be mindful that the sweetness in honey mustard tones down the acid and has a milder flavor than what we usually look for in Dijon mustard, as there is less vinegar.
• This means you will get some mustard flavor, but not necessarily the brightness of Dijon mustard. 

Whole Mustard Seeds

• Whole mustard seeds on their own are not the best substitute for Dijon. 
• If using whole mustard seeds, whether yellow mustard seeds or black mustard seeds, you will want to reconstitute them in some water and vinegar. 
• This process is almost like making your homemade whole-grain mustard. 
• Because mustard seeds require prep work, it is quicker and more convenient to use a prepared mustard that you already have on hand. 

Vinegars

White Wine Vinegar

• White wine vinegar is made by fermenting white wine. 
• The fermentation process makes this vinegar a little more complex than standard white vinegar. 
• White wine vinegar is a great substitute for dijon mustard as it is not overwhelmingly sour. 
• Be mindful that vinegar can only replace the acidic element of mustard, not the taste or emulsifying texture. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

• Apple cider vinegar is on par with regular white vinegar in terms of acidity. 
• The key difference between apple cider vinegar and white vinegar is the subtle fruitiness of apples. 
• Much like white wine vinegar, this will only substitute the acid of dijon mustard. 
• Because apple cider vinegar has a lot of zing, you will only need a small splash to get the flavor you want. 

White Vinegar

• White vinegar is the most acidic and one-noted substitute to use. 
• White vinegar lacks the complexity that dijon or other mustards have. 
• If you are looking for a splash of sour to balance out the flavors in your recipe, you can use a tiny splash of white vinegar. 
• White vinegar works well in most cases because it can be found in almost every pantry. 

Other Sauces & Ingredients

Worcestershire Sauce

• Worcestershire sauce is a great multi-use sauce, because of its depth of flavor and umami.
• This sauce is not overly acidic like mustard, so it is not exactly a "like" substitute. 
• Worcestershire sauce will add more complexity to the dish if you feel it is missing something. 

Prepared Horseradish

• Prepared horseradish is a great substitute for mustard because it adds some sharpness and acidity. 
• Horseradish sauce is not as smooth or unnoticeable as prepared mustard, but the change in texture is minimal.
• Horseradish is more on par with spicy brown mustard or hot English mustard, so keep this in mind when adjusting the quantity. 

Fresh Lemon Juice

• The best source of bright, acid is a fresh lemon. 
• If you find yourself needing the complexity and acidity of mustard, a light squeeze of lemon juice will help. 
• The citrus notes of lemon add some fruitiness and sweetness, which can replicate mellow mustards. 

More Recipes With Dijon Mustard