Dijon Mustard vs. Yellow Mustard: What's the Difference? (2024)

Dijon is considered by many to be a more sophisticated mustard; here's what actually sets it apart.

Published on February 8, 2023

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Dijon Mustard vs. Yellow Mustard: What's the Difference? (2)

Dijon has developed a reputation among many consumers as a "fancy" version of regular mustard. And to some extent, well, it is. Of course, there's a bit more to know about this nuanced condiment.

What Is Dijon Mustard?

Dijon mustard is a type of mustard that originated in Dijon, a town in Burgundy, France. And it gets its distinctive flavor from white wine.

Though it was first used as a condiment as early as 1336 (by King Philip VI, no less), it didn't become widely popular until the 19th century. The mustard was originally made with vinegar, but Dijon resident Jean Naigeon replaced that particular ingredient with verjuice (the juice from unripe grapes) in 1856.

Even if you're not a mustard connoisseur, you're may be familiar with Grey-Poupon. The brand, which was created in 1866 buy Maurice Grey and Auguste Poupon, is now the most recognizable Dijon mustard brand in the world.

Once upon a time, Dijon mustard that was not actually made in France was called Dijon-style mustard rather than Dijon mustard. These days, however, the rules surrounding mustard naming conventions are more relaxed.

Dijon vs. Yellow Mustard

There are a couple of notable differences between yellow and Dijon mustard:

  1. Color: The most immediate distinction between Dijon and yellow mustard is color. Yellow mustard is typically a bright yellow. Dijon mustard, meanwhile, is a less vibrant shade of yellow tinged with brown.
  2. Flavor and Ingredients: Yellow mustard, which is made of powdered yellow mustard seeds, a spice blend, and vinegar (or even water), has a milder taste compared to its French counterpart. Dijon definitely has a distinctive mustard flavor, and is more intense, sharp, and complex than yellow mustard. It is made with brown and/or black mustard seeds and white wine.

Although you can generally use Dijon mustard and yellow mustard interchangeably, most mustard consumers prefer one over the other for different applications. If a recipe (such as a salad dressing or baked chicken) calls for Dijon, yellow mustard will not deliver quite the same dynamic flavor and may not emulsify quite as well in a vinaigrette.

Dijon Recipes

Even if you're not a huge fan of mustard on your sandwich, Dijon mustard is an excellent flavor boosting ingredient to keep on hand. Here are some of our favorite dishes that highlight Dijon:

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Dijon Mustard vs. Yellow Mustard: What's the Difference? (2024)

FAQs

Dijon Mustard vs. Yellow Mustard: What's the Difference? ›

Flavor and Ingredients: Yellow mustard, which is made of powdered yellow mustard seeds, a spice blend, and vinegar (or even water), has a milder taste compared to its French counterpart. Dijon definitely has a distinctive mustard flavor, and is more intense, sharp, and complex than yellow mustard.

What's the difference between Dijon mustard and regular yellow mustard? ›

Dijon is creamier and contains less vinegar by contrast (Yellow mustard is tarter).

Can you use yellow mustard in a recipe that calls for Dijon mustard? ›

When you need a replacement for dijon mustard, yellow mustard is always an option. The primary difference between these sauces is the mustard seed used to make them. In dijon mustard, brown mustard seeds make up the base.

Is grey poupon mustard the same as Dijon mustard? ›

Grey Poupon is a brand of Dijon mustard which originated in Dijon, France.

What can I use if I don't have Dijon mustard? ›

Some alternatives include:
  • Yellow mustard for a milder flavor.
  • Spicy brown mustard for more kick.
  • Stone ground mustard for a similar texture.
  • Whole grain mustard for added texture and tanginess.
  • Hot English mustard for intense heat.
  • Ground mustard mixed with liquid for a DIY option.
  • Horseradish for a spicy taste.
May 12, 2023

Is Dijon healthier than yellow mustard? ›

The main differences are health-related, but these are in such small quantities that it may well prove negligible to make a decision between Dijon and yellow mustard due to health concerns. Yellow mustard has lower sodium content, but other than that, there is no further difference in terms of healthiness.

Which is stronger Dijon or English mustard? ›

Dijon mustard has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that adds depth to sauces and dressings. It's also great for spreading on sandwiches or serving with charcuterie. Alternatively, English mustard is a much spicier mustard that originated in England. It is made with a combination of white and bro vinegar and spices.

Can I use Worcestershire sauce instead of Dijon mustard? ›

Worcestershire has a similar flavor profile as Dijon mustard, so it can work in a pinch. It's more liquid than Dijon's creaminess, so be prepared to adjust other liquids in the recipe as needed. We recommend you start with a ½ :1 swap of Worcestershire sauce to Dijon.

What to use instead of mustard in deviled eggs? ›

This recipe for Deviled Eggs Without Mustard tastes just like classic deviled eggs but with apple cider vinegar in place of dijon mustard. They're a creamy, delicious appetizer everyone should try!

Does mustard go bad? ›

Though each bottle's lifespan will vary, in general, mustard's flavor and texture will degrade over time, making it unusable. Still, many mustards last for months — some even stay good for up to 2 to 3 years! Here's a rundown of how long the most popular types of mustard last: Dijon mustard.

What mustard is closest to Dijon? ›

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.

What is the healthiest mustard? ›

Dijon mustard boasts a low-calorie, low-fat nutritional profile, making it a healthier alternative to mayonnaise and other high-fat condiments. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, Dijon mustard can provide numerous health benefits when incorporated into a balanced diet.

Which mustard is best for sandwiches? ›

Sometimes labeled “spicy brown” or just simply “brown,” deli mustard, as you can likely infer, is great on sandwiches. It consists of partially ground brown mustard seeds, warming spices and a moderate amount of acid, which results in a flavorful condiment that can certainly live up to the “spicy” moniker. Whole grain.

How to make yellow mustard taste like Dijon? ›

To mimic the nuances of Dijon mustard, several additional flavorings are often incorporated:
  1. Turmeric: for color and a hint of earthiness.
  2. Honey or sugar: for a touch of sweetness if desired.
  3. Horseradish or horseradish sauce: to add heat and depth, especially when using milder mustard seeds.
Mar 4, 2024

What's the difference between Dijon mustard and yellow mustard? ›

Yellow mustard is typically a bright yellow. Dijon mustard, meanwhile, is a less vibrant shade of yellow tinged with brown. Flavor and Ingredients: Yellow mustard, which is made of powdered yellow mustard seeds, a spice blend, and vinegar (or even water), has a milder taste compared to its French counterpart.

Why can I not buy Dijon mustard? ›

Rather than the brown seeds required for Dijon, Ukraine predominantly produces the white variety used in yellow and English mustard. Given the conflict, producers less tied to specific mustard varieties turned to Canada's already meagre supply, intensifying the shortage.

Why is Dijon mustard better? ›

Dijon mustard boasts a low-calorie, low-fat nutritional profile, making it a healthier alternative to mayonnaise and other high-fat condiments. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, Dijon mustard can provide numerous health benefits when incorporated into a balanced diet.

What to use Dijon mustard for? ›

It's perfect with eggs or potatoes (i.e.: devilled eggs, egg salad, mashed potato, potato salad), and provides the right finishing note for simple cheese dishes like mac and cheese, raclette, or a grilled cheese sandwich. Add it to hot dishes at the end, not the start, to retain the spiciness on the palette.

Is Dijon mustard just brown mustard? ›

There's one more obvious way of telling brown and Dijon mustard apart: the two condiments have different consistencies. Brown mustard contains partially whole grains, which makes it coarser, and gives it a similar feel to whole-grain mustard. Dijon mustard, on the other hand, is smooth and creamy like yellow mustard.

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