Out of mustard?

Mustard substitutes

Mustard is Condiment made from mustard seeds with tangy, pungent flavor, available in various forms including prepared, powdered, and whole seeds.

Use this

Prepared Horseradish

Use the same amount as the mustard you are replacing

Best for sandwiches

The best substitutes for mustard are prepared horseradish, wasabi, or mustard powder depending on the use.

At a glance

Every mustard substitute on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Mustard substitutes compared
#	Substitute	Instead of mustard, use
1	Prepared Horseradish	Same amount
2	Wasabi	½ tsp wasabi per 1 tsp mustard
3	Mustard Powder + Water	1 tsp mustard powder + 1 tsp water + 1 tsp vinegar per 1 tbsp prepared mustard
4	Dijon Mustard	Same amount
5	Hot Sauce	½ tsp hot sauce per 1 tsp mustard
6	Mayonnaise + Vinegar	1 tbsp mayonnaise + ½ tsp vinegar per 1 tbsp mustard

Every mustard substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

1. Prepared Horseradish
Use the same amount
Grated horseradish root with vinegar and salt.
What changes
Provides similar pungent, tangy flavor to mustard.
Best for
sandwiches, dips, sauces, when you want pungent flavor, roast beef
Taste
pungent, tangy
Texture
grated, creamy
Prep. Use directly as a 1:1 replacement. Mix well into other ingredients for even distribution.
Similar pungent flavor but different taste profile. Use prepared horseradish, not fresh root.
2. Wasabi
Use ½ tsp wasabi for every 1 tsp mustard
Japanese horseradish with intense, pungent flavor.
What changes
Much hotter than most mustards.
Best for
Asian dishes, when you want intense heat, sushi, sauces, when you need pungent flavor
Taste
intense, pungent, hot
Texture
paste-like
Prep. Use half the amount of mustard called for. Mix well and adjust to desired heat level.
Much hotter than mustard. Use half the amount and adjust to taste. Real wasabi is rare - most is horseradish-based.
3. Mustard Powder + Water
Use 1 tsp mustard powder + 1 tsp water + 1 tsp vinegar for every 1 tbsp prepared mustard
Ground mustard seeds that can be mixed with liquid to create prepared mustard.
What changes
Most direct substitute.
Best for
when you have mustard powder, making your own mustard, any mustard application, when you want to control ingredients
Taste
pungent, tangy
Texture
paste-like when mixed
Prep. Mix 1 tsp mustard powder with 1 tsp water and 1 tsp vinegar. Let sit 10 minutes before using.
Mix with water and vinegar to create prepared mustard. Let sit 10 minutes for full flavor development.
4. Dijon Mustard
Use the same amount
French mustard with smooth texture and tangy flavor.
What changes
Good substitute for regular mustard.
Best for
sauces, dressings, marinades, when you want smooth texture, fine cooking
Taste
tangy, slightly sharp
Texture
smooth, creamy
Prep. Use directly as a 1:1 replacement. Mix well into other ingredients.
Smoother and more refined than regular mustard. Slightly different flavor profile but works well as substitute.
5. Hot Sauce
Use ½ tsp hot sauce for every 1 tsp mustard
Spicy condiment with heat and tang.
What changes
Good substitute when you want heat and acidity.
Best for
when you want heat, sauces, marinades, when you need acidity, spicy dishes
Taste
hot, tangy
Texture
liquid
Prep. Use half the amount of mustard called for. Mix well and adjust to desired heat level.
Provides heat and acidity but different flavor profile. Use less as it's more concentrated.
6. Mayonnaise + Vinegar
Use 1 tbsp mayonnaise + ½ tsp vinegar for every 1 tbsp mustard
Creamy base with acidity.
What changes
Good substitute when you need the creamy texture and tang.
Best for
when you need creamy texture, dips, spreads, when you want mild flavor, sandwiches
Taste
mild, tangy
Texture
creamy
Prep. Mix mayonnaise with vinegar until smooth. Add more vinegar for more tang if needed.
Much milder than mustard but provides creamy texture and some tang. Add more vinegar for more tang.

Tips for substituting mustard

Mustard adds tangy, pungent flavor to dishes and helps emulsify dressings and sauces
Different types of mustard have different heat levels - yellow is mildest, Dijon is medium, whole grain is hottest
Mustard powder needs to be mixed with liquid to develop its full flavor
Mustard works well in marinades, dressings, sauces, and as a condiment
Store prepared mustard in the refrigerator after opening
Mustard can help tenderize meat when used in marinades
It pairs well with meats, vegetables, and in salad dressings
Mustard seeds can be toasted to enhance their flavor before grinding
Prepared mustard lasts longer than homemade versions
Mustard is naturally low in calories and fat

Questions about mustard substitutes

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

Yellow mustard is milder and more acidic, while Dijon mustard is smoother and has a more refined, tangy flavor. Dijon is made with white wine instead of vinegar.

Can I use mustard powder instead of prepared mustard?

Yes! Mix 1 teaspoon mustard powder with 1 teaspoon water and 1 teaspoon vinegar to make prepared mustard. Let it sit for 10 minutes to develop full flavor.

How long does prepared mustard last?

Prepared mustard can last 1-2 years in the refrigerator after opening. Check for changes in color, texture, or smell to determine if it's still good.

Is mustard healthy?

Yes! Mustard is low in calories and fat, and contains antioxidants and minerals. It's a healthier alternative to many other condiments.

Need a different ingredient?

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At a glance

Every mustard substitute

1. Prepared Horseradish

2. Wasabi

3. Mustard Powder + Water

4. Dijon Mustard

5. Hot Sauce

6. Mayonnaise + Vinegar