We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best dry mustard substitute options to help you pick the right one for your recipe. Dry mustard is a spice used in more ways and more dishes than you might think.
It’s made from ground mustard seeds to enhance the flavor in all kinds of dishes. But it may not be something you always have handy in your spice rack.
Mustard seeds are incredibly tiny and come from three different varieties of the mustard plant: black, brown, and white/yellow. Often, in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan, the seeds are harvested and roasted before being added to dishes whole.
When they are toasted, they make a popping, crackling sound that indicates readiness and releases an intense aroma into the air. The seeds are then added to a dish whole or are ground to become the powder we know as dry mustard.
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Pungency & Flavor
Mustard powder provides pungency and a certain amount of heat when added to dishes. The yellow mustard powder often found on American shelves is a bit milder than the brown, spicier version found in many Asian markets.
So we’ve made this list with the yellow mustard variety in mind. But be aware that with most of these substitutes, you can simply add a little more of them to crank up the spice level.
Choosing the right substitute depends on what kind of dish you’re preparing. For instance, you can add dry mustard to mac and cheese to give it a more complex flavor. Or you can add it to a dry rub to flavor meat for crockpot meals. You can even combine it with liquids like citrus juice or vinegar to make a dipping sauce.
Substitute for Dry Mustard Comparison Table
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Top 5 Dry Mustard Substitute Reviews
As we did with our Best Substitutes for Coriander and our 5 Cumin Substitutes articles, we’ve found the best products on the market to help you prepare your pantry for any situation. Dry mustard can have a strong flavor. But all kinds of dishes can be enhanced if it’s used in the right way.
The substitute you choose will depend on the dish you’re creating. In sum, these five alternatives we’ve chosen will give you a wide variety of options to choose from when you’re making your decision.
1. Best All-Around Substitute-Eden Yellow Mustard, Organic
Prepared mustard is the most commonly recommended substitute for dry mustard. We think it’s the best option out there for most situations. This product from Eden is a quality, healthy choice for people looking for a gourmet option.
It is made with apple cider vinegar rather than white vinegar. This makes it a great choice for consumers who are corn sensitive or want to avoid corn products. White vinegar is made from corn, but apple cider vinegar is not.
Gourmet Choice
If you are looking for traditionally flavored mustard, this product might not be for you. The use of apple cider vinegar gives it a slightly sweeter flavor with apple notes in it. You may or may not like this change in flavor.
This mustard comes in a twist top, squeeze bottle. It’s perfect for those who prefer not to deal with a knife when they’re ready to spread their mustard on a sandwich.
Although this product is a bit pricey, it is a great option for those who want a mustard that really fits their health needs. If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider other options.
Prepared Mustard vs. Dry Mustard
Using prepared mustard as a substitute for dry mustard takes a tiny bit of conversion. When your recipe calls for 1 tsp of dry mustard, you’ll need to use 1 tbsp of prepared mustard. This ensures you get the same flavor and pungency in your recipe.
You might also want to consider what type of recipe you’re using. Prepared mustard will work well as a substitute in salad dressings, dips, and even soups. You probably want to choose a different option, though, if you’re preparing a dry rub for meat or creating a spice blend for another application.
Pros
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- Corn-free choice.
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- Easy and clear option as a substitute.
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- Useful in a variety of ways.
Cons
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- Pricey option for some budgets.
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- Requires unit conversion.
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- Apple cider vinegar flavor may not be tasty to all buyers.
2. McCormick Gourmet Organic Yellow Mustard Seed
Mustard seeds are an incredibly versatile substitute option. You can quickly grind them up using a spice grinder to make your own dry mustard. You can even use a bowl and a spoon to crush these seeds in a pinch.
A benefit to keeping mustard seeds on hand instead of dry mustard is that mustard seeds don’t lose their flavor as fast. They will stay pungent and tangy for a lot longer than dry mustard will. When you’re ready to grind them and add them to a recipe, they’ll be fresh and full of flavor!
Versatility
When you’re not using these mustard seeds as a substitute for dry mustard, you can also use them whole in all kinds of dishes. For instance, you can use them to pickle vegetables by throwing them into the pickling jar with the vinegar and other juices. You can also toast them dry in a saucepan until they pop. Once they’re ready you can add them to Indian dishes like chutney for a nutty, acidic flavor.
Bonus: Your house will smell incredible! You can even try making your own whole grain mustard if you have these on hand.
McCormick’s larger jar makes them easy to find on a shelf. Many mustard seed products come in small jars which can make them easy to lose and hard to handle. If you’re looking for a spice jar that does not hide behind taller spices, this is a great option.
This product is a great price point for budget buyers, especially considering that it is an organic option. At this price level, you can feel free to experiment with this substitute in all kinds of recipes. You can even try sprinkling it on top of potato salad!
Pros
- An excellent substitute.
- Budget-friendly option.
- Maintains its flavor.
Cons
- Requires grinding before use as dry mustard.
- Some buyers might prefer to purchase less.
- Other options for use can be a bit complicated.
3. Frontier Turmeric Root Ground
Turmeric is a warm, earthy spice that is most commonly found in Asian dishes. This product, from Frontier, is a great option for those looking for a healthy product from an environmentally conscious brand. Kosher, non-irradiated, and non-GMO, this product is a great addition to any conscious consumer’s spice cabinet.
Turmeric has a bit of heat to it that mimics the taste of dry mustard with a gingery, peppery flavor. It has a smell that is reminiscent of Dijon mustard. However, it may not be as spicy as some other alternatives out there. Be aware of what you are looking for in your substitute before choosing this one—you might want something with more of a kick than turmeric can give you.
Keto Friendly
This particular brand stands out from other brands because it does not clump in the jar. It’s easy to pour or scoop out in precise measurements. The color is also vibrant and the packaging attractive.
Turmeric is a great choice for those on the keto diet. When you’re done using this product as a substitute for dry mustard, you can use it to make “Golden Milk”. You can also experiment with adding this flavor to any Asian dish you’re making to create an earthy undertone.
When cooking with kids, be aware that this product will easily stain hands, clothing, and countertops. Be careful to clean up spills as soon as possible.
Pros
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- Gingery, peppery flavor makes it a great substitute.
- Great for families who love Asian food.
- Healthy option for those on the Keto diet.
Cons
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- Messy.
- May not be spicy enough for some buyers.
- Earthy flavor may not appeal to some people.
4. Anthony's Organic Turmeric Root Powder
This is a pure, organic product that is a great option if you’re looking for a simple ingredient with no fuss. It comes in a heat-sealed, USDA food grade bag so you know you’re getting a safe, quality product.
If you’re looking for a jarred spice that will stand up in your cabinet and be easy to find, this product may not be for you. But if you don’t mind managing a bag, this spice’s simple, clean ingredient and packaging may be exactly what you need.
For Spice Lovers Only
As a substitute, turmeric root powder works great for many reasons. It’s spicy and also comes from the ginger family. So it shares many flavor qualities wasabi, horseradish and ginger.
This product may not be for you if you don’t like a lot of bitterness and spice. But if you’re looking for a strong hit of spicy flavor, it might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Try this spice as a dry mustard substitute in any recipe but remember to start with only half the recommended amount. Too much turmeric can easily overpower a dish or give it a bitter flavor. It will also turn your food yellowish orange color which you should also keep in mind.
Pros
- Simple, pure ingredient.
- Certified, heat-sealed packaging.
- Great spicy option.
Cons
- Only comes in a bag.
- Can be quite spicy.
- Easy to overdo in a dish.
5. Soeos Premium Wasabi Powder
This organic product is a great choice for a substitute for dry mustard. Wasabi and mustard are both a part of the same scientific family: Brassicaceae. They share similar qualities and can work well as a swap for each other with a little bit of care.
Wasabi powder is a great product if you’re the type to want a lot of spice from your dry mustard. Use it with caution, even if that heat is exactly what you’re looking for. This product can come across as bitter at first and requires a bit of preparation to use it to its full benefit.
When you’re using it as a substitute, you’ll want to start with adding just half of what the recipe calls for. You can always add more once you’ve tasted your dish.
Great Budget Option
This product from Soeos comes in an 8-ounce jar. If you love to cook Asian food or enjoy experimenting with spice, you’ll love this wasabi powder. It’s also a great option for budget buyers looking for a wasabi flavor without the pure wasabi price. This product is a blend of wasabi and horseradish powder which keeps the price lower.
If you’re looking for pure wasabi powder, you’ll want to look elsewhere. It’s perfect for families who want a little bit of spice combined with that Japanese flavor.
Pros
- Great budget friendly choice.
- Fantastic substitute in Asian dishes.
- Spicy option for adventurous chefs.
Cons
- Might be too spicy for some people.
- Not a 1:1 ratio substitute option.
- Not pure wasabi powder.
Dry Mustard Substitute Buyer’s Guide
When you’re looking for the best choice for a dry mustard substitute, you’ve got several considerations from heat level to flavor undertones. It’s your job to determine the best choice and the best heat level for your recipe.
We’ve created this guide for you with your needs in mind, from substitutes to ratios. Making your own mustard is an easy process that you can do regularly. This video shows you how mustard is made at home:
Here are a few things to think about as you’re deciding on the best product to add to your pantry and use as a substitute.
What is Dry Mustard?
Mustard is both a green and a seed. The plant itself is related to both broccoli and brussels sprouts. Mustard green is a leaf that’s used in salads or in stews, similar to the way collard greens are used in the American South.
Mustard greens have a strong, peppery flavor, but do not share much in terms of flavor with the mustard seed. Also, we will not deal with the leafy part of the plant in this article. But if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s worth trying this healthy green out next time you’re at the farmer’s market.
The mustard seed is the extremely tiny spice which is ground to create dry mustard. It’s used most often to give a mustard flavor to dishes but can also be combined with vinegar to pickle things. You can use them whole or grind them for your dish. Whole mustard seeds will stay more flavorful longer than dry mustard will.
Substitute Flavors
When you’re choosing a substitute, it’s important to consider the flavor you want to bring out in your recipe. What are you missing most by not using dry mustard? If it’s the heat, you’ll want to try using wasabi or horseradish powder.
Turmeric is a great option if you want warm, earthy undertones in the background of your dish. However, if you’re disappointed in the blandness of your dry mustard because it’s been in your pantry too long, reach for the mustard seeds. Lastly, prepared mustard will be your best bet if you’re making a salad dressing and want to include a liquid.
If you’re not a fan of really spicy mustard, you’ll want to stay away from using wasabi and horseradish powder as a substitute for dry mustard. They can easily make your dish too spicy even if you use them sparingly.
Getting the Ratio Right
You’ve got it pretty easy if you’re using mustard seeds for your substitute. Just grab your measuring spoon and toss these seeds into a grinder or mortar and pestle at a 1:1 ratio. They’ll meld smoothly into your dish with no fuss.
If you’ve decided to go with prepared mustard for your dish, you’ll want to use about a tablespoon for every teaspoon of dry mustard called for in your recipe. This is because dry mustard provides a more concentrated flavor than prepared mustard does.
For turmeric, you can easily use a 1:1 ratio with no extra work to grind your spice. This option is a great choice if you’re not interested in including a lot of heat in your dish. It’s also the easiest conversion with the least amount of work.
For wasabi and horseradish powder substitutions, remember to just start with half of the recommended amount of dry mustard. Lastly, you can always add more, but you can’t take the spicy flavor out once it’s in your dish!
Health Benefits of Dry Mustard and its Substitutes
Dry mustard is said to have antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. It’s high in selenium which is a nutrient known to have anti-inflammatory properties. This spice is also high in magnesium which may help reduce the severity of asthma attacks. In sum, it’s an all around surprising little spice packed with great benefits for the body. You can check out a more complete list of all the benefits of dry mustard here.
With Eden Yellow Mustard, you’re not only getting all the benefits of dry mustard. You’re also getting the healthy perks of apple cider vinegar which include blood sugar control and weight loss boosting properties.
Turmeric also has its health benefits and is a favorite in the keto community. It contains many immune boosting properties. In addition, it may help boost antioxidant levels in your body and might even help with pain relief.
Wasabi is said to be helpful with weight loss and may help fight inflammation. Horseradish may help fight urinary tract infections and is a great source of vitamin C, an immune booster. Both spices may benefit people with respiratory illnesses like asthma.
Brand Considerations
Most of the products on this list are organic but all are quality green products.
If you are familiar with Frontier products and like to shop for this environmentally conscious brand, be aware that this turmeric is not a certified organic product. You might want to choose a different substitute from this list if buying organic is important to you.
If you are most interested in a value product, you might want to opt for the Clearspring Organic Wasabi Powder. Although it’s not a pure wasabi powder, it will give you the wasabi flavor at a lower cost.
Versatility may also be an important consideration for you. If so, you can use the Eden Yellow Mustard on sandwiches and in dressings when you’re done using it as a substitute for your recipe.
The horseradish powder in the USDA heat-sealed packaging is a great choice if you’re looking for a lot of spice in your substitute.
You should think about the needs of your family when you’re choosing a substitute. There’s something for everyone on this list we’ve compiled. In addition, you should follow your preference for flavor, packaging, and budget and you’ll find the best dry mustard substitute in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best dry mustard substitute to use?
A: It depends completely on the recipe you’re needing the substitute for. For liquids like salad dressings or soups, it might be easiest to use prepared mustard as your substitute. When it comes to dry rubs for meat, consider what spice level you prefer. Try wasabi or horseradish if you want a spicy Asian chicken rub. Turmeric would be a good choice if you’re looking for an earthy, warm flavor. If you don’t mind doing a bit of extra work to get exactly the same flavor as dry mustard, break out your grinder and grind your own mustard seeds.
Q: Are dry mustard, ground mustard, and mustard powder the same?
A: Yes, all of these spices are made of ground mustard seeds.
Q: How do I get a mustard stain out of my clothes?
A: It’s a tricky project. It’s worth mentioning that many of the products on this list, from turmeric to prepared mustard to the dry mustard can cause stains in clothing. This article might be helpful if you find yourself or your kids a little more yellow at the end of your recipe than you were before you started!
Q: How long will dry mustard keep?
A: It should stay shelf stable for around three to four years. Whole mustard seeds will stay fresh for longer than that.
Q: Is dry mustard spicy?
A: It depends on which variety/color of mustard seed it’s ground from. White and yellow mustard seeds are typically milder than their brown and black cousins. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to use a very spicy dry mustard, you can buy yellow Chinese mustard seeds and grind them yourself to make an extremely spicy powder.
Conclusion
Your options for dry mustard substitutes come in a lot of different forms and price ranges. When you’re hunting for the best one, you’ll want to consider the needs of your family, the flavors you prefer, and the style of your recipe.
Whether you’re making a sandwich, a dressing, meat, or mac and cheese, there’s something on this list to fit your needs. These wholesome, quality products also come with a variety of health benefits and options for those with tricky to follow diets. Remember that the prepared mustard on this list is a corn-free option!
Each of these products will serve your family in a variety of other ways, especially if you’re a fan of ethnic cooking. Many of these products work well in Asian dishes, but you can also use them if you’re a fan of German food or enjoy pickling the produce from your garden or farmer’s market.
We hope that after reading our detailed dry mustard substitute reviews and comprehensive buying guide, you’ll have all the information you need to select the best dry mustard substitute options that are perfect for your pantry.
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