In the world of spices, few are as distinctive and interesting as brown mustard.
Slightly spicy, slightly sweet-brown mustard is a complex seasoning that can turn common foods into something extraordinary.
The consistency of brown mustard is far thicker than common mustards.
While it can be used interchangeably with other mustards in some recipes, it has much more depth in flavor to explore.
Unfortunately for those who love it, brown mustard has one major drawback: It can be difficult to find.
Many grocery stores don’t stock brown mustard, and those often have a very limited supply.
Fortunately, though, there are substitutes for brown mustard that many cooks can use when they find themselves without the real thing.
Keep on reading for five of the best substitutes for brown mustard.
What is Brown Mustard?

For those unfamiliar with brown mustard, it’s a very tangy condiment that is often used as a spread or added to recipes.
It can be found in pretty much any grocery store and eaten for hundreds of years.
Brown mustard usually comes in the form of seeds mixed with vinegar, turmeric, salt, and sometimes other spices.
The seeds can be ground and made into a paste or kept whole.
The taste is usually spicier than yellow mustard but still tangy, and of course, it has that mustard flavor.
It is used as a spread for sandwiches or hot dogs, on top of the meat to add some flavor and as part of many recipes involving sautéed onions and a bit of oil.
It is a versatile condiment that goes well with several different foods, especially those traditionally eaten during the colder months of wintery weather.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Brown Mustard
As much as we love brown mustard, it can be kind of expensive.
Some people choose not to eat it because they don’t like the taste or just because they’re trying to avoid certain ingredients.
But rest assured – there are plenty of substitutes for brown mustard that you can use instead.
Let’s look at five great options that you can use as a substitute.
1 – Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard is a creamy, mild, and tangy condiment.
It is white and usually contains small pieces of yellow mustard seeds.
Even though it’s popular and widespread, Dijon mustard did not originate from the French city known for its namesake sauce.
The actual history states that Scottish manufacturers created this type of spread during the 19 century.
In addition, Dijon mustard may be a bit expensive since it doesn’t contain large quantities of spices and ingredients.
2 – Spicy Yellow Mustard

If you’re looking for a substitute that will offer more taste and flavor, spicy yellow mustard may be the way to go.
Typically, yellow mustard is very tangy and sweet since it consists of white wine.
It is rich in turmeric and has a distinctive taste due to various seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and other spices.
One thing is clear – spicy yellow mustard offers a more intense flavor than brown mustard.
It may be a bit spicier as well, so you have to keep that in mind before using it.
3 – Whole Grain Mustard

This substitute is not very common; however, it can be found in most grocery stores.
Whole grain mustard is usually prepared with whole seeds instead of being ground.
This increases the flavor intensity and also changes the texture.
Overall, this alternative contains all of the similar ingredients included in plain mustard.
The only difference is that you’re getting whole seeds instead of a paste or spread.
When you add this condiment to your meal, make sure it’s not at the same time as any other ingredients since it may get soggy.
4 – Horseradish

Horseradish is a root that is related to cruciferous vegetables.
It has white flesh with a pale brown exterior.
This particular substitute is very spicy and has an intense flavor.
It’s also important to note that it may contain some cream, horseradish leaves, vinegar, water, lemon juice, or citric acid, among other ingredients.
Spicy horseradish is mostly used as a condiment for seafood, and it can also be added to meat dishes such as roast beef or used in dips and spreads.
Another thing worth noting – you should be more careful when adding this substitute since too much can cause some issues with your sinuses.
5 – Honey Mustard

As its name suggests, honey mustard contains a combination of two ingredients – honey and mustard.
It works as a spread and can be used as an alternative to brown mustard for those who love the sweet and tangy taste.
If you want to use it as a substitute, you can add it whenever you prepare sandwiches or burgers.
You can also use it with hot dogs and sausages by brushing the sauce on top of them.
Honey mustard can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months.
Conclusion
Brown mustard is delicious, but it can be pretty pricey.
If you don’t want to spend too much money on food or you want to change your condiment for a few days, these substitutes will do the trick.
Depending on the substitute you choose, remember a few key details, such as the texture and the flavor intensity.
If you need further information regarding these ingredients or substitutes, contact your local grocery store or visit an online source such as Wikipedia.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Brown Mustard

Ingredients
- Dijon Mustard
- Spicy Yellow Mustard
- Whole Grain Mustard
- Horseradish
- Honey Mustard
Instructions
- Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
- Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.