The difference between Dijon mustard and yellow mustard

What are your favorite seasonings and seasoning preferences? Are you a ketchup lover or do you usually go for mustard? And the mayonnaise? Do you prefer mustard to mayonnaise?

Each of these questions comes down to a matter of personal preference. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to using seasonings. Seasonings can be used for many different things, from dipping sauces to marinades and everything in between.

The thing is, not all mustard is created equally. There are different varieties of mustard and they are quite different when it comes down to it.

What is the difference between Dijon and yellow mustard?

The biggest difference is the seasoning and flavor of the two types. Dijon mustard is pale yellow in color while yellow is bright yellow. Dijon is creamier than yellow and contains less vinegar. However, Dijon mustard tastes hotter than yellow mustard because it is made from black mustard seeds, while yellow mustard is made from white and yellow seeds.

In this guide, we will cover the similarities and differences between yellow mustard and Dijon mustard. Although both are labeled as mustard, they are actually very different. We will talk about each of them individually and then we will complete it with a summary of the differences.

Read on to learn how Dijon mustard and yellow mustard are different and how they are the same.

The difference between Dijon and yellow mustard

Mustard is considered a seasoning. It might be a staple for things like cheeseburgers and hot dogs. All mustard falls into the same category. All mustard is made from mustard grains which are then tampered with to make a sauce.

There are many varieties of mustard. Yellow mustard, hot mustard, and Dijon mustard are perhaps some of the most common varieties.

Here are some of the different types of mustard. 

• Dijon mustard
• french mustard
• yellow mustard
• spicy mustard
• spicy mustard
• stone mustard
• honey mustard

There are even more types of mustard than this.  Each of them is made in its own way. They may have different types of mustard seeds or seasonings, or they may be processed in a completely different way.

As we go through this guide, we’ll cover Dijon mustard first, and then yellow mustard on an individual level. We’ll give you a good overview of each one so you can understand them separately. Below, we’ll put together a comparison summary to give you an easy benchmark to understand the differences.

Let us begin!

Dijon mustard

In case you didn’t know by name, Dijon mustard is a French form of mustard.

It is used as a regular condiment and has a slightly pasty form. It is often used for frostings, sauces, and sandwich dressings.

Dijon mustard is pale yellow in color , as opposed to the bright yellow of yellow mustard. It is slightly creamy and pasty and is not water based, as it does not contain as much vinegar as yellow mustard.

Dijon mustard is made from spicy brown and black mustard seeds.  It is then flavored with verjus, which is almost like a wine made from young grapes. The flavor is slightly more intense and can even have a bit of heat, although not quite like hot mustard.

Dijon mustard comes in a seasoning jar or jar and has many, albeit potentially different, uses than yellow mustard. Once you open your Dijon mustard, it should be stored in the fridge and it is normally recommended to use it within 6 months. 

You can also make your own Dijon mustard from scratch if you prefer.

Dijon mustard uses

Dijon mustard is quite unique. Although it originated in France, it is now popular in many areas of the world and serves a unique purpose. Dijon mustard is perhaps more versatile than yellow, because it can be manipulated into various sauces and dressings quite easily.

Here are some unique ways to use Dijon mustard. 

• • sandwich dressing
  • marinade mix
  • Mix with oil or vinegar to make salad dressing
  • Dijonaise (mixture of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise)
  • Turn it into a tasty honey mustard
  • Make a glaze for several dishes
  • use as dressing
  • Yellow Mustard Substitution

• Add to cheese sauce
• various sauces

Dijon mustard has many uses. It could easily be described as one of the most versatile seasonings. There are very few seasonings that can be used strategically in everything from salads to sauces and everything in between. You certainly can’t go that far with ketchup.

yellow mustard

Yellow mustard is also commonly known as American mustard.  It is bright yellow in color and is known above all for its ability as a seasoning.

Mustard is a classic topping for things like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, sandwiches, and much more.

Interestingly, mustard also has many additional health benefits and uses that you may never have considered outside of food.

Mustard can be used for things like sore throats, odor removal, decongestant, facial mask, hair conditioner, burn relief, and stain remover.

Yellow mustard is made from white and yellow mustard seeds that come from the mustard plant. The seeds used in yellow mustard may be whole, ground, cracked, or crushed when the mustard is made.

The seeds are mixed with water, as well as vinegar, lemon juice, salt, spices, and other flavorings. The mixture may also contain wine, but this is not typical for yellow mustard. Yellow mustard is better known as a seasoning.

Uses of yellow mustard

Although yellow mustard is best known as a seasoning, it can be used for other things as well. This seasoning is also often mixed into recipes, either to make a sauce or just to add some extra flavor to the recipe.

It is versatile in its own way. Although it doesn’t span the spectrum like Dijon mustard, it still has many uses.

Here are many common uses for yellow mustard. 

• Seasoning
• Potato salad
• Macaroni Salad
• deviled eggs
• Marinade
• It is used to make other types of mustard (spicy, honey, etc.)
• Add to soups
• egg salad
• Dipping Sauce Mixes
• Pretzel dip and other dips

As you can see, yellow mustard still has many useful options. There are recipes for using yellow mustard as a salad dressing. Quite a few other additives are needed to get to that point, since yellow mustard is quite thick and doesn’t taste like a salad.

The unique thing about yellow mustard is that it works great for toppings, sauces, dips, and condiment-type uses. It is a popular mix for macaroni salad, potato salad, and deviled eggs.

With American Yellow Mustard, you can make all the classic American barbecue and picnic dishes that so many people love.

Comparison Review

When push comes to shove, I think we can agree that yellow mustard and Dijon mustard are very different. Although they both come from mustard seeds and both can be used for very similar types of uses, that’s where the similarities end.

Dijon mustard is bold and flavorful, and even a little spicy . It is creamy and slightly grainy and can be made into any number of flavorful sauces, glazes, dressings, dressings, or additives. Dijon mustard has a wide spectrum of uses and its flavor is quite unique.

The obvious differences between Dijon and yellow mustard concern the flavor and color, but also the ingredients. While Dijon mustard is pale yellow in color with an elegant flavor, it is made with wine to liven up the flavor and bring out the intensity of the flavor. 

Yellow mustard has a strong taste and smell.  It is made to be creamy, but often needs to be shaken or stirred because the vinegar or oil in it can separate out. It is mainly used in classic American dishes. It’s pretty versatile on its own, but not as broadly.

Yellow mustard is made with oil, vinegar, and salt, rather than wine. The flavor is more direct and less exotic. Yellow mustard is also characterized by its bright yellow color.

Related questions

We hope you find this guide to understanding the difference between yellow mustard and Dijon mustard valuable and informative. There are some very clear differences between these two forms of mustard.

We invite you to consult the following section of questions and answers. There may be additional information that you find useful for your cause.

Can you make mustard at home?

You can make homemade mustard of many different varieties at home. Whether you prefer yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, honey mustard, or hot mustard, you can make any of them in your own kitchen.

Do all types of mustard have health benefits?

It is the mustard seed that gives mustard its health benefits. It can be said that any type of mustard has similar benefits. However, we caution you not to get too comfortable with just any mustard, as some of the added ingredients in variations might not be as beneficial. Yellow mustard is the clearest form.

Can you keep mustard at room temperature?

If you buy mustard in the store, it is usually recommended that, once the seal is broken, you store it in the refrigerator. Before you break the seal, it’s fine at room temperature.

You CAN store it at room temperature, but it lasts much longer in the fridge.