Yahoo Lifestyle We Tried 12 Different Dijon Mustards and The Winner Won by a Landslide
When it comes to condiments that add a bold, tangy kick to my favorite dishes, Dijon mustard is high on my list of favorites. With its rich history rooted in France and its unique flavor profile that marries sharp tanginess with a subtle creaminess, Dijon has earned a special place in kitchens worldwide, including my own.
In my kitchen, Dijon mustard is an absolute essential—always within arm’s reach to elevate so many dishes. Whether it’s adding a bold punch to a homemade vinaigrette, creating a tangy sauce for mushrooms to serve with pork chops, or simply spreading it on a sandwich for that perfect kick, it’s my go-to ingredient that brings depth and complexity to some of my favorite foods.
I’ve been known to experiment with Dijon in unexpected ways—stirring it into mashed potatoes for a zesty twist or spreading it on a cheese plate alongside apples for a surprising, vibrant contrast of flavors. For me, the right Dijon mustard isn’t just a condiment—it’s a culinary tool.
However, not all Dijon mustard is the same. With different brands offering varying levels of tang and flavor, it can be tough for even the most seasoned mustard lovers to know which one offers the best balance of boldness and smoothness.
As a self-proclaimed Dijon mustard enthusiast, I decided to take my passion for this condiment to new heights by embarking on a mission to taste and rank a wide variety to find the best Dijon mustard. Joined by a group of fellow food lovers, we set out on a flavor-packed adventure, delving into the nuances of 12 different brands. We meticulously assessed each one based on taste, texture and overall impact, then ranked them from worst to best to help you find the right one for you.
Related: We Baked Cookies With 10 Different All-Purpose Flours and the Winner Won By a Landslide
😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳🍔
What is Dijon Mustard?
Dijon is a smooth, creamy condiment known for its sharp, pungent flavor. Made from finely ground brown or black mustard seeds and blended with white wine or wine vinegar, it offers a sophisticated twist in the mustard category.
The key to Dijon’s distinctiveness lies in its use of wine, a hallmark of the Burgundy region’s world-renowned wine production. This addition deepens the mustard’s flavor, setting it apart from the yellow and brown varieties and solidifying its place in French cuisine.
In contrast to yellow mustard, which is made with yellow mustard seeds, turmeric, vinegar, and often a sweetener like sugar, Dijon mustard offers a more complex, less tangy flavor due to its use of brown and/or black mustard seeds and white wine or wine vinegar. While yellow mustard tends to be milder and sweeter, Dijon has a sharper, more refined taste with a subtle depth. This balance makes it a versatile ingredient, perfect for mixing in everything from vinaigrette and sauces to marinades and spreads.
Dijon mustard has been a key element of French cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to the 14th century in the city of Dijon, located in the Burgundy region. Its popularity grew in the 18th and 19th centuries, thanks to producers like Maison Maille and Edmond Fallot, who helped establish Dijon mustard’s reputation for refined flavor.
Meanwhile, Moutarde de Meaux, originating in the town of Meaux near Paris, has a history just as rich. First created in the 17th century, this mustard is known for its coarser texture and bold, tangy flavor. Its signature ceramic jars, bearing the name Pommery, have made it a symbol of traditional French craftsmanship and are still a sought-after choice for mustard lovers today.
As Dijon mustard grew in popularity, it was Grey Poupon's introduction to the U.S. in the 1940s that truly cemented its place in kitchens globally. Today, Grey Poupon remains one of the most iconic Dijon brands in the world.
Related: We Ranked 12 Olive Oil Brands and You Can Buy the Winner at Whole Foods
What to Look For When Buying Dijon Mustard
When selecting the best Dijon mustard, there are several key factors to consider; including flavor intensity, texture and performance.
Flavor Intensity The ideal Dijon should strike a balance between sharp tang and smoothness, offering a clean, subtle heat without overwhelming the palate with excessive spiciness. And that starts with mustard seeds. Look at the label to make sure mustard seeds are high in the ingredients list. More mustard seeds mean more mustard flavor.
Quality Ingredients The best Dijon brands use premium ingredients, including brown and/or black mustard seeds and white wine or wine vinegar, which impart a depth of flavor and smoothness. Some may blend both wine and vinegar, creating a nuanced taste. Avoid mustard that contains artificial additives, or excessive sugar—high-quality Dijon relies on natural, fresh ingredients to provide a clean, pure taste.
Performance How the mustard handles various culinary applications is important. A high-quality Dijon should blend seamlessly into a vinaigrette, and a sauce, adding depth without overpowering other flavors. If the mustard is too strong or too weak, it won’t enhance the dish the way it is meant to. Ultimately, the best Dijon mustard is one that seamlessly complements a meal.
Related: I Tried 8 Store-Bought Mayos and the Winner Was Abundantly Clear
How We Tested These Dijon Mustards
Together with my trusted foodie friends, I conducted a comprehensive Dijon mustard taste test, evaluating 12 different brands in two distinct culinary settings to see how each performed.
First, we sampled the Dijon naked—no frills, just pure Dijon paired with a thin pretzel stick, allowing us to fully appreciate its flavor and texture. Next, each of the 12 brands was incorporated into a carefully measured vinaigrette, with the type and amount of oil and vinegar held constant, ensuring the Dijon was the only variable in the controlled taste test.
During our evaluation, we discovered that several brands labeled as 'Dijon' didn't quite align with traditional expectations. Some tasted more like yellow mustard, offering milder, sweeter flavors and a less complex profile. While these options were enjoyable in their own right, they lacked the characteristic sharpness and heat typically associated with authentic Dijon. As a result, they didn’t rank as highly in our tasting, despite their merit as condiments in other uses.
The overall experience was a fascinating journey through the distinct complexities each brand of Dijon brought to the table—whether savored on its own or used to enhance a vinaigrette. Every dip and drizzle revealed new layers, demonstrating how the right Dijon can elevate everything from the simplest snack to the most sophisticated dish. In the end, we've distilled our findings into this carefully curated, unbiased ranking.
Related: I Tried 24 Rao's Sauces (Including the 6 Brand New Ones) and the Winner Tastes 100% Homemade
12 Dijon Mustards Ranked Worst to Best
12. Thrive Market Organic Original Dijon Mustard
The team unanimously agreed that the Thrive Market Dijon didn’t quite deliver on the classic Dijon experience. Its flavor was mild and one-dimensional, more reminiscent of yellow mustard than the sharp, tangy bite typically found in Dijon. While its smooth texture and subtle taste could work in something like potato salad, it lacked the vibrant kick and depth that Dijon is known for. While it's a solid, budget-friendly (under $5) organic mustard, it falls short of capturing the true essence of Dijon.
Related: We Tried 10 Different Almond Butters and Two Brands Ended Up at the Top of the List
11. Primal Kitchen Organic Dijon Mustard
The team found Primal Kitchen Dijon to be similarly underwhelming but for different reasons. This mustard had a notably salty profile and a subdued brown mustard flavor. While it’s a solid choice for those looking for a sugar-free option, the salty, brown mustard taste lacked the boldness and complexity needed to elevate even a simple vinaigrette. On the plus side, it's readily available at stores, like Sprouts and Walmart, making it a convenient, accessible choice.
10. Great Value Dijon Mustard
The Walmart Great Value Dijon provided a somewhat mixed experience for the team. Right off the bat, a strong, off-putting smell was hard to get past, setting the tone for the tasting. Once that was overcome, the flavor was mild and blended well into a dressing without dominating the other ingredients. It was definitely more Dijon-like than the previous two options, though only slightly, and could become a bit overwhelming if used too generously. We agreed it would work best as a condiment for sandwiches, where its flavor could complement other ingredients without overwhelming them. Overall, it’s an affordable choice, but the initial smell and slightly off taste might be a deal breaker for some.
9. French's Dijon Mustard
We all agreed that French’s Dijon had a pleasant, wine-forward flavor that we liked. However, it didn’t quite capture the essence of a true Dijon we were looking for. It leaned a bit sweeter than expected, giving it more of a mild mustard vibe than the sharp, tangy bite typically associated with classic Dijon. That said, it worked surprisingly well in a vinaigrette, where the sweetness helped to balance the vinegar’s acidity, creating a smooth and harmonious dressing. The brand offers a solid mustard, but its sweetness makes it feel less like a Dijon. It’s widely available at most grocery stores for under $4, offering a budget-friendly choice for those who prefer a sweeter take on Dijon.
8. Annie's Organic Dijon Mustard
Annie’s organic Dijon embodied some elements of the classic Dijon flavor, but there was a clove flavor that was a bit too dominant. While the team appreciated the organic ingredients and the mustard’s wholesome, natural feel, they felt it might not satisfy those craving a true Dijon flavor. That said, with its easy availability at Sprouts, Whole Foods and Amazon for under $5, I'll keep this on hand to spread on baked ham.
7. Trader Joe's Dijon Mustard
Trader Joe’s Dijon, which is made in France, finally delivered the kind of bold flavor we were hoping for. The first bite had a pleasant heat that stood out and a nose-clearing, sinus-opening burn that made a real impression. While it didn’t quite work in a salad dressing—the intensity was a bit much for the delicate balance of a vinaigrette—the tasters were unanimous in agreeing it would be fantastic on a roast beef sandwich—providing a flavor similar to horseradish. The sharpness and heat did hit a few of us differently, making a few lips tingle slightly. If you can handle the kick, at just under $2.00, it’s an absolute steal. It packs that perfect punch and delivers bold, standout flavor without breaking the bank.
6. Beaver Dijon Mustard
Beaver, a well-known name in the mustard world since 1929, delivers a sharpness that’s appealing but can be a bit too potent on its own. It shares similarities with Trader Joe’s Dijon, offering a strong burn that clears the sinuses, with a distinct horseradish flavor that’s not the most pleasant when eaten straight. However, this brand really shines when paired with a sharp cheddar, where its bold bite complements the cheese perfectly and we also thought it would also be a good addition to a meat marinade. In a dressing, though, it was too intense, overwhelming the other flavors. Overall, it’s a mustard with a serious kick—ideal for those who love a bold, sharp flavor, but a bit much for anyone looking for a more balanced taste.
5. Plochman's Classic Dijon Mustard
The tasters agreed that Plochman Dijon, available on Amazon for around $7.00, is a pricier option that offers a great flavor well-suited for soft pretzels, sandwiches and also mixes nicely into dressings. It's a great choice for those who find other brands too sharp or tangy. Its smooth, balanced flavor is more approachable—a solid entry-level mustard for those new to Dijon or looking for a milder option. While it lacks the bold bite of some other brands, its versatility makes it a reliable everyday mustard with a hint of tang.
4. Maille Dijon Original
The Maille brand, founded in 1747 in Dijon, is one of the oldest and most respected mustard brands and is still made using traditional French methods. Readily available at most grocery stores, it’s a mustard that blends well into vinaigrette and marinades and would be especially great with cheese. For the majority of the tasters, the mustard lingered on the tongue in a pleasing way, offering a refined, smooth flavor that’s palate-pleasing without being overpowering. One taster, however, strongly disliked this brand due to an aftertaste that didn’t sit well with them. Overall, Maille’s more subtle yet refined flavor makes it a classic choice for both simple and gourmet dishes, and it’s perfect for those who enjoy a mustard with depth and light tang.
3. Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard
One of the most recognized Dijon mustard brands, Grey Poupon delivers a smooth and balanced flavor that’s hard to beat. The team agreed it strikes a perfect middle ground—bold enough to showcase that signature tang and subtle heat, but not too overpowering. It has a mild, vinegary bite with just the right touch of spice to keep it interesting. Whether in salad dressings or on sandwiches, it worked well in every application, offering flexibility without overwhelming the other ingredients. While some felt it could use a bit more kick, its smooth, approachable flavor makes it a solid, dependable choice for anyone looking for a Dijon that’s easy to use across a variety of dishes.
2. Roland Extra Strong Dijon Mustard
The tasting team was impressed with Roland Dijon because of its perfectly balanced flavor. Not too bold or extra strong (as the label suggests), it struck the right note between mild and tangy, making it a crowd favorite. The mustard is creamy and smooth, with a mild kick that adds just the right amount of flavor without being overpowering. Its adaptability makes it ideal for spreading on sandwiches or using as a dip. Overall, the team found it to be a fantastic, family-friendly Dijon that delivers a satisfying taste without the harshness found in some other varieties.
1. Edmond Fallot Moutarde De Dijon
This jar was the clear winner. The team found Edmond Fallot Dijon mustard to have a fresh and exciting aroma right from the jar, drawing us in with its well-balanced flavor. The slight tang is exactly what you’d expect from a classic Dijon—sharp in a pleasant way, but not too strong. Its smooth texture makes it perfect for cooking, dressings, or as a zesty addition to a charcuterie board. Known for producing premium, aromatic mustard, Edmond Fallot delivers a product that stood out, thanks to its depth and complexity. Available on Amazon for around $8–$10, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their mustard game with a high-quality, easy-to-use, condiment.
Up Next:
