Buying Mustard: Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Flavour

Whether you're dipping a savoury snack, topping a cheese sandwich, or making a vinaigrette, the right mustard can make all the difference. The selection is vast, however, ranging from mild and sweet to sharp and coarse. How do you choose the jar that suits your dish and your palate?

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to help you navigate the condiment aisle. In this article, I'll provide practical tips for buying mustard and highlight several popular choices, so you can make an informed decision.

What to Look for When Choosing Mustard

Before you add a jar to your basket, it's helpful to consider a few things. These key factors will help you find the mustard you're looking for.

1. Texture and Pungency: Coarse or Smooth?

The texture of mustard is determined by how the mustard seeds are milled.

• Smooth mustard: The seeds are fully ground into a smooth paste. This type is versatile and often used as a basic condiment on sandwiches or in sauces.
• Coarse mustard: In this variety, the mustard seeds are left partially or fully intact. This creates a more robust texture and a flavour that develops gradually. A well-known example is the French Dijon mustard in the 'Ancienne' style.

The pungency depends on the type of mustard seed (yellow, brown, or black) and the liquid used (vinegar, water, or wine). Brown and black seeds are typically spicier than yellow ones.

2. Application: What's the Dish?

Not every mustard is suitable for every dish. A sweeter honey mustard sauce, for instance, is delicious with chicken or in a salad dressing but is less fitting for a classic mashed potato dish. For a traditional sausage roll or a croquette, many people opt for a classic, medium-sharp mustard. By deciding in advance what you'll use the mustard for, you can significantly narrow down your options.

3. Ingredients and Origin

The basic ingredients of mustard are simple: mustard seed, vinegar, water, and salt. Yet, many variations exist. Some brands, like Maille mustard, add white wine for a more complex flavour. Others, such as the makers of Zaan mustard, stick to a traditional recipe that has been passed down for generations. A glance at the ingredients list tells you exactly what to expect. Fortunately, ordering mustard online is easy nowadays, allowing you to compare specifications at your leisure.

Our Recommended Product Picks

Based on product specifications and popular applications, we've selected three different types of mustard that would be a great addition to your pantry.

Mosterdmolen De Huisman Zaan Mustard Finely Milled - 335 g

Why It Stands Out This is a classic Dutch mustard, recognisable by its firm texture and zesty flavour. According to the manufacturer, this Zaan mustard has been made to a proprietary recipe for over 50 years, ensuring an authentic and familiar taste.

Pros

• Texture: Finely milled and smooth.
• Flavour: Reasonably spicy with a slightly sweet undertone.
• Ingredients: Made with yellow and brown mustard seeds, vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices.

Who Is It For? For lovers of traditional Dutch flavour. This mustard is an excellent choice to serve with a cube of cheese, a classic Dutch bitterbal, or as a base for a classic mustard soup.

Calvé Honey Mustard Sauce - 250 ml

Why It Stands Out This honey mustard sauce from Calvé is specifically designed as a mild and sweet sauce for snacks. The convenient squeeze bottle makes dispensing easy and prevents mess, which is practical during a barbecue or party.

Pros

• Flavour: Mild and sweet, appealing to a wide audience.
• Packaging: Convenient squeeze bottle for clean and easy use.
• Application: According to Calvé, the sauce is ideal for a sausage roll, snacks, and meat dishes.

Who Is It For? For those looking for a soft and sweet sauce for appetisers, fries, or on a sandwich. It's also a great option for families with children who may not appreciate a sharp mustard taste.

Maille Dijon Mustard - 210 g

Why It Stands Out This coarse mustard from Maille is an 'Ancienne' style Dijon mustard. The addition of white wine gives it a refined and complex flavour that sets it apart from many other mustards. The whole mustard seeds provide an interesting texture.

Pros

• Texture: Coarse mustard with whole mustard seeds.
• Flavour: A distinct flavour profile due to the addition of 4.8% white wine.
• Ingredients: Contains spirit vinegar, mustard seeds, water, salt, and white wine (contains sulphites).

Who Is It For? For the home cook looking for a condiment with character. This mustard is excellent for making vinaigrettes, marinades, or for adding depth to sauces and stews.

Haven't Found the Right Mustard Yet?

Taste is personal. If these recommendations aren't exactly what you're looking for, there's no need to worry. The assortment is broad, with options ranging from extra-hot to organic, and from locally produced to internationally renowned.

Browse our full selection and find the perfect match for your kitchen.

Discover more in our mustard sauce category

Frequently Asked Questions About Mustard

What is the difference between Dijon mustard and regular mustard?

The main difference lies in the ingredients and preparation. Dijon mustard originally comes from the French city of Dijon and is traditionally made with brown mustard seeds and verjus (the juice of unripe grapes) or white wine. This gives it a sharper, more complex flavour. 'Regular' Dutch mustard, like Zaan mustard, often uses yellow mustard seeds and vinegar, resulting in a generally milder taste.

How long does mustard last after opening?

An opened jar of mustard can last for up to a year in the refrigerator. The flavour and pungency may diminish slightly over time. The high acidity of the vinegar acts as a natural preservative. To be safe, always check the 'best-before' date on the packaging and store the jar tightly sealed in a cool, dark place.

Which mustard goes well with a sausage roll?

This largely depends on personal preference. Many people prefer a milder, slightly sweet sauce, such as a honey mustard sauce, to complement the savoury flavour of the roll. Others enjoy the sharp contrast of a classic, spicy mustard. Brands like Calvé offer sauces specifically developed for snacks like a sausage roll.