6 Ideal Mustard Powder Substitutes 

Mustard powder has a bright, zingy flavor that adds something special to a huge array of dishes. If you don’t have it on hand, there are a few simple substitutes that can save your recipe without sacrificing too much flavor. 

The tangy spice of mustard powder lifts up starchy dishes like mac and cheese and roasted potatoes. In meat dishes, it can be used in dry spice rubs, seasoning for stews, and in glazes and marinades. 

Whatever type of recipe you need a mustard powder substitute for, this list offers 6 tasty alternatives that you may already have at home. 

6 Mustard Powder Substitutes

1. Mustard Seeds

wooden table with mustard seeds

Mustard seeds are the closest replacement to mustard powder since the powder is made from the seeds. They can be used in any recipe calling for mustard powder. 

To use mustard seeds as a substitute, you’ll need to grind them yourself. A coffee/spice grinder is ideal, but a mortar and pestle plus some elbow grease will grind the seeds to a fine powder, too.

Whichever tool you use to grind mustard seeds, make sure you clean it very well afterward. This will help prevent any spicy mustard flavor from making it into your coffee or another dish!

Once they’re already ground, use mustard seeds at a 1:1 ratio to replace mustard powder. 

Pro Tip: If using brown or black mustard seeds, reduce the amount of powder in your recipe to account for their spicier flavors. 

2. Dijon Mustard

wooden spoon with dijon mustard

If you have a jar of dijon in your refrigerator, it makes a fabulous stand-in for mustard powder in casseroles, stews, dressings, and marinades. 

Dijon mustard has a similar spiciness to mustard powder. On top of that, the vinegar in it adds a bit of punch that’s reminiscent of mustard powder.

While dijon is a close match for the flavor of mustard powder, it does add extra moisture when it’s used as a substitute. Consider subtracting a teaspoon of liquid from your recipe for every tablespoon of dijon used. 

Since dijon is not as strong as dry mustard, use 1 tablespoon of dijon to replace each teaspoon of mustard powder in your recipe. 

3. Yellow Mustard

glass bowl with yellow mustard

This classic prepared mustard that goes so well on hot dogs is also a great mustard powder substitute. It works well in casseroles, stews, dressings, and marinades. 

Yellow mustard still adds the zing of mustard powder, but it doesn’t have the same spicy element. For that reason, it may not be ideal for dishes that rely on the spicy flavor of mustard powder. 

Like dijon, yellow mustard will add extra liquid to your recipe. When using it in place of mustard powder, reduce the liquid in your recipe by 1 teaspoon for every tablespoon of yellow mustard. 

1 tablespoon of yellow mustard can replace 1 teaspoon of mustard powder in most recipes.

4. Horseradish Powder

fresh and powder horseradish

Horseradish is a mustard powder substitute that shines in cold dishes and salad dressings. The horseradish plant is related to the mustard plant, so it has some naturally overlapping flavors.

This could be an ideal substitute if you need to replace Chinese hot mustard powder. Horseradish powder is much spicier than mustard powder, so it’s best to avoid it if you want something mild. 

One important thing to know about horseradish powder is that it will lose its flavor and spiciness once it’s cooked. For this reason, it’s only recommended for cold and uncooked dishes. 

To use horseradish powder in place of mustard powder, use half the amount of horseradish powder for the amount of mustard powder called for in your recipe.

5. Turmeric Powder

ground turmeric on a wooden cutting board

Turmeric’s flavor is another option to simulate the flavors of mustard powder. Try it in any recipe that calls for mustard powder. 

This spice’s yellow color can make your dish, dressing, or glaze more bright and colorful. Turmeric also contains a bitter flavor with a bare hint of spice that’s reminiscent of mustard powder. 

Make sure you don’t mind that bright yellow color in your recipe, however, as turmeric will color almost anything it touches.

Finally, turmeric does lack the sharp, zippy element of mustard powder, so consider adding a touch of lemon juice to replace that flavor in your recipe if needed.

Turmeric can be used as a 1:1 replacement for mustard powder. 

6. Wasabi Powder

white bowl and chopsticks with wasabi powder

Wasabi powder is another alternative to mustard powder that can liven up meats, deviled eggs, and starchy dishes that call for mustard powder. 

This root powder is greenish in color, pungent in flavor, and can pack a pretty heavy punch when it comes to heat. If you’ve ever had wasabi paste with sushi, you know what I’m talking about.

If you’re new to wasabi, do a little taste test first to make sure you understand its flavor and heat, and if it will work in your dish. 

Start with no more than half the amount of wasabi powder to replace the amount of mustard powder called for in your recipe.

Final Tips on Mustard Powder Substitutes

As you’re exploring your options to substitute mustard powder with, keep these elements in mind to make sure you get the right match for your recipe.

One of the best things about mustard powder is the tanginess it imparts to dishes like macaroni and cheese. Some of these substitutes are tangier than others, so it’s always a good idea to taste-test them and see if they’ll work in your recipes. 

For instance, dijon mustard is much zingier than turmeric, which doesn’t have much acidity to it. 

Next, consider the level of spiciness that you’re willing to have in your dish, dressing, or spice blend. If you don’t want any spice, stick to replacements like yellow mustard and turmeric. If you want some kick, horseradish and wasabi might be fun to try.

Finally, the moisture content of mustard powder substitutes varies. Keep this in mind as you pick your substitute. Liquid alternatives like prepared mustards won’t work in dry spice rubs and seasoning blends, but any of the powdered options will.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest and fastest mustard powder substitute?

Dijon mustard is your best bet for a quick and easy mustard powder substitute. It works great in any recipe, except for dry spice rubs and seasoning blends. 

Can I use horseradish powder to replace mustard powder?

Horseradish powder can replace mustard powder, but only in cold dishes and salad dressings. This is because horseradish powder loses its spicy flavor once it’s cooked. 

What type of mustard seed is used to make mustard powder?

Mustard powder is commonly made with yellow mustard seeds. If you use spicier brown or black mustard seeds, reduce the amount of the finished powder in your recipe. 

About the author

Freya is a trained pastry chef with over 20 years of professional kitchen experience, cooking and baking everywhere from high-end restaurants to classical bakeries. Some of her interests include Qigong, foreign languages, and songwriting.