Regular readers know that we often recommend substituting whole grain Buzz Savories Honey Mustard or Spicy Beer Mustard in recipes that call for Dijon, but we thought the topic deserved a deeper exploration.

While Dijon and whole grain mustards have a similar taste profile, they have distinctly different textures. Whole grain mustard is made with whole and lightly ground mustard seeds while the seeds used to make Dijon have usually been thoroughly ground. Mustards like Buzz Savories’ have a chunky consistency that puts the seeds up front.

Whole grain mustard and Dijon have conspicuously different histories as well. Dijon mustard comes from Dijon in France (it must, in order to be marketed as “Dijon”) and was first made in the 18th century by Auguste Poupon and Maurice Grey. Whole grain mustard, on the other hand, appears to be an American invention (and a relatively recent one), with early mentions dating back only to the 1970s and ‘80s.

Contrary to what you might presume, whole grain mustard is somewhat milder in flavor than Dijon. The mildness comes from the fact that the mustard seeds are unground. When mustard seeds are ground, they create a compound called allyl isothiocyanate which in turn creates the heat and pungency we associate with Dijon mustard. If consistency is important in your recipe, but you want a milder flavor, give the whole grain mustard a spin in your food processor or blender before use

Buzz Savories whole grain mustards work great as a substitute for Dijon mustard if you want a milder condiment or one with a more distinctive mouthfeel. You can use whole grain mustard just like you would use any other mustard as long as you like the mild flavor and chunky mouthfeel. Its appearance makes it a visually dramatic addition to cheese boards and charcuterie platters. It can also be enjoyed in a vinaigrette.

Go beyond Dijon. Do some experimenting with Buzz Savories Honey Mustard and Spicy Beer Mustard to add some interesting new tastes to your menu.