Honey mustard is a popular condiment that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to sandwiches, chicken tenders, fries, pretzels, and more. However, if you don’t have honey mustard on hand or want to avoid it for dietary reasons, there are several tasty substitutes you can use instead.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for honey mustard are:
- Regular mustard mixed with honey
- Mayonnaise mixed with honey
- Barbecue sauce
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Stone ground or spicy mustard
- Agave nectar or maple syrup mixed with mustard
- Jams or preserves mixed with mustard
- Honey mixed with lemon juice and mustard
Substituting Mustard and Honey
The simplest substitute is to make your own version of honey mustard at home by combining regular yellow mustard with honey. Mix 2 parts yellow mustard with 1 part honey and stir until fully blended. The amount of honey you add will determine the sweetness. Start with less honey and add more to taste if you want it sweeter.
You can also use different types of mustards such as Dijon, spicy brown, or stone ground mustard in place of regular yellow mustard. Adjust the honey levels based on the flavor profile you want. Stone ground and spicy mustards will give it more of a kick.
Mustard and Honey Substitution Ratio
| Mustard | Honey |
|---|---|
| 2 Tbsp | 1 Tbsp |
| 1/4 cup | 2 Tbsp |
| 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup |
Mayonnaise and Honey
Another easy alternative is to mix mayonnaise with honey. The creaminess of the mayo works well with the sweet honey flavor. Use an approximate ratio of 2:1 mayonnaise to honey. You can use regular mayo or try substituting with light mayo or vegan mayonnaise if you want a healthier option.
Mayonnaise and Honey Substitution Ratio
| Mayonnaise | Honey |
|---|---|
| 2 Tbsp | 1 Tbsp |
| 1/4 cup | 2 Tbsp |
| 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup |
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce makes a good flavor substitute for honey mustard since it provides a sweet and tangy flavor similar to honey mustard. Look for barbecue sauces labeled “honey barbecue” to get the closest match. Or add extra honey to regular barbecue sauce before using it as a honey mustard replacement to make it a bit sweeter.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Sweet and sour sauce is thick, sticky, and sweet like honey mustard. Use it as a substitute when dipping chicken nuggets, fries, spring rolls, or other finger foods. The flavors won’t be exactly the same but it will provide a pleasant sweet and mildly tangy flavor.
Stone Ground or Spicy Mustard
Stone ground mustard and spicy brown mustards can stand in for honey mustard when you want more of a spicy kick or coarse mustard texture. Use it when making sandwiches, salad dressings, spreads, marinades, or anywhere you want more mustard pungency. The mustard flavor will be more pronounced without the sweetness of honey, so it depends on the flavor profile you prefer.
Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar
For a vegan or low glycemic option, use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of the honey. Mix it with yellow mustard or Dijon mustard using a 1:2 ratio of maple syrup to mustard. The maple syrup gives it a pleasant sweetness that pairs well with the mustard’s tangy spice.
Agave nectar also contains a subtle sweetness that approximates honey. Use the same 1:2 agave to mustard ratio when mixing them together to make a honey mustard dressing or sauce.
Maple Syrup or Agave Substitution Ratio
| Maple syrup or agave nectar | Mustard |
|---|---|
| 1 Tbsp | 2 Tbsp |
| 2 Tbsp | 1/4 cup |
| 1/4 cup | 1/2 cup |
Fruit Jams or Preserves
Mixing fruit jams or preserves with mustard replicates the sweet and tangy honey mustard flavor. Strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or orange marmalade all work well. Use a 1:2 ratio of jam to mustard when mixing them together. The fruit flavors pair nicely with the mustard and add natural sweetness.
Jam Substitution Ratio
| Jam or preserves | Mustard |
|---|---|
| 1 Tbsp | 2 Tbsp |
| 2 Tbsp | 1/4 cup |
| 1/4 cup | 1/2 cup |
Honey, Lemon Juice and Mustard
For a closer flavor match to traditional honey mustard, make a sauce with honey, lemon juice, and mustard. The lemon brightens up the honey flavors and adds extra tanginess. Mix together:
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp mustard
Adjust the ingredients to taste if you want it sweeter by adding more honey or more sour with extra lemon juice.
What to Consider When Selecting a Substitute
When selecting a honey mustard alternative, consider the following:
- Ingredients on hand – Use mayo and honey, mustard and maple syrup, or other ingredients you already have in your pantry.
- Flavor profile – Honey mustard balances sweet and tangy. Get as close as you can to this taste.
- Texture – The thickness of honey mustard is part of its appeal. Mayonnaise or jam mixtures will be closest in texture.
- Use case – Will it be used for dipping vs drizzling or in a salad dressing? Match the substitute’s consistency.
- Dietary needs – Vegan, low sugar, or low fat substitutes like mustard and agave cater to different dietary requirements.
Experiment with different ingredient ratios to get the ideal sweetness, tang, and texture you desire in the honey mustard substitute. Tweak recipes based on your personal taste preferences.
Best Substitutes for Popular Uses of Honey Mustard
Certain honey mustard substitutes work better for specific uses. Here are the best subs for popular ways people use honey mustard:
As a Sandwich Spread
- Mayo mixed with honey
- Stone ground mustard
- Maple syrup mustard
For Dipping Sauces
- BBQ sauce
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Mayo and honey mixture
In Salad Dressings
- Mayonnaise and honey
- Maple syrup and Dijon mustard
- Honey, lemon juice, and yellow mustard
As a Meat or Chicken Marinade
- Stone ground mustard
- Spicy brown mustard
- Honey barbecue sauce
On Pretzels or Baked Goods
- Honey and yellow mustard
- Fruit jam and mustard
- Mayonnaise and honey
How to Store Homemade Honey Mustard Substitutes
When mixing up homemade honey mustard substitutes like mayo and honey or maple syrup and mustard, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The veggie-based combinations in particular should be used within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Any sauces using fruit jams or fresh lemon juice will also have a shorter shelf life of about a week. An airtight container helps preserve freshness.
Store-bought substitutes like barbecue sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or plain mustard can be stored in the refrigerator after opening for several weeks to a few months. Refer to the bottle for exact fridge life once opened.
Conclusion
With a variety of easy ingredient swaps, you can create homemade honey mustard or use store-bought items like barbecue sauce and still enjoy those crave-worthy sweet and tangy flavors. Mayo mixed with honey or maple syrup combined with mustard make great substitutions. For best results, consider the taste profile, texture, and ultimate use when selecting an alternative. With versatile options like fruit jams, agave nectar, lemon, and spices, you can mix up customized blends to perfectly match your preferences.