Is Honey Mustard Healthier Than Mustard? A Nutritional Comparison

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, one tablespoon of yellow mustard has around 9 calories, while the same amount of honey mustard contains nearly 70 calories. This significant difference is the first indicator when asking: Is honey mustard healthier than mustard?

Quick Summary

This article analyzes the nutritional profiles of honey mustard and traditional mustards, detailing the key differences in calories, sugar, and fat content. It provides guidance on making healthier condiment choices and understanding ingredient labels.

Key Points

Nutritionally Superior: Standard yellow mustard is significantly lower in calories, sugar, and fat compared to honey mustard.
Ingredient Differences: The addition of honey, sugar, and sometimes mayonnaise in honey mustard increases its caloric and fat density.
Watch for Added Sugars: Commercial honey mustards often contain high-fructose corn syrup and added sugars that can negatively impact health.
Consider Sodium Levels: Both types of mustard can contain notable amounts of sodium, so it's always wise to check the nutrition label.
Make Your Own: For a healthier option, consider making homemade honey mustard using less honey and substituting mayonnaise with a healthier alternative like Greek yogurt.
Best Overall Choice: Plain, unsweetened mustard varieties like yellow, Dijon, or whole-grain are the healthiest options for regular use.

The Nutritional Breakdown: Honey Mustard vs. Classic Mustard

When comparing honey mustard to classic yellow mustard, the nutritional differences are primarily driven by the addition of honey and other ingredients. Traditional mustard, made from mustard seeds, vinegar, water, and spices, is a simple, low-calorie condiment. Honey mustard, on the other hand, often includes extra components like honey, sugar, and mayonnaise, dramatically altering its nutritional profile.

Calorie, Sugar, and Fat Content

The most glaring distinction is in the calorie, sugar, and fat content. A single tablespoon of standard yellow mustard contains only about 9 calories, with negligible amounts of fat and sugar. In stark contrast, a single tablespoon of honey mustard can contain up to 70 calories, 6 grams of fat, and a notable amount of sugar. This difference is particularly important for individuals monitoring their caloric intake or blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes. The added sugars in commercial honey mustard products contribute to higher overall calorie counts and can negatively impact blood sugar regulation.

Why Ingredients Matter

To understand the disparity, it's crucial to look at the ingredients list. While plain yellow mustard typically contains just four main ingredients, commercial honey mustards often have a much longer list that may include high-fructose corn syrup, modified corn starch, and vegetable oils. Some brands also include mayonnaise, which is high in fat, further increasing the calorie density. Many of these additives provide minimal nutritional value and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Sodium: A Shared Concern

While honey mustard surpasses classic mustard in sugar and fat, both condiments can be surprisingly high in sodium. Excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. While this concern applies to both, it is still a factor to consider when adding either to a meal. A quick check of the nutrition label is always a good practice to manage your intake, regardless of your choice.

How to Choose the Healthiest Mustard

Choosing a healthier mustard involves reading the ingredient list and nutrition facts carefully. The healthiest mustards generally contain only mustard seeds, vinegar, water, and spices, with no added sugars or artificial ingredients. For those who prefer the sweet flavor of honey mustard, there are healthier ways to enjoy it, such as making a homemade version with a natural sweetener like honey and a base of Dijon mustard. This allows you to control the amount of sugar and avoid processed additives.

Making Your Own Healthier Honey Mustard

Ingredients: Combine Dijon mustard, a small amount of honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Fat Reduction: Skip the mayonnaise and achieve a creamy texture with a little Greek yogurt instead.
Natural Sweeteners: Use high-quality, raw honey or a natural sweetener like maple syrup to control the sugar content.

Comparison Table: Mustard vs. Honey Mustard


Nutritional Aspect	Plain Yellow Mustard	Honey Mustard (Commercial)
Calories (per 1 tbsp)	Approx. 9	Approx. 70
Total Fat (per 1 tbsp)	Negligible	Approx. 6g
Sugar (per 1 tbsp)	Negligible	Varies, can be high (e.g., 2.4g or more)
Primary Ingredients	Mustard seed, vinegar, water, spices	Mustard, honey, sugar, mayonnaise, oil
Sodium	Contains sodium, check label	Contains sodium, check label
Healthier Choice	Generally healthier due to lower calories and sugar	Less healthy due to added sugars and fat, especially in commercial versions

Conclusion

When considering if honey mustard is healthier than mustard, the answer is a clear no, in most cases. Plain mustard is the undisputed winner from a nutritional standpoint, offering significant flavor with very few calories, fat, or sugar. While a treat now and then won't derail a healthy diet, the high calorie, fat, and sugar content of commercial honey mustard makes it a condiment to be used sparingly. For a healthier alternative, consider making your own or choosing simple, low-sugar varieties of mustard, such as Dijon or whole grain. Ultimately, being mindful of ingredient labels is the key to making an informed choice for your diet.

For more detailed nutritional information and healthy condiment tips, a registered dietitian is an excellent resource to help you navigate your choices.

This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain yellow mustard is typically the lowest in calories, providing only about 5 to 9 calories per teaspoon or tablespoon, respectively, with very little fat or sugar.

Due to its higher calorie, fat, and sugar content, commercial honey mustard is not the best choice for a weight-loss diet and should be used sparingly. Healthier alternatives or homemade versions are better options.

Commercial honey mustard is typically made from a mix of mustard, honey, sugar (often high-fructose corn syrup), vinegar, and sometimes mayonnaise or other oils.

Those with diabetes should be cautious with honey mustard, as its high sugar content can affect blood sugar levels. Opting for traditional, sugar-free mustard varieties is a safer choice.

To make a healthier honey mustard, combine Dijon or yellow mustard with a small amount of honey. For a creamy texture without the added fat, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

The key nutritional difference is the presence of added sugars and fats in honey mustard, which are absent or in much smaller quantities in traditional mustard. This leads to honey mustard having significantly more calories per serving.

Yes, Dijon mustard is generally a healthier choice than honey mustard because it is low in calories, sugar, and fat, much like plain yellow mustard. While some Dijon varieties use wine, the overall nutritional profile is superior to honey mustard.