Being a passionate aficionado, I embarked on a tasting journey with all ten varieties of mustard straight from their jars. With tears welling in my eyes and endorphins flooding my system, I relished each spoonful while washing down teh heat with generous sips of milk and water. the sandwich I assembled using my newly discovered favorite mustard made every fiery bite worth it.

Mustard presents an intriguing flavour spectrum—bold,umami-rich,and spicy—yet its preparation is surprisingly straightforward. At its essence, it comprises fermented mustard seeds soaked in brine until achieving a thick texture. Sadly, many modern brands—especially budget-amiable options—resort to unneeded additives like xanthan gum and wheat flour. It’s no surprise that these lower-cost mustards often contain less actual mustard.

Much like mayonnaise, numerous commercial mustards utilize spirit vinegar rather of more refined acids such as white wine or cider vinegar. Spirit vinegar can be harsh and overpowering; it tends to overshadow the overall flavor while creating an unappealing aerated texture reminiscent of mousse. In fact, six out of the ten mustards I sampled were so similar that I wouldn’t be surprised if they came from the same production line—they were essentially indistinguishable replicas: sulfurous yet sweet with a hot mousse-like consistency while still retaining some classic English mustard traits.

When seeking quality mustard that justifies your purchase, focus on those crafted with authentic vinegar rather than spirit vinegar and steer clear of emulsifiers or texturizing agents like wheat flour; these are simply unnecessary. Alternatively, consider making your own: you can easily prepare enough homemade mustard for an entire year in just five minutes!

Premier selections for English Mustard at Supermarkets

Top Pick:
Stokes Classic English Mustard

★★★★☆

This satin-gold condiment offers a delightful sweet aroma complemented by a subtly tangy aftertaste typical of traditional English mustards along with a creamy yet slightly grainy texture—a straightforward product that excels across all dimensions.

Best Value Option:
M&S Hot English Mustard