When Can Babies Eat Mustard Sauce (Honey or Dijon)?

If this is your first baby, you may be wondering when you can serve condiments like mustard or ketchup. 

In this post we’ll cover many questions about mustard including if it’s a common allergen or choking hazard, when babies can have mustard, and how to serve mustard to babies.

What is mustard made of?

Mustard is made from the seeds of the mustard plant. Mustard seeds are ground into a paste and often seasoned with vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and honey or another sweetener. There are many varieties of mustards like honey, dijon, or spicy mustards.

Difference between Dijon mustard and honey mustard

Dijon mustard is made from brown mustard seeds, white wine or vinegar, water, and salt. Honey mustard is often made by combining mustard paste, honey, mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices.

When can babies eat mustard?

Small amounts of mustard can be offered to your baby when they start solid foods (around 6 months). Avoid any mustard containing honey prior to 12 months of age because honey is associated with an increased risk of infant botulism. Honey can be offered after 1 year of age to your baby and other young children. Waiting until babies are at least 1 year old helps to avoid the serious side effects from botulism and reduces the risk of food poisoning.

Sharing an occasional taste of honey-free mustard with your baby prior to one year is fine. After one year you don’t need to avoid honey mustard.

Does mustard have health benefits for babies and children?

Mustard isn’t particularly healthy for babies because of it’s high sodium content and, in some mustards, added sugar (ie. corn syrup, honey, etc.). Mustard doesn’t contain a high amount of beneficial nutrients like water, vitamins and minerals, or fiber either.

High-sodium foods, like mustard, should be minimized during the first year of life. Reducing exposure to added sugar and sodium helps prime a baby’s palate for a wider variety of foods, increases the nutrient density of a baby’s diet, and helps children live an overall healthier lifestyle.

Be sure to taste-test mustard and potentially spicy foods before serving them to your baby. Some spice is fine and even encouraged as it gets your baby used to a wide variety of flavors, but some mustards can be very spicy. 

Is mustard a common choking hazard?

The good news is that no, mustard is not a common choking hazard. However, it is often served with foods that are common choking hazards like hotdogs and bratwurst. Always serve foods in a safe eating environment and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards. 

Is mustard a common allergen?

Mustard is not considered a common allergen in the United States. Although it is classified as a common allergen in Europe, Canada, and the Gulf States. 

Even though mustard itself is not a common food allergy, it can contain ingredients that are other top allergens. If mustard is mixed with mayonnaise it will have egg yolk and soybean oil which are top allergens (egg and soy). 

Since mustard is a top allergen in other regions, it’s best to start small when first serving to babies. As with all top food allergens, serve a tiny amount first (1/8 of a teaspoon) during the first meals and watch closely for an allergic reaction. 

Mustard is often made with vinegar, and like other acidic foods, it can cause a harmless rash. True food allergies an also cause a rash. Familiarize yourself with food allergy symptoms and follow guidelines for introducing top allergens.

Can babies have mustard seeds?

Yes, babies can have mustard seeds. Mustard seeds are a great way to season dishes and fill the kitchen with the smell of the aromatic spice. You may also use mustard oil, mustard flour, or ground mustard seed to season food for babies. 

Mustard seed is often used medicinally in other parts of the world. However, it is not well-researched and should be avoided, especially for babies. 

Can babies have mustard leaves?

Yes, babies can have mustard leaves. The safest way to serve leafy greens for babies is to chop them well and cook into other foods such as eggs. Baby mustard greens will be less pungent and peppery tasting.  

Mustard leaves are often prepared by sautéing the chopped greens in oil on indirect heat and adding salt, garlic, and a pinch of pepper. 

Can mustard help babies poop?

No, mustard is not likely to help babies poop. It contains minimal amounts of fluid and fiber and isn’t consumed in enough volume to affect a baby’s poop pattern. 

How to prepare mustard for baby-led weaning?

6-11 months 

Avoid all mustard containing honey during this age. You can offer an occasional taste of mustard sauce at this age but in general, mustard should be limited due to its high sodium content.

12+ months

Spread mustard on age-appropriate foods, use mustard in marinades, sauces and dips. Avoid fruit mustards and other sweet mustards until closer to 2 years of age since these tend to be high in added sugar. 

​24+ months

Feel free to try a variety of mustards. Serve on the side in a small bowl for dipping or allow your child to squeeze and spread condiments on their own food. This helps engage toddlers in the meal.

Other uses of the mustard plant

Here are some other uses of the mustard plant that may be of interest. 

Mustard oil

Mustard oil is commonly used in some parts of the world such as China, Russia, and India as a cooking oil which has a strong, pungent smell. Mustard oil contains a fatty acid called erucic acid which was found in animal studies to increase the risk of heart disease. It is labeled for external use only in the United States due to the potential health risks if consumed.

 Mustard oil is also used as a massage oil. A mustard oil massage is not uncommon in South Asia. It is thought that mustard oil possesses antibacterial properties, heals skin infections, and increases blood circulation. 

Mustard oil for external use has not been well-researched and should not be given to babies to consume, be included as ingredients to baby products, or used for a baby massage. 

Mustard seed pillows

Traditionally, a mustard pillow is handmade in India and used to prevent flat head syndrome in newborn babies. However, it has been well-researched that the safest sleeping environment for newborns is on their back with nothing else in their crib. 

Looking for more recommended baby-led weaning supplies? I have it all laid out for you in this baby-led weaning supply guide. Follow our baby-led weaning journey on instagram @mydietitian.friend!