Costco Mustard Packs Unexpected Punch: Ten Times the Heat
By Editor • August 28, 2026 • 1 min read
In a surprising twist, a jar of Maille Dijon mustard from Costco left Toronto Star reporter Jake Edmiston reeling from its intense heat, which he described as burning his mouth. Familiar with the mustard from his go-to chicken recipe, he sensed something unusual about this batch.
To investigate, Edmiston sought the expertise of taste consultant Elspeth Copeland, who conducted a blind taste test between his jar and a control jar of the same brand. The result? Edmiston’s mustard was determined to be ten times hotter.
The scorching flavor can be attributed to climatic conditions in Palliser's Triangle, where a five-year drought and soaring temperatures led to heightened glucosinolates—the compounds responsible for mustard's spiciness. Additionally, the freshness of the mustard played a crucial role; Edmiston’s jar was just 127 days old, whereas the control jar was nearly twice that age. According to Copeland, freshness amplifies the heat of mustard, making Edmiston's experience even more noteworthy.
Source: boingboing.net
