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BBQ + salad aids

German Mustard, BBQ Sauces & Salad Aids — Authentic Brands

 

Stock your kitchen with over 118 genuine German condiments — from sharp Düsseldorf mustard to sweet Bavarian Senf, curry ketchup, creamy mayo, tangy dressings and freshly grated horseradish. We carry the brands Germans actually use at every Grillabend and Salatbuffet: Händlmaier's sweet mustard from Regensburg, Löwensenf Extra from Düsseldorf, Born Senf from Erfurt, and Bautz'ner — the best-selling mustard in all of Germany. For ketchup lovers, Hela Gewürzketchup is a backyard staple, and Thomy delivers the mayo and dressings that belong on every German table. Kühne rounds out the selection with vinegar-based dressings and pickles, while Schamel supplies Franconian horseradish since 1846. Browse our subcategories Mustard & BBQ Sauces and Salad Dressing for the full range.

Germany's condiment tradition runs deep, and every region has its own favourite at the grill. Understanding the differences helps you pick the right product.

 

Mustard — a regional affair. Händlmaier's sweet mustard was created in 1914 by Johanna Händlmaier in Regensburg, Bavaria. It is coarsely ground, sweetened with caramelised sugar, and traditionally paired with Weißwurst and Leberkäse. Löwensenf, founded in 1903 by Otto Frenzel — originally in Metz, then relocated to Düsseldorf after World War I — introduced Löwensenf Extra in 1920, a sharp mustard made using the Dijon process. Born Feinkost has been producing mustard in Erfurt, Thuringia, since 1820 — the natural companion to a Thüringer Bratwurst. And Bautz'ner, established in Bautzen, Saxony, in 1953, quickly became the most popular mustard in East Germany and today holds roughly 70 % of the German mustard market by volume. All four brands are now part of the Develey group, headquartered in Munich.

Ketchup with character. Hela Gewürzketchup debuted in 1963 from a spice company founded in Hamburg in 1905 by Otto Hermann Laue. Unlike standard ketchup, Hela's version contains a proprietary spice blend — roughly 30,000 tonnes are produced every year. Knorr, established in 1838 in Heilbronn, contributes its own seasoned ketchup varieties, drawing on nearly two centuries of flavour expertise.

Mayo, dressings and more. Thomy, the Swiss brand owned by Nestlé since 1971, was the first company to sell mustard in a tube. Thomy began producing mayonnaise in 1951 and added bottled salad dressings in 1976. In Germany, Thomy Delikatess-Mayonnaise is a household staple. Kühne, whose roots stretch back to a Berlin vinegar distillery in 1722, brings over 300 years of expertise to its dressings, pickles and vinegars. Their Hamburg headquarters still drives innovation — from classic Essig-Öl dressings to modern ready-to-pour varieties. Finally, Schamel from Baiersdorf in Franconia has been processing horseradish since 1846, making it the oldest horseradish brand in the world — now in its sixth generation.

Every product in this category ships directly from our warehouse in Erfurt, Thuringia — the hometown of Born Senf — straight to the USA, UK or Canada.

 

FAQ

What is the difference between Löwensenf Extra and Händlmaier's sweet mustard?

Löwensenf Extra is a sharp, Dijon-style mustard produced in Düsseldorf since 1920, made from brown and yellow mustard seeds. Händlmaier's sweet mustard is a coarsely ground Bavarian specialty with caramelised sugar, created in Regensburg in 1914. They serve completely different purposes — Löwensenf for sausages and pretzels, Händlmaier for Weißwurst and Leberkäse.

Why is Hela Gewürzketchup so popular in Germany?

Hela's spiced ketchup, launched in 1963, contains a proprietary blend of spices that gives it more depth than standard tomato ketchup. It outsells many international ketchup brands in Germany and is the go-to condiment at German barbecues, particularly with Bratwurst and Currywurst.

Is Bautz'ner mustard different from West German brands?

Yes. Bautz'ner, produced in Bautzen, Saxony, since 1953, is a medium-hot mustard with a distinctive horseradish note. It was the dominant mustard brand in the former East Germany and is now the best-selling mustard in Germany overall. Its flavour profile is noticeably different from the sweeter Bavarian or sharper Düsseldorf styles.

How long do these condiments stay fresh after opening?

Mustard and ketchup typically keep for several months in the refrigerator after opening. Mayonnaise should be consumed within a few weeks once opened and always stored cold. Check each product label for the manufacturer's specific storage instructions.