Sea Salt vs. Regular Salt: Everything You Need to Know

What’s the Hype Around Sea Salt? 

Sea salt comes from the sea (duh). While table salt is mined from salt deposits and can also come from the sea, it’s chemically processed before it ever gets to your table. Sea salt is primarily produced by runoff from rocks on land and openings in the sea floor. To simplify things, sea salt is a general term for salt that is left over the evaporation of seawater. Because it comes from a natural source, it contains more minerals, which adds color and flavor. Sea salt typically comes in crystal or fine grain form—that’s how you’ll get it from Spice Madness. 

Sea salt has become increasingly popular and is often one of the main ingredients in most dishes and products that you buy from the grocery store—especially if they’re labeled organic or all natural. Sea salt isn’t just for cooking. It’s also used in cosmetics and to help preserve the shelf life of food. 

Key Differences Between Sea Salt and Table Salt

Although sea salt is promoted as being a healthier alternative to table salt, they actually possess the same nutritional value. However, there are key differences between the two, specifically the taste, texture and processing. As stated above, table salt is sourced from salt mines and is processed in a way that eliminates minerals. Sea salt is derived from evaporated sea water and is minimally processed, so it retains most of the minerals. The seawater that the sea salt comes from affects the type of minerals it may contain as well as its color and taste (for example, Himalayan sea salt). Table salt also typically includes an additive that prevents clumping as well as iodine to assist in overall thyroid health. 

Enjoy Responsibly 

Whatever type of salt you choose to enjoy, do it in moderation. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the average American consumes 3,400 mg of sodium per day; however, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day, or equal to 1 teaspoon of salt. To purchase your choice of sea salt or regular table salt, check out all of our available salt products!