Himalayan Salt vs Sea Salt: What's the Difference?
Himalayan Salt vs Sea Salt: The Basics

Walk into a grocery store today and you'll find an impressive variety of salts.

Two of the most recognizable are sea salt and Himalayan pink salt… but have you heard of Blue Himalayan Salt yet?

Both are popular. Both can be used in cooking. And both have developed devoted followings.

But they aren't the same thing.

The biggest difference starts with where they come from.

Sea salt is produced from seawater.

Himalayan salt is mined from underground salt deposits associated with the Himalayan Mountain Range.

The result is two very different stories behind two deceptively simple ingredients.

What Is Himalayan Salt?

Himalayan salt is a rock salt traditionally associated with ancient salt deposits.

Its famous pink color comes from trace minerals and other naturally occurring compounds in the salt.

You'll commonly see it sold as:

• Fine Himalayan pink salt

• Coarse Himalayan salt

• Himalayan salt crystals

• Himalayan salt grinder salt

• Himalayan salt blocks

Its distinctive pink appearance has made it particularly popular as a finishing and presentation salt.

What Is Sea Salt?

Sea salt comes from seawater.

Depending on the production method and location, sea salt can have a variety of crystal sizes, shapes and colors.

Some sea salts are bright white, while others can have gray, beige or other natural tones.

Like Himalayan salt, sea salt can be finely ground or left in larger crystals.

Himalayan Salt vs Sea Salt: Flavor

Flavor is one of the most interesting reasons to experiment with different salts.

Himalayan salt tends to have a clean, savory saltiness accompanied by its characteristic mineral profile.

Sea salt can vary significantly because there isn't one single type of sea salt.

A delicate sea salt may taste completely different from a robust, coarse sea salt.

That's why comparing “Himalayan salt” and “sea salt” isn't always an apples-to-apples comparison.

There are countless varieties within both categories.

Which Has More Minerals?

You'll often see claims that Himalayan salt contains a huge range of beneficial minerals.

It is true that Himalayan salt can contain trace minerals that contribute to its coloration.

Choosing Blue or Pink Himalayan salt should be viewed as a great way for adding extra essential minerals to your varied diet.

Which Salt Is Better?

There isn't one universal answer.

The best salt depends on what you're cooking and what you want from the ingredient.

Choose based on:

• Flavor

• Texture

• Crystal size

• Appearance

• Intended use

• Personal preference

If you're finishing a steak, you may want a larger crystal.

If you're baking, you may prefer a salt that dissolves easily.

If you're making a colorful finishing dish, Himalayan pink salt can bring visual interest.

Can You Substitute Himalayan Salt for Sea Salt?

In many recipes, yes.

However, don't assume that a teaspoon of every salt contains exactly the same amount of sodium.

Wildly Salted salts have lower sodium because they have wild foraged ingredients as well as an already high mineral profile.  

Crystal size and density can change how much salt fits into a measuring spoon.

For precision, particularly in baking, weighing salt can provide greater consistency.

Is Himalayan Salt Healthier?

This is one of the biggest questions surrounding Himalayan pink salt.

Himalayan salt is treated by some as a magical health food.

Like other superfood edible salts, it contributes many minerals to the diet.

The distinctive pink color and mineral content make it visually and culinarily interesting.

Use it because you enjoy its flavor, texture and appearance.

The Wildly Salted Verdict

At Wildly Salted, we don't think choosing salt has to be complicated.

Sea salt tells a story of oceans, evaporation and harvesting.

Himalayan salt tells a story of ancient geological deposits and mineral-rich rock.

Both can have a place in a great kitchen.

The fun is experimenting and discovering which one works for you.

Ready to explore? Visit wildlysalted.com and discover your next favorite salt.

FAQs

Is Himalayan salt the same as sea salt?

No. Himalayan salt is mined from underground rock salt deposits, while sea salt is produced from seawater.

Is Himalayan pink salt better than sea salt?

There isn't a universal “better.” They have different origins, textures, appearances, minerals and culinary characteristics.

Can Himalayan salt be used for cooking?

Yes. Fine and coarse Himalayan salt can both be used in cooking and finishing.

Why is Himalayan salt pink?

Its pink coloration comes from trace minerals and naturally occurring compounds in the salt deposit. The pink is generally associated specifically with iron, a particularly essential mineral.

Which salt should I use?

Choose according to the recipe, crystal size, texture, flavor and the eating experience you're trying to create.

Choose Wildly Salted!