Your salt matters more than you think.
The difference between refined table salt and mineral-rich unrefined salt is the difference between a nutrient void and a mineral supplement you use every day.
Refined salt is stripped of everything beneficial.
Table salt is chemically processed to remove all minerals except sodium chloride, then anti-caking agents like aluminum compounds are added. You get sodium without the balancing minerals your body needs.
Missing Minerals
Unrefined salts contain magnesium, potassium, calcium, and 60+ trace minerals. Refined salt has none of these - just sodium chloride and additives.
Added Toxins
Anti-caking agents like sodium aluminosilicate, calcium silicate, or ferrocyanide are added to prevent clumping. These don't belong in your body.
Iodine Concerns
Iodized salt uses potassium iodide that degrades with light and air. Natural iodine from seafood and seaweed is far more bioavailable.
Rock salts: Ancient, pure, no microplastics.
These salts come from ancient sea beds, deposited millions of years ago before industrial pollution. Zero ocean microplastics, excellent mineral content.
Redmond Real Salt
72Ancient sea bed salt from Utah. Zero microplastics, excellent mineral profile, no ocean contamination.
Shop on AmazonBolivian Rose Salt
68Pristine Andean salt. No microplastics, low toxins, good iron content from natural minerals.
Shop on AmazonHimalayan Pink Salt
65Ancient deposits mean zero microplastics. Good iron, low toxins. Widely available and affordable.
Shop on AmazonPersian Blue Salt
62Rare Iranian salt with unique sylvite content. No microplastics, very low toxins.
Shop on AmazonThe Celtic Salt Problem
Celtic grey salt is dried on clay lined beds. While marketed as beneficial, this clay can contain lead, aluminum, and other contaminants that end up in the salt.
What the research shows:
- ●Celtic salt tests higher in lead than most rock salts
- ●The grey color comes from clay contact - this isn't a feature, it's contamination
- ●High magnesium content is good, but you can get this from cleaner sources
- ●Ocean-sourced means microplastic exposure on top of clay contamination
If you love Celtic salt for cooking, consider using it sparingly and choosing a rock salt like Redmond or Himalayan for daily use where you consume more volume.
Quality sea salts: Good minerals, some tradeoffs.
Modern ocean salt contains microplastics - it's unavoidable. These salts still offer good mineral content and are fine for occasional use.
Colima Sea Salt
58Hand-harvested from Mexico's Pacific coast. Higher minerals than most sea salts, moderate microplastic levels.
ShopMaldon Sea Salt
52Delicate flakes, good for finishing. Higher microplastics than rock salts but beloved by chefs.
ShopTrapani Sea Salt
48Traditional Sicilian salt. Good minerals but Mediterranean microplastic concerns.
ShopSpecialty salts for specific uses.
These unique salts offer specific benefits - high sulfur, activated charcoal, or iron-rich clay - for culinary or health purposes.
Kala Namak (Black Salt)
55Volcanic salt with high sulfur - gives egg-like flavor. Great for vegan dishes. No microplastics.
ShopHawaiian Black Lava Salt
50Activated charcoal adds detox benefits. Good for finishing dishes with visual drama.
ShopHawaiian Red Alaea Salt
48Iron-rich volcanic clay adds color and minerals. Traditional Hawaiian preparation.
ShopSalts to skip entirely.
Morton Table Salt
Heavily refined, stripped of all minerals, contains anti-caking agents including aluminum compounds. The iodine added is poorly absorbed and degrades quickly.
Generic "Sea Salt"
Often just refined salt with "sea salt" marketing. Check ingredients - if it's pure white and flows freely, it's likely refined with anti-caking agents.
Low-Sodium Salt Substitutes
Often potassium chloride based, which can be dangerous for those with kidney issues or on certain medications. Real salt in moderation is safer.
The simple recommendation.
Use Redmond Real Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt for daily cooking and salting food. Both are ancient deposits with zero microplastics, good mineral content, and widely available at reasonable prices.