PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% OFF £30

Code:PAYDAY
 

PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% OFF £30

Code:PAYDAY

Buy 1 Get 1 Free: One week onlyOffersOffers HubBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventGreat SavingsShort DatedBetter than 1/2 price2 for £60 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDShop all CBDCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthPain ReliefCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianSt John's WortRescue RemedyAgnus CastusAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleDevil's ClawGinseng & GuaranaBlack CohoshHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBach Original Flower RemediesBioglanBetterYouNatures AidGrass & Co.Dairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllComic ReliefEasterVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksGreen TeaPeppermint TeaHerbal TeaFruit TeaSlimming TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMaca PowderGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderFlaxseedSpirulinaChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardHoney, Jams & SpreadsBreakfast CerealsSuperfoodsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 PriceHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHeath & HeatherPukkaMeridianNakdTwiningsBionaManuka DoctorGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeWheat FreeMustard FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeMollusc FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinWhey ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsEnergy DrinksProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersAmino Energy DrinksBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceGreat SavingsOptimum NutritionPE NutritionUSNGrenadePhDApplied NutritionFoodspringSiSHuelYfoodDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 get 1 free eventDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+AEthiqueSo EcoAlcohol FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inCBDWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceGreat SavingsGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettUSNPulsinPhDApplied NutritionEat WaterNatures AidNew NordicDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inVeganHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettVitabioticsWeledaDr OrganicSolgarNew NordicNaturtintOptimum NutritionBounceHeath & HeatherDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inShop for your WellnessMuscle & Joint PainImmunityGut HealthMenopauseWomen's HealthFood & DietSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthChildren's HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesImmunityGut HealthMenopauseFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
A wooden bowl of salt next to a teaspoon of salt, alongside a green leaf

Rock salt vs sea salt

23 Nov 2022 • 1 min read

Salt is having something of a revival. It was not so long ago that a plain white tub or packet of table salt was the household go-to for adding flavour to meals. But did you know there are more than ten varieties of edible salt?1 From kosher salt to pink Himalayan salt, Celtic salt to iodised salt, right through to black lava salt and Persian blue salt. And you guessed it - these salts come with different benefits and a wide variety of price tags.

Why do we use salt in cooking?

We have been using salt for food preservation and seasoning for thousands of years. Adding salt to your food is a sure-fire way to enhance its taste. It lifts bland foods and enhances the natural flavours of others. But salt’s use in food does not end there. Salt can help control colours in foods (this is particularly useful with preserved meats), help foods get the right texture, bind proteins together, aid fermentation and, as we’ve discussed already, preserve foods.2 It also prevents the growth of bacteria, making it harder for food to spoil and keeping it safe to eat for longer.

Hang on, isn’t salt bad for me?

Just because we now tend to use a refrigerator instead of salt to keep our food fresh, does not mean we have fallen out of love with salt. Salt is part of a healthy diet and helps the body to perform important functions. However, there’s a balance to strike here. Too much salt can have a detrimental effect on your blood pressure and heart health. Current guidance is that adults should consume no more than 6g of salt a day.3

What is the difference between table salt, rock salt and sea salt?

Rock salt is mined in its solid form, whereas sea salt is produced by evaporating seawater. In the production of table salt, the rock salt is processed and many impurities are removed. The process often removes minerals such as calcium and potassium, and adds other substances (known as anti-caking agents) to prevent clumping. This is so the finely ground salt can flow freely.4 Table salt often has added iodine, a mineral added to help address worldwide iodine deficiencies.5 Since it is extracted by evaporating seawater, the production of sea salt goes through fewer processes than rock salt and is also usually more coarsely ground. This texture is why high-quality sea salts are often the gourmet choice, thanks to the flavour punches that larger flakes of salt create in a dish. It is also possible to purchase iodised sea salt - one to look out for if you are wanting to add more iodine into your diet. Whether you choose a less-refined rock salt or a sea salt, you might find that trace minerals and impurities can affect a salt’s taste. Some consider the fact that these trace minerals make some salts healthier options compared to heavily processed salts. But it should be noted that salt itself offers little health advantages. You can easily find the trace minerals it contains in other, healthier foods.6 Since regular table salt is so heavily processed – evaporated, heated and pumped around multiple times- almost all trace minerals will have been removed.7

What is Himalayan rock salt?

Himalayan pink salt is a highly regarded special salt, extracted from mines under the Himalayas. Sometimes known as pink Himalayan sea salt, some believe it comes from the dried remains of an ancient sea, far beneath the Himalayas.8 This pink sea salt looks pink due to the presence of iron oxide in the area. It can also contain small amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium, which reduces its sodium content a little.9

What is kosher salt?

Kosher salt has coarse and rough grains, enjoyed by chefs as it is easy to pick up with your fingers and spread over food.10 Not usually iodised, the large grains of kosher salt produce a great flavour burst when sprinkled onto foods.

What is Celtic salt?

Celtic sea salt is harvested in the French region of Brittany, following traditional Celtic techniques. The production of Celtic salt produces a light grey, slightly moist salt which is thought to have a slightly briny flavour.11

Which salt should I choose?

With such a range of salts available, choosing which one to use can feel a little overwhelming. Some people love Himalayan rock salt or kosher salt for their flavours or textures in cooking, and some are drawn to flaky sea salt, or a non-iodised pickling salt. Shop our range of herbs, spices and seasoning, including salts, to add flavour, texture and even colour to your foods! Whichever one you opt for, it is important to be aware of your salt intake and make sure you are not forgetting to count processed foods that are high in salt content. Find out more about hidden salt in food in our Health Hub article. Shop Herbs, Spices & Seasoning Last updated: 8 February 2021 Sources 1 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/what-is-kosher-salt-and-why-everyone-is-talking-about-it/photostory/74719425.cms 2 https://www.saltassociation.co.uk/education/salt-health/role-salt-cooking 3 https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/salt-nutrition/ 4 https://121dietitian.com/salt-awareness-week-sea-salt-rock-salt-healthier-options/ 5 https://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/idd/en/ 6 https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/sea-salt-vs-table-salt 7 https://www.saltassociation.co.uk/education/make-salt/white-salt-production/ 8 https://www.livingproofnyc.com/table-salt-vs-sea-salt-vs-himalayan-pink-salt-what-are-the-differences/  9 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/different-types-of-salt#pink-salt 10 https://www.thekitchn.com/kosher-salt-where-it-comes-from-why-its-called-kosher-ingredient-intelligence-219665 11 https://www.ittefaqsalt.com/himalayan-salt-vs-celtic-sea-salt/
andrea-dobronszki

Andrea Dobronszki

Author

Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate

Joined Holland & Barrett: August 2020

Master’s Degree in Food Science and Technology Engineering and BSc in Dietetics

Andrea started her career as a clinical dietitian and lecturer at a university hospital, managing the dietetic treatment of patients with various diseases, and giving lectures in nutrition for medical students.

Later she worked as a Product Developer at a sport nutrition company where she developed food supplements and fortified foods, and ensured that the products complied with the relevant regulations.

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • PayPal
  • AmericanExpress
  • ApplePay
  • ClearPay
  • AliPay
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Registered in England: company no. 2758955. Registered VAT no. 211727395.