There are important differences between refined table salt and unrefined salt varieties, mainly in terms of processing, mineral content and potential health effects.

Let's explore these differences between refined and unrefined salts from the point of view of processing, mineral content, additives, taste and texture, and finally, health effects!

Differences in obtaining natural and refined salt

Refined table salt is heavily processed to remove impurities and minerals. It is often treated with chemicals and high heat, which can alter its natural composition. Unrefined salts, such as sea salt and Himalayan pink salt, are less processed and undergo minimal or no chemical treatment. They are usually harvested by hand and dried naturally, preserving more of their natural mineral content.

Salt harvesting pridobivanje soli

Salt harvesting

Differences in the mineral composition of refined table salt and unrefined natural salts

Due to its extensive processing, refined table salt contains almost pure sodium chloride with added iodine and anti-caking agents. It lacks the trace minerals and elements found in unrefined salt. Unrefined salts retain a wider range of minerals, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc and iron. The presence of these minerals gives unrefined salts their characteristic colours and flavours.

Additives in refined salta

Refined table salt often contains additives such as calcium silicate or sodium aluminosilicate to prevent clumping. Iodine may also be added to prevent iodine deficiency. Unrefined salts don't usually contain anti-caking agents or iodine additives.

Different salt crystals različni kristali soli

Different salt crystals

Difference in taste and texture between refined table salt and unrefined natural salts

Refined table salt has a consistent, delicate texture and a sharp, salty taste that some people may find harsh. Unrefined salts have a coarser texture and can vary in colour and taste depending on their mineral content. They often have a milder, more complex taste.

Salt crystals kristali soli

Salt crystals kristali soli

Health effects of salt consumption
Excessive consumption of refined table salt has been linked to several health problems, such as high blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Unrefined salt varieties contain a more balanced mineral profile, and some research suggests that they may offer potential health benefits beyond sodium, such as supporting electrolyte balance and providing essential minerals. But whichever salt you choose, moderation is the key! Both refined and unrefined salt contribute to daily sodium intake. It's important to be mindful of your overall salt intake and to consider other sources of essential minerals as part of a balanced diet.

In summary, the distinctions between refined and unrefined salts encompass their processing, mineral composition, additives, taste, and health effects. Refined salt undergoes extensive processing and lacks minerals, while unrefined salts retain minerals, exhibit varying colours and flavours, and offer potential health benefits. Both salt types contribute to daily sodium intake, highlighting the need for moderation and a balanced dietary approach.

Try Viva la Gaia!
At Viva la Gaia, we have prepared a wide selection of unrefined salts for you. Check out our Celtic Salt, Black Indian Kala Namak Salt, Pink Himalayan Salt and specialities like Hawaiian Salts!

Categories

Celtic Sea Salt Fine Dry

4,00
Spice It Up! CELTIC SEA SALT FINE DRY FINE GRIND, <1.25 MM
  • Popular finishing salt in cooking and baking!
  • A unique, light grey colour and characteristic taste!
  • Moist and crumbly texture!
  • Containing more than 80 trace minerals!
  • Traditionally harvested from the coastal regions of Brittany!
  • Fine salt
Uncover Celtic mystery.  "Sel de Guerande" - traditionally harvested salt from Brittany, France.
Try our celtic sea salt...

Hawaii Salt Alea Gold Red

5,00
Spice It Up HAWAII SALT ALEA GOLD RED MEDIUM GRIND, 1 - 2 mm
  • Premium quality salt!
  • Unique and rich flavor!
  • High in mineral content (from the volcanic soil)!
  • For the final touch of culinary masterpieces!
  • Only for true gourmets!
Discover how wild tastes like.  Extracted from the coast of the Pacific Ocean and mixed with iron-rich volcanic red Alaea earth, which gives the salt its red colour.
Try our mystical red clay salt...

Hawaii Salt Bamboo Jade Green

4,00
Spice It Up HAWAII SALT BAMBOO JADE GREEN MEDIUM GRIND, 1 – 2 mm
  • Premium quality salt!
  • Unique and rich flavor!
  • High in mineral content (from the volcanic soil)!
  • For the final touch of culinary masterpieces!
  • Only for true gourmets!
Special Hawaiian bamboo salt. Extracted from the coast of the Pacific Ocean and mixed with the extract of bamboo leaves to give it its greenish colour!
The only salt you will ever use again...

Hawaii Salt Lava Black

7,99
Spice It Up HAWAII SALT LAVA BLACK MEDIUM GRIND, 1 – 2 MM
  • Premium quality salt!
  • Unique and rich flavor!
  • High in mineral content (from the volcanic soil)!
  • For the final touch of culinary masterpieces!
  • Only for true gourmets!
Our special salt from Hawaii. Extracted from the coast of the Pacific Ocean and mixed with pure activated carbon from lava rocks.
Hm, is this the magical dust of Earth?

Himalayan Crystal Salt Pink Fine

4,00
Spice It Up! HIMALAYAN PINK SALT CRYSTAL FINE GRIND, 0.7 – 1.0 MM
  • A unique and rich flavour - a result of the high mineral content!
  • Distinctive pink colour due to the presence of iron, magnesium, and trace minerals!
  • Precious salt used as a finishing salt!
  • Popular in cooking and baking
  • Fine salt
Bring sacredness into your home. The salt of the salts from Tibetan high plains!
Try our Himalayan Crystal pink salt.

Himalayan Crystal Salt Pink Granulate

4,00
Spice It Up! HIMALAYAN PINK SALT CRYSTAL GRANULATE, 2 - 5 MM
  • A unique and rich flavour - a result of the high mineral content!
  • Distinctive pink colour due to the presence of iron, magnesium, and trace minerals!
  • Precious salt, used as a finishing salt!
  • Popular in cooking and baking
  • Granulated salt
Bring sacredness into your home.  The salt of the salts from Tibetan high plains!
Try our Himalayan Crystal pink salt.
Is there a difference between refined table salt and unrefined salt?

Kala Namak Fine

5,19
Spice It Up! KALA NAMAK SALT FINE GRIND, 0.3 – 0.5 MM
  • Popular in vegan dishes to add the flavour of eggs!
  • A unique and complex taste that is both salty and slightly sweet, with a hint of sulphur.
  • Often used in Indian cuisine and in Ayurvedic medicine
  • Rock salt that is traditionally mined in the Himalayas!
“Kala Namak” salt. Unrefined natural salt, known as Indian Black Salt from the Himalayan mountains!
Be the first to try... Our (rare)

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