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
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
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
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
Products
Celtic Sea Salt Fine Dry
- 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...
CONDITIONER PEACH
- Effective, moisturizing, cleaning, and nourishing
- An eco-friendly alternative to liquid body and hair care products!
- A natural and sustainable option for body care cosmetics!
- A travel-friendly option – no spill, no leak, less space needed!
- Long-lasting, money-saving option!
Cocoa butter is delightful not only for the taste buds but also for the skin and hair.Are you tired of “ordinary”? Try our solid hair conditioner with peach, cacao and shea butter and almond oil.
Gummies Creatine – Strength and Regeneration
- Delicious natural lemon flavour, without artificial flavours, colours or preservatives.
- 3 g creatine monohydrate per serving.
- Supports peak physical performance, ideal for short-term, high-intensity exercise.
- Your ally when lifting weights or doing intense cardio workouts.
- It can reduce muscle damage, improve recovery from intense exercise and help you recover faster from injuries.
Take your workout to the next level with delicious gummies containing creatine monohydrate. Allow your body to recover faster after an intense workout.Oh, yes. Try it yourself. Content/Usage: 90 gummies/6 per day
Gummies Turmeric and Ginger
- Natural source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances.
- Natural botanical extracts traditionally used to support skin, joint and gut health.
- Satisfy your taste buds and reap the myriad benefits of turmeric and ginger.
- Suitable for vegans.
- Excellent peach taste, without artificial flavours and colours.
Indulge in a burst of flavour and wellness with gummies that contain 495 mg of turmeric and 250 mg of ginger per serving. Try it, whether you are men or woman.Oh, yes. Try it yourself. Content/Usage: 60 gummies/1 per day
Hawaii Salt Alea Gold Red
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
PSYLLIUM HUSK ORGANIC POWDER
- Natural dietary fibre for a healthy lifestyle!
- A perfect fibre supplement powder for vegan, gluten-free, paleo, low-carb, and keto lifestyles!
- Promotes digestive well-being!
The best way to improve your digestive system ... with one of the purest forms of psyllium husk on the market! Psyllium Husk promotes a natural bowel movement.Oh, yes. Try it yourself.
SCRUB STRAWBERRY
- Effective, moisturizing, cleaning, and nourishing
- An eco-friendly alternative to liquid body and hair care products!
- A natural and sustainable option for body care cosmetics!
- A travel-friendly option – no spill, no leak, less space needed!
- Long-lasting, money-saving option!
Only a true diva can dream up such a fabulous fruit whose seeds help fight cellulite.Discover pure prestige!