Celtic Salt vs Himalayan Salt: Which is Better for Your Health and Cooking?
Natural salts like Celtic Salt and Himalayan Pink Salt have moved from “chef’s secret” to everyday staples for health-conscious Australians. Unlike highly refined table salt—which is primarily sodium chloride with anti-caking agents—these salts are minimally processed and retain trace minerals from their source. The result is a different mouthfeel, subtle flavour nuances, and small amounts of minerals that many people prefer in cooking and wellness routines. Still, both are mostly sodium, so the goal isn’t to eat more salt, but to choose better and use smarter.
Celtic Salt (also called Sel Gris) is hand-harvested from coastal France and naturally grey from mineral-rich clay. It’s slightly moist, tastes round and savoury, and is often chosen for hydration mixes thanks to its naturally occurring magnesium and potassium. Himalayan Pink Salt is a rock salt mined from ancient sea beds in Pakistan. Its blush colour comes from iron and other trace elements; it’s dry, clean-tasting, and perfect for grinders and finishing dishes. Both are unrefined and additive-free, but they behave a little differently in the kitchen and have different “best uses”.
In this guide, you’ll get a side-by-side on origins, mineral profile, flavour, and the jobs each salt does best—from daily cooking to DIY electrolyte drinks and bath soaks. We’ll also cover common questions people ask (e.g., “Which is healthier?”, “Which is best for high blood pressure?”, “Can you drink salt water every day?”) so you can choose a salt that fits your taste, cooking style, and wellness goals—without the hype.
What is Celtic Salt?
Celtic salt, also known as Celtic sea salt or Sel Gris, is a mineral-rich, unrefined sea salt harvested from the coastal regions of France. Its natural grey hue comes from trace minerals and marine clays in the salt beds.
- Mineral profile includes magnesium, calcium, potassium, and trace elements.
- Slightly lower sodium per spoonful vs very fine table salt (coarser crystals = less packed).
- Unprocessed, sun-dried, and naturally moist; excellent for seasoning and broths.
Top pick: Lotus Celtic Sea Salt Fine 500g — “ready to sprinkle” for everyday use.
What is Himalayan Salt?
Himalayan Pink Salt is a naturally occurring rock salt mined in Pakistan from ancient, mineral-rich sea beds. The pink colour comes mainly from iron oxides and trace minerals.
- Clean, mild flavour; dry crystal works well in grinders and as a finishing salt.
- Trace minerals include calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron.
- Also popular for non-culinary uses (baths, salt blocks/lamps).
Kitchen favourite: Lotus Himalayan Pink Coarse Salt 500g — perfect for mills and finishing.
Celtic Salt vs Himalayan Salt: Key Differences
| Feature | Celtic Salt | Himalayan Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Coastal France (sea salt) | Himalayan mountains, Pakistan (rock salt) |
| Colour & texture | Grey; slightly moist; robust savoury flavour | Pink; dry crystals; clean, mild flavour |
| Mineral notes | Notable magnesium & potassium; marine trace elements | Includes iron (colour), plus calcium, potassium, magnesium |
| Sodium per spoon | Slightly lower (coarser, less densely packed) | Similar to table salt by weight |
| Best uses | Everyday cooking, soups, hydration mixes | Grinders, finishing dishes, bath soaks |
| Shop | Lotus Celtic Sea Salt 500g | Lotus Himalayan Salt 500g |
Which salt is “healthier”?
Both are unrefined salts that retain trace minerals; both are still mostly sodium chloride. If hydration support and a savoury, mineral-forward taste are your goals, many cooks favour Celtic salt for its naturally occurring magnesium and moisture. If you want a dry, mild finishing salt with distinctive colour and iron, Himalayan is a great fit. For heart health, what matters most is total sodium intake and overall diet—not the brand of salt. If you’re managing blood pressure or iodine intake, speak with your GP or dietitian.
Best uses for each salt
- Celtic Salt: Everyday cooking, roasting veg, broths, electrolyte mixes for active days.
- Himalayan Salt: Mill/grinder at the table, finishing meats/salads, bath soaks and DIY scrubs.
Shop Celtic & Natural Salts Curated, additive-free options Read: Ultimate Guide to Celtic Salt Benefits, uses, buying tips
FAQ
Which is better: Himalayan or Celtic salt?
It depends on use. Celtic’s moist, mineral-forward crystals are great for cooking and hydration mixes; Himalayan’s dry, clean crystals shine in grinders and as a finishing salt. Taste and texture preferences matter most—both are unrefined and additive-free.
What is the healthiest salt in the world?
No salt is “healthiest” in isolation. All salts are mostly sodium chloride. Choose unrefined options you’ll use lightly in a whole-foods diet, and focus on total sodium reduction. If you need iodine, consider how you’ll meet that (iodised salt or food sources) and ask your GP if unsure.
Is Celtic salt healthier than Himalayan salt?
Celtic is often chosen for hydration mixes due to its natural magnesium and moist crystals; Himalayan brings iron and a mild flavour for finishing. Nutrient differences are small—diet quality and sodium moderation matter far more than the salt type.
What are the cons of Celtic salt?
It can clump in humid kitchens due to natural moisture and may taste stronger than refined salt. Store in a dry container and adjust quantities to taste.
Which salt is best for high blood pressure?
No salt treats high blood pressure. Limiting overall sodium, eating more potassium-rich foods (veg, legumes), and following medical advice are key. If you use salt, small amounts of unrefined options are fine for most people—check with your GP if you’re managing hypertension.
Can I drink Himalayan “sole” (salt water) every day?
Daily salt-water drinks aren’t necessary for most people and may increase sodium intake. If you use electrolyte mixes for heavy exercise or hot days, keep portions small and balance with water and potassium-rich foods. Seek medical advice if you have heart, kidney, or blood pressure concerns.
Does putting Celtic salt under the tongue do anything?
It dissolves quickly and tastes stronger, but there’s limited evidence for special benefits beyond flavour/electrolytes. If you’re using salt for hydration, small amounts diluted in water with food is a more balanced approach.
Are these salts better than table salt?
They’re less processed and additive-free, with trace minerals and distinctive flavours. By weight, sodium is similar. If you rely on salt for iodine, consider iodised options or dietary sources and speak with your healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Choosing between Celtic and Himalayan salt isn’t about finding a miracle mineral—it’s about picking the right tool for the job and using it thoughtfully. If you want a savoury, mineral-forward salt that dissolves easily in soups, stews and simple hydration mixes, Celtic is a crowd favourite. If you love the clean crunch and colour that finishes a steak or salad, Himalayan is tough to beat. Both are unrefined and additive-free, but neither replaces a balanced diet or the need to moderate total sodium. If you’re managing blood pressure or have specific dietary needs (including iodine), personalised advice from your GP or dietitian is best. For everyday cooking, start with a small sprinkle, taste as you go, and let the flavour—not the hype—guide you. When you’re ready to restock, explore our curated selection of natural salts chosen for quality, clarity and value. A couple of smart swaps in your pantry can lift flavour, simplify meals, and help you enjoy food with confidence.
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30 July 2025Notes:Article published