What Are Key Differences Between Kosher Salt and Sea Salt?

Aside from table salt, kosher and sea salt are two of the most popular ingredients used for cooking, baking, and other purposes. But what’s the difference?

While there are many similarities, there are a few key differences between kosher and sea salt relevant to their shape, size, origins, and price. Keep reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between kosher and sea salt along with their unique benefits.

What is Kosher Salt?

Kosher salt typically consists of large, coarse grains that come from salt deposits. Kosher salt was originally used to get blood out of meat and make it kosher.

Kosher salt is made of sodium chloride and does not contain additives or iodine like table salt. While iodine can be helpful for thyroid health, it can have a metallic taste. Some people are turned off by table salt for this reason. Since it is not iodized, Kosher salt is pure and doesn’t have any bitter flavor.

Three main brands that sell kosher salt are Mortons, David's and Diamond Crystal.

Kosher salt is often used in the process of cooking. It can’t be directly 1:1 substituted for table salt because it is lighter. However, you can use a conversion to determine what amount of kosher salt can be a substitute for table salt (see below). Once this is done, kosher salt can be used while making dishes or as a finishing touch. Aside from cooking, kosher salt can also be used in cleaning or to keep food fresh.

What is Sea Salt?

Sea salt originated from evaporating ocean water. It has uneven flakes and less consistency in shape, size, and color, but typically has finer grains.

Like kosher salt, sea salt is not iodized. However, there is limited processing of sea salt so there can be small amounts of minerals, like potassium, found in this type of salt.

Sea salt is commonly used as a finishing touch in cooking and baking. It is more expensive than kosher salt, so while you can use sea salt as an alternative to kosher in recipes, be aware of a potential price difference. Sea salt is also used in body scrubs and bath products because it is said to relieve stress and relax your muscles.

What is the Difference Between Sea Salt and Kosher Salt?

Formation 

Sea salt is formed through the evaporation of seawater, a process that occurs naturally via solar evaporation or mechanically in salt pans. This natural process enriches sea salt with trace minerals, resulting in varying flavors influenced by its source region.

In contrast, Kosher salt is obtained from underground salt deposits through mining methods.

Taste

The distinction in origin often translates into differences in flavor and texture, with sea salt generally appreciated for its nuanced flavor profile owing to its mineral content.

Price

A significant contrast between sea salt and Kosher salt lies in pricing. Sea salt tends to be priced higher due to the labor-intensive evaporation process and the limited availability of salt pans or harvesting areas. Consequently, consumers may use sea salt more sparingly, reserving it for special occasions or as a final touch to elevate the flavor and presentation of dishes. Conversely, Kosher salt, being more budget-friendly, is commonly used in everyday cooking and recipe preparation.

The discrepancy in cost influences how sea salt and Kosher salt are used in recipes. While both salts are suitable for cooking, the higher price of sea salt often relegates it to a supplementary role, typically employed as a finishing seasoning or garnish to enhance flavor and aesthetics. In contrast, Kosher salt's affordability and versatility make it a more common choice for tasks such as salting pasta water, seasoning meats, or coating vegetables before roasting.

Read: What exactly is Maltodextrin?

Cultural Significance

Kosher salt and sea salt hold significant roles, each lending its unique flavors and textures to a wide array of dishes. From Mediterranean cuisines to Asian fare, these salts are deeply ingrained in cultural practices and historical legacies. Sea salt, originating from coastal regions, is revered for its natural essence and rich mineral composition. For centuries, coastal communities have cherished sea salt as a culinary staple, enhancing the taste of seafood and adding depth to local specialties. Its versatility extends far beyond coastal areas, finding its way into salads, meats, and even desserts.

Conversely, Kosher salt, deriving its name from its role in the koshering process of meat, holds a place in Jewish culinary customs. Its coarse texture and pure taste make it ideal for drawing out moisture from meats, ensuring optimal flavor and texture. Kosher salt has transcended cultural boundaries to become a kitchen staple globally, valued for its ability to season dishes evenly and impart a clean taste.

Read: Exploring the World's Best Foodie Cities: From the America to Australia

Through centuries of culinary evolution, both Kosher salt and sea salt have profoundly influenced regional flavors and cooking methods, reflecting the diverse and rich tapestry of global cuisine.

Conversion Ratios for Kosher and Sea Salt

Sea and kosher salt can also require different amounts by volume to get the same amount of sodium. The kosher and sea salt conversion ratio is about 1 teaspoon: ¾ teaspoon. In other words, if you were to use sea salt as a substitute for kosher salt, you would only need to use ¾ teaspoon of sea salt to get the same amount of sodium in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.

On the other hand, if you were to use kosher salt as an alternative to sea salt, you would need to use 1 teaspoon of kosher salt for every ¾ teaspoon of sea salt. For flaky sea salt, it is a 1:1 ratio. Thus, depending on the kind of sea salt you use, you get more sodium in a lesser amount of sea salt than kosher salt.

Different people may also prefer different kinds of salt. There are slightly different sizes and textures of each kind, leading consumers to prefer one over the other based on taste. Consumers may also have a preference based on what they need to use salt for. Kosher salt can be easier to control if it’s important that salt is distributed evenly across a dish. Meanwhile, sea salt has a light and elegant touch to bakery items and other meals.

Kosher vs Sea Salt: Which is Healthier?

Some people believe that sea salt is healthier than other kinds of salt. This often comes from the belief that the extra minerals in sea salt add to its health benefits. However, scientists say that there is no significant difference in healthiness between kosher salt, sea salt, and table salt. There is a similar amount of sodium in all three kinds of salt, so the kind of salt you use is mostly dependent on what you’re using the salt for and personal preference.

Kosher Salt vs Sea Salt: Which is Better?

The bottom line is that the salt you choose to use is up to you. Keep these differences in consideration when choosing the best salt:

• Kosher salt typically has larger coarse grains, while sea salt typically is finer
• Neither kosher nor sea salt contain additives or iodine, but sea salt can contain small amounts of minerals
• Sea salt is usually more expensive than kosher salt
• Sea salt is more often used as a finishing touch in cooking or baking, while kosher salt is more often used in recipes
• There can be different sodium by volume between salts. Thus, if you are substituting one kind of salt for another, make sure that you make a conversion if necessary.
• There are no major differences in the healthiness of each kind of salt. As a general rule of thumb, try to consume salt in moderation.

Here at Jackson’s, we use sea salt to highlight the savory flavor of our snacks. We use sea salt in combination with avocado oil in our sweet potato chips and classic kettle chips. In an effort to be as acommodating as possible for our customers, our chips are always gluten-free, vegan, and kosher. Try a bag by ordering online or finding a store that carries our snacks near you!