What's the Difference Between Sea Salt and Table Salt?

How are they made?

A) Table Salt

Table salt is made in a factory using rock salt from underground.

• It comes from deep salt mines found underground.

• Machines break the rock salt and bring it to the surface.

• The salt is cleaned and refined to remove other minerals.

• It is heated and made into fine white crystals.

• Anti-clumping agents may be added to prevent the salt from sticking together.

• Some table salts might have added nutrients.

• The texture is smooth and fine, allowing it to mix easily in food.

• It has a strong and sharp taste.

B) Sea Salt

Sea salt is made by drying seawater naturally in the sun and wind.

• Seawater is collected in shallow ponds near the sea.

• The sun and wind slowly evaporate the water, leaving behind salt crystals.

• The salt is then gathered, washed, and dried.

• It is not heavily processed, so it retains natural minerals.

• These minerals may include magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

• Sea salt often comes in larger flakes or crystals.

• The texture is rougher than table salt.

• It may be white, grey, or pink, depending on where it is made.

• The flavour can be milder or slightly different due to the minerals.

Which is the Healthier Option?

Between sea salt and table salt, the healthier option depends on the context, but nutritionally they are very similar.

• If you need iodine, iodized salt is better – especially if you don’t eat many iodine-rich foods (like dairy, eggs, seafood).

• If you’re eating a whole food diet with iodine sources, sea salt can be a natural alternative – just be aware of potential lack of iodine.

Making informed dietary choices is as important as selecting the right cashless health insurance that supports your long-term wellness needs.

Sodium Content: Table Salt vs. Sea Salt

*Sea salt has larger crystals, so less fits into a teaspoon, which may slightly lower sodium per teaspoon by volume — but by weight, it's about the same.

Why the Range?

• Fine table salt is denser than coarse sea salt, so more sodium fits in the same volume (teaspoon).

• The difference is about volume, not composition — both are ~40% sodium by weight.

Recommended Daily Sodium Limit

Most people consume 3,400+ mg/day, mainly from processed and restaurant foods, not salt added at home.

Key Takeaways

• 1 tsp of table salt = 2,300 mg sodium (your full daily limit).

• Sea salt is not lower in sodium by weight, though you may use less due to its coarser texture.

• Watch hidden sodium in processed foods — that's the biggest contributor to excess intake.

Conclusion

Sea salt and table salt both contain sodium, and consuming too much of it over a long period can put one at risk for certain health issues. These problems may not suddenly arise, but can develop silently over time. As a result, health insurance becomes necessary. It may be possible to cover the cost of the test, doctor's visits, or treatments if excessive sodium in the diet affects an individual's health.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Sources: mayoclinic.org, medicalnewstoday.com, heart.org

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on July 30, 2025