Does Garlic Salt Have Carbs? A Keto-Friendly Guide

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Most store-bought garlic salt is primarily a mixture of salt and dried garlic powder, with some brands containing a negligible amount of carbohydrates. This makes it a generally safe and flavorful addition for those monitoring their carb intake, including people on a ketogenic diet.

Quick Summary

Garlic salt contains minimal carbs per serving, making it suitable for low-carb and keto diets. The small amount of carbs comes from the dried garlic, not the salt. It is important to be mindful of serving sizes and check labels for added sugars or starches.

Key Points

Minimal Carbs: Standard garlic salt contains a negligible amount of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the dried garlic powder.
Keto-Friendly: Due to its very low carb count, garlic salt is a suitable and flavorful seasoning for low-carb and ketogenic diets.
High in Sodium: The main nutritional aspect to watch is the high sodium content, not the carbs; use it in moderation, especially on a low-sodium diet.
Pure vs. Blends: For strict carb counting, use pure garlic powder or fresh garlic, as some seasoning blends can contain hidden sugars or starches.
Ingredient Control: Making your own garlic salt at home gives you complete control over the ratio of salt to garlic and ensures no hidden additives.

Understanding the Ingredients in Garlic Salt

To answer the question, "Does garlic salt have carbs?" it is first necessary to understand what it's made of. The primary components of standard garlic salt are table salt (sodium chloride) and dried garlic powder. Salt contains zero carbohydrates and the carbs in garlic powder are minimal per serving. However, the key is the serving size. Because garlic salt is such a concentrated flavoring, it is used in small amounts, which keeps the carbohydrate impact extremely low.

The Role of Salt and Garlic Powder

Salt: As a mineral, salt contributes no carbohydrates, calories, fat, or protein to the mix. It is the most significant ingredient by volume and weight in most garlic salt products.
Dried Garlic Powder: This is where the small amount of carbs originates. Dried, powdered garlic is a concentrated form of the garlic bulb, which naturally contains carbohydrates. A typical serving of garlic salt uses only a tiny fraction of garlic powder, meaning the carb count is insignificant for most people.

Potential Hidden Carbs and Additives

While most garlic salt is a simple blend, some commercial brands might include anti-caking agents like silicon dioxide or other fillers to prevent clumping. These are generally not carbohydrate-based, but always checking the label of a spice blend is a good practice, especially for premixed seasoning products that might contain hidden sugars or starches. For instance, a taco seasoning mix or another complex blend could contain unwanted carbs, but plain garlic salt is usually a safer bet.

Garlic Powder vs. Garlic Salt: The Carb Difference

When managing carbohydrates, it's helpful to know the difference between garlic powder and garlic salt. Garlic powder is pure, dehydrated, and ground garlic, meaning it has a higher concentration of carbs by weight than garlic salt. Since garlic salt is diluted with salt, the overall carbohydrate load per typical serving is lower. For those on a very strict keto diet, using pure garlic powder might seem better to avoid salt, but the carb difference in a standard seasoning amount is almost negligible.

Comparison Table: Garlic Salt vs. Garlic Powder (Per Teaspoon)

To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison based on standard nutritional data.


Nutrient	Garlic Salt (1 tsp)	Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
Total Carbohydrates	~0.3 - 1.1 g	~2.04 g
Net Carbs	~0.3 - 1.1 g	~1.76 g (2.04 - 0.28 fiber)
Sodium	High (~1582 mg)	Very Low (trace amounts)
Calories	Minimal (1-5 kcal)	Low (9.3 kcal)
Primary Use	Seasoning and flavor enhancement where salt is also desired	Flavor enhancement where salt is not desired, or for lower-sodium cooking

Note: Nutritional values can vary by brand, so always check the product label for the most accurate information.

Using Garlic Salt in Low-Carb and Keto Diets

For most individuals on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, garlic salt is a fantastic tool for adding flavor without worrying about carbs. The key, as with all seasonings, is moderation due to its high sodium content, not its negligible carbs.

Flavor Boost: Use garlic salt to season meats, vegetables, and low-carb sauces for a savory kick.
Homemade Rubs: It works well as a base for homemade dry rubs for grilled chicken, beef, or fish.
Savory Snacks: Sprinkle it on roasted nuts or seeds for a tasty keto-friendly snack.

When to Consider an Alternative

While suitable for keto, there are times when an alternative might be better:

Reducing Sodium: For those with high blood pressure or other conditions requiring a low-sodium diet, using pure garlic powder or fresh garlic is a better choice.
Intense Garlic Flavor: For a more concentrated garlic taste without added salt, garlic powder is the way to go.
DIY Control: Making your own garlic salt at home allows complete control over the salt-to-garlic ratio and the type of salt used.

Homemade Garlic Salt Recipe

Making your own garlic salt is a simple way to control both sodium and flavor. Here is a basic recipe:

Gather Ingredients: You will need three parts coarse sea salt or kosher salt and one part garlic powder.
Mix Thoroughly: Combine the salt and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Store Properly: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place. This prevents moisture from causing it to clump.

This simple process gives you a fresh, additive-free seasoning that is perfectly tailored to your dietary needs. For an even richer flavor, consider using roasted garlic powder.

Conclusion: Garlic Salt is Carb-Conscious

In summary, does garlic salt have carbs? Yes, but the amount is so minimal per serving that it is not a concern for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. The small quantity of carbohydrates comes from the dried garlic powder, and since garlic salt is primarily composed of zero-carb salt, its impact on your daily carb count is negligible. The most important nutritional consideration with garlic salt is its high sodium content, which should be used in moderation. By understanding the ingredients and being mindful of portion sizes, you can continue to enjoy the robust flavor of garlic salt in your cooking without disrupting your dietary goals. For those wanting to reduce sodium or control ingredients, making a homemade version is always a great option.

For more in-depth nutritional information on garlic and other ingredients, visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, garlic salt is an excellent low-carb seasoning. The carb content per typical serving size is very low, as it is primarily salt mixed with a small amount of dried garlic powder.

For most commercially available garlic salt, a typical teaspoon contains less than 1 gram of net carbohydrates. The precise amount varies by brand, so checking the nutritional label is always recommended.

Yes, you can use garlic salt on a keto diet. Its minimal carbohydrate count means it can add flavor to your meals without impacting your state of ketosis, as long as you use it in normal seasoning amounts.

Garlic powder contains more carbs by weight than garlic salt, because it is pure dried garlic. Garlic salt, being diluted with zero-carb salt, has fewer carbs per teaspoon. However, both are minimal for typical seasoning use.

No, carb content can vary slightly between brands. While most are very low, some blends could potentially contain fillers or additives. Always check the nutrition facts on the specific product you purchase to be certain.

While it doesn't contain carbs, the high sodium content of garlic salt is a key nutritional factor. For those on a keto diet, mindful usage is recommended to manage overall sodium intake.

Pure garlic powder is not carb-free but has a low carb count. To get a similar flavor profile without the salt, you can use pure garlic powder and add salt separately. For a truly zero-carb alternative, some prefer garlic-infused oils, which can provide flavor without any carbs.