The Healthiest Salt Without Microplastics: A Guide to Purer Options

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

A 2018 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found microplastics in 90% of table salt brands worldwide, signaling a widespread problem. As ocean and lake pollution rises, many consumers are searching for the healthiest salt without microplastics, turning their attention to alternative sources like ancient deposits and underground springs.

Quick Summary

This guide explores several unrefined salt options known for their low or zero microplastic content, detailing their sourcing, mineral profiles, and why they represent a healthier choice. It compares salts from ancient sea beds, geothermal springs, and remote ocean sources, providing a clear overview to help you select a purer, more sustainable seasoning for your kitchen.

Key Points

Ancient Sources are Safer: Salts from deep, ancient deposits, like pink Himalayan salt or Redmond Real Salt, are generally safer from microplastic contamination than modern sea or lake salts.
Third-Party Testing is Key: Look for brands that provide third-party lab testing results confirming their salt is free from microplastics and heavy metals.
Processing Matters: Even rock salt can be contaminated during modern processing and packaging, so choose products from transparent companies with sustainable practices.
Spring Salt is a Pure Option: Salt harvested from underground, naturally protected brine springs offers a high degree of purity from modern pollutants.
Mindful Consumption is Best: All salt should be consumed in moderation, regardless of its source. Focusing on overall sodium intake remains the most important health consideration.

Why Microplastics in Salt are a Health Concern

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, less than 5mm in size, that permeate our environment and food chain. For salt, contamination primarily occurs through two main pathways: from polluted seawater used in production and, to a lesser extent, from manufacturing and packaging processes. Recent studies have detected microplastics in salt products globally, with the highest concentrations often found in sea salts due to ocean pollution. While the health effects of microplastic ingestion are still being researched, some studies suggest potential links to inflammation and toxicity in animal models. This growing awareness is pushing consumers to seek out purer, microplastic-free options.

The Search for Purity: Beyond Sea Salt

For those looking to minimize their microplastic exposure, the key lies in seeking out salt from sources protected from modern pollution. This means moving away from salt harvested from modern oceans and lakes, and instead considering alternatives derived from ancient, pristine sources.

Ancient Rock Salt Deposits: Mined from deep underground salt beds, these deposits were formed millions of years ago, long before plastic pollution existed. Mined salts like Redmond Real Salt and pink Himalayan salt come from these ancient sources, though it is important to choose brands that package and process their product with minimal risk of modern-day contamination. Some studies have shown variable levels, so research and third-party testing are crucial.
Protected Spring Salts: Sourced from underground aquifers or springs far from human industrial activity, these salts are naturally protected from modern-day contaminants. One such example, Vera Salt, is harvested from a brine spring in the foothills of Spain and is third-party tested to be free of microplastics and heavy metals.
Geothermally-Harvested Sea Salt: For those who prefer sea salt, certain brands utilize unique harvesting methods that minimize risk. Saltverk from Iceland, for instance, uses geothermal energy to evaporate seawater from the pristine Arctic Ocean. Their process avoids pollution and reduces the risk of contamination found in other sea salts.

Understanding Different Salt Types

Not all salts are created equal, especially when considering microplastic content. The source and processing are the most significant factors influencing a salt's purity.

Refined Table Salt: Most table salt is heavily processed and often iodized. While it may contain less microplastic than some sea salts, the refining process strips it of beneficial trace minerals. Some table salts may still be contaminated, as shown in the Greenpeace study.
Celtic Sea Salt: Traditionally harvested from coastal areas, Celtic salt is less refined than table salt and retains more minerals. However, depending on the harvest location, it can contain microplastics from ocean pollution. Sourcing from cleaner coastal areas, like Brittany, France, may reduce this risk, but contamination levels are variable.
Pink Himalayan Salt: Mined from ancient Pakistani salt deposits, this rock salt is generally considered pure due to its age and source. Its processing, however, matters. Some studies have found higher microplastic levels in coarse Himalayan salt, potentially due to processing or packaging, emphasizing the need for transparent sourcing and handling.
Redmond Real Salt: Harvested from an ancient sea bed in Utah, this salt has been shown to have very low levels of microplastics in tests. Its sourcing from a prehistoric inland sea protects it from modern ocean-based contamination.

A Comparison of Popular Salt Types


Feature	Pink Himalayan Salt	Celtic Sea Salt	Redmond Real Salt	Refined Table Salt
Source	Ancient rock salt mine (Pakistan)	Seawater from coastal clay ponds (France)	Ancient sea bed (Utah)	Mined or seawater (highly processed)
Processing	Minimally processed	Minimally processed, solar evaporation	Minimally processed	Heavily refined, anti-caking agents added
Microplastic Risk	Low risk from source, but variable depending on processing	Variable, depending on ocean pollution where harvested	Very low risk due to ancient, inland source	Variable risk, but widely contaminated
Key Minerals	Iron, potassium, magnesium	Magnesium, calcium, potassium	Over 60 trace minerals	None (stripped during processing)
Color	Pink	Grey	Off-white/pinkish	White

How to Minimize Microplastics in Your Salt

Beyond choosing a purer salt, you can take other steps to further reduce your exposure:

Choose Reputable Brands: Opt for brands that are transparent about their sourcing and, ideally, provide third-party lab testing results for microplastic and heavy metal content.
Select Better Packaging: Purchase salt in paper or glass containers to avoid potential contamination from plastic packaging.
Limit Overall Consumption: Regardless of the type, all salts are predominantly sodium chloride. The healthiest approach is to use salt sparingly, focusing on flavor and relying on whole foods for your essential minerals.

Conclusion: Purity Over Convenience

The quest for the healthiest salt without microplastics is a journey towards greater awareness of our food systems and environmental health. While no salt is guaranteed 100% free of all contaminants without rigorous testing, choosing salts from protected, ancient, or geothermally-harvested sources significantly reduces the risk of microplastic contamination. Options like Redmond Real Salt, Icelandic Flake Salt, and Vera Salt offer purer alternatives to conventional sea salts and processed table salts. By prioritizing products from transparent, ethical companies and focusing on mindful consumption, you can make a healthier, more environmentally conscious choice for your kitchen.

To learn more about the broader issue of microplastic pollution in the environment and its potential health impacts, consult the National Institutes of Health(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10151227/).

Frequently Asked Questions

Himalayan salt is mined from ancient salt beds, protecting it from modern ocean pollution. However, some studies have found microplastics in coarse versions, possibly from processing or packaging. Look for third-party tested brands to ensure purity.

Microplastics are abundant in the world's oceans and lakes due to pollution. Sea salt harvested via seawater evaporation often retains these microparticles, with contamination levels correlating to the plastic pollution in the source water.

No, not all sea salts are equally contaminated. Some brands, like Saltverk from Iceland, harvest from pristine ocean waters using sustainable geothermal methods, resulting in zero microplastic content. Sourcing location and harvesting methods are crucial factors.

A 2018 Greenpeace study found microplastics in 90% of table salt brands tested worldwide. While the refining process can sometimes remove some contaminants, the initial source and potential airborne contamination during processing still pose a risk.

The most reliable method is to choose salt from a brand that provides certified third-party lab testing results for microplastic content. Salts from ancient rock deposits or protected springs, like Redmond Real Salt or Vera Salt, are generally the safest options.

Microplastics have been found in a wide range of food and drinks, including bottled water, sugar, seafood, honey, and beer. Reducing plastic exposure in all aspects of food preparation and storage is a holistic approach to minimizing intake.

No, a water filter can help remove microplastics from your tap water but will not affect microplastics already present in the salt itself. To ensure microplastic-free salt, the purity must be confirmed from the source.