Is Salt Sense Real Salt? Decoding the Low-Sodium Label

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Diamond Crystal, Salt Sense is explicitly marketed as "real salt—only better". But what does this mean for consumers wondering, 'Is Salt Sense real salt?' The distinction lies not in its composition, which is 100% sodium chloride, but in its unique physical structure designed to lower sodium intake by volume.

Quick Summary

Salt Sense is genuine salt, made of 100% sodium chloride, but engineered with less-dense, flake-shaped crystals to provide 33% less sodium by volume compared to regular table salt. Its quick-dissolving nature delivers full flavor, supporting a lower-sodium diet without compromising on taste.

Key Points

Real Salt: Salt Sense is 100% sodium chloride, not a salt substitute, so it provides an authentic salty taste without a metallic aftertaste.
Less Sodium by Volume: The key difference is its flake-shaped, less dense crystals, which result in 33% less sodium per teaspoon compared to regular table salt.
Equivalent by Weight: By weight (e.g., per 100 grams), Salt Sense contains the same amount of sodium as regular salt; the sodium reduction is entirely due to its lower density.
Faster Dissolving: Its flake crystals dissolve more rapidly, delivering a quicker burst of flavor that helps reduce overall sodium consumption.
Aids in Sodium Reduction: It is a simple tool for health-conscious consumers to reduce daily sodium intake without a noticeable flavor difference or needing to resort to salt substitutes.
Iodized Options Available: Like regular table salt, Salt Sense comes in iodized varieties, ensuring the intake of this necessary nutrient.
Suitable for Cooking and Finishing: Its properties make it versatile for both seasoning food during cooking and as a finishing salt for a quick flavor boost.

The Chemistry: Salt Sense is 100% Real Salt

To clear up the confusion immediately, yes, Salt Sense is real salt. It is not a salt substitute, which often replaces sodium chloride with potassium chloride and can result in a metallic aftertaste. Salt Sense is made of 100% pure sodium chloride (NaCl). The key difference between Salt Sense and regular table salt is not chemical composition but physical structure.

Like many salts, Salt Sense is available in an iodized form, which provides iodide, a necessary nutrient for thyroid health. For individuals on low-sodium diets who still require this essential nutrient, iodized Salt Sense is a viable option.

The Physical Difference: Flake vs. Cube Crystals

The fundamental distinction that allows Salt Sense to be lower in sodium by volume is its unique flake-shaped crystal structure. While regular table salt consists of dense, cube-shaped granules, Salt Sense is made of larger, lighter, and less dense flake-like crystals. This difference in density is crucial to understanding its function as a lower-sodium product.

Why Less Dense Means Less Sodium Per Teaspoon

Here is where the science behind the marketing claim becomes clear. The sodium content of salt is measured by weight. So, 100 grams of Salt Sense contains the exact same amount of sodium as 100 grams of regular table salt (39,100 milligrams). However, because Salt Sense flakes are less dense and occupy more space, a standard teaspoon of Salt Sense weighs less than a teaspoon of regular table salt. This is why a teaspoon of Salt Sense contains 33% less sodium than a teaspoon of ordinary table salt.

This physical property also explains Salt Sense's fast-dissolving nature. The larger, lighter flakes dissolve more quickly on the tongue and in food, delivering the salty flavor more efficiently. This means you can achieve a desired level of seasoning with less sodium overall, making it a sensible choice for those looking to moderate their intake.

Salt Sense vs. Regular Table Salt: A Comparison


Feature	Salt Sense	Regular Table Salt
Composition	100% Sodium Chloride (NaCl)	100% Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
Crystal Shape	Flake-shaped, larger and lighter	Cube-shaped, denser granules
Density	Less dense, occupies more volume per weight	More dense, occupies less volume per weight
Sodium per Teaspoon	1,560 mg	2,360 mg
Flavor Perception	Fast-dissolving, quick release of flavor	Slower-dissolving, standard flavor release
Metallic Aftertaste	No metallic taste	None
Best For	Lowering sodium intake, everyday cooking	General cooking, baking (by weight)

Health Implications and Practical Uses

The most significant benefit of using Salt Sense is its ability to help consumers reduce their sodium intake without a dramatic change in their eating habits. High sodium consumption is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension. By making a simple substitution in cooking and seasoning, individuals can effectively lower their sodium intake. For many, this offers a middle ground between using regular salt and switching to a salt substitute, which may have an unappealing taste.

Best uses for Salt Sense:

Table seasoning: Its fast-dissolving nature makes it perfect for sprinkling on finished dishes.
Cooking and baking: Use it as a direct substitute for regular table salt in recipes where salt is measured by volume (teaspoon). If a recipe calls for salt by weight, it's essential to remember the density difference.
Steaming vegetables: Sprinkle on vegetables post-steaming for an immediate flavor boost that requires less product.
Seasoning popcorn: The lighter flakes stick better to popcorn, ensuring an even, satisfying salty flavor with less sodium.
Sprinkling on fried foods: The finer flakes distribute more evenly over the surface of fried items.

Conclusion: A Real Solution for Lower-Sodium Living

In conclusion, Salt Sense is absolutely real salt, but with a clever physical modification. By transforming its crystals into a lighter, less-dense flake shape, it provides a simple and effective way for consumers to reduce their sodium intake without sacrificing taste or resorting to potentially bitter-tasting substitutes. It is not a magical low-sodium salt by composition, but rather a tool that leverages physics to help manage sodium consumption by volume. For those aiming for a healthier diet, understanding this distinction is key to making informed choices.

For more information on reducing sodium in your diet, you can visit the CDC's Sodium page.

Cooking with Salt Sense: A Step-by-Step Guide

Direct Substitution: For most recipes that measure salt by teaspoons, use Salt Sense in the same volume called for in the recipe. No conversion is necessary since the lower sodium per teaspoon is the main benefit.
Flavor Test: Due to its fast-dissolving properties, taste your food as you season. You may find you need slightly less Salt Sense than you would with regular salt to get the same flavor impact.
Baking Note: For baking recipes that rely on precise weight measurements, remember that a teaspoon of Salt Sense is not equal in weight to a teaspoon of table salt. Weighing your salt is always recommended for baking accuracy.
Finishing Salt: Its unique flake texture makes Salt Sense excellent as a finishing salt, added just before serving. It delivers a quick burst of salty flavor that enhances the dish.

Final Takeaways

It's Real Salt: Salt Sense is not a substitute but 100% sodium chloride, offering genuine salt flavor.
Flake Crystals: The unique flake-shaped crystals are the key to its lower sodium content by volume.
Less Sodium Per Teaspoon: A teaspoon of Salt Sense contains 33% less sodium than a teaspoon of regular table salt.
Same By Weight: The amount of sodium per 100 grams is identical to regular salt. The difference is only by volume.
Fast Dissolving: The less dense crystals dissolve quickly, providing instant flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Salt Sense is not a salt substitute. It is real salt, made of 100% sodium chloride. Salt substitutes often contain potassium chloride and have a different taste profile.

Salt Sense is lower in sodium by volume (e.g., per teaspoon) because its flake-shaped crystals are less dense than the cube-shaped granules of regular salt. Since a teaspoon of Salt Sense weighs less, it contains 33% less sodium.

Yes, it provides a clean, real salt flavor. Its flakes dissolve quickly, so you perceive the salty taste faster and can use less to achieve your desired flavor.

You can use Salt Sense in baking, but you should measure by weight rather than volume. Because its flakes are less dense, a teaspoon of Salt Sense weighs less than a teaspoon of regular salt, which can affect the outcome of baked goods.

Yes. The sodium content is the same by weight. 100 grams of Salt Sense contains the same amount of sodium as 100 grams of regular table salt. The difference is only observed when measuring by volume, like a teaspoon.

Yes, iodized versions of Salt Sense are available and supply iodine, a necessary nutrient. Check the product label to ensure you have the iodized variety if that is your preference.

Salt Sense is a tool for reducing sodium intake by volume. While sea salt and kosher salt have different crystal sizes and mineral profiles, the sodium content per weight of all pure sodium chloride salts is essentially the same. Health experts recommend moderation with any salt.