Is there sugar in salt and pepper?

January 8, 2026 •

3 min read

While pure salt (sodium chloride) and pure black pepper contain no sugar, some commercially produced versions and specialized seasoning mixes can contain small amounts. Iodized table salt, for example, often includes a tiny quantity of dextrose to stabilize the iodine, while many popular 'salt and pepper' blends, like Chinese takeaway seasoning, list sugar as a prominent ingredient.

Quick Summary

This article explores the question of whether sugar is present in salt and pepper. It clarifies the composition of pure seasonings versus processed products, detailing why trace amounts of sugar are found in iodized table salt and explaining how certain pre-mixed seasoning blends include sugar for flavor balance.

Key Points

Pure products contain no sugar: Plain sea salt and pure ground black pepper are sugar-free by nature.
Iodized salt has a stabilizer: US iodized table salt contains a minute, dietetically insignificant amount of dextrose to stabilize potassium iodide.
Blends often contain sugar: Commercial seasoning mixes labeled as 'salt and pepper' can include sugar for flavor balance, so always read the ingredient list.
Check the label: To confirm if your seasoning product contains sugar, review the ingredients, especially for any pre-mixed blends.
DIY is the safest option: Mixing your own salt and pepper at home with pure ingredients ensures no hidden sugars are added.

What's in Your Salt and Pepper?

When you use a simple salt shaker or a peppermill, you are generally working with single-ingredient products. However, the contents of these everyday shakers can vary, and understanding these differences is key to knowing whether you are consuming sugar. The fundamental nature of salt and pepper is sugar-free, but manufacturing processes and product variations can introduce other ingredients.

The Surprising Addition to Iodized Salt

For most home cooks, table salt is the primary go-to. This product is typically not pure sodium chloride. In the United States, iodized table salt is fortified with iodine, an essential nutrient for thyroid health. To prevent the iodine compound (potassium iodide) from oxidizing and evaporating over time, a minuscule amount of dextrose (a form of sugar) is added as a stabilizer. The amount is dietetically insignificant—often less than 0.04% by weight—and its purpose is purely chemical. This trace amount is so small that standard nutritional labels report it as zero grams of sugar.

The Pure Alternative: Non-Iodized Salt

If you want to avoid this trace sugar altogether, options are widely available. Non-iodized salts, such as sea salt, kosher salt, and Himalayan pink salt, generally contain no additives. These salts are typically just sodium chloride and naturally occurring trace minerals, with no dextrose required for stabilization.

The Purity of Black Pepper

By nature, ground black pepper comes from dried, crushed peppercorns and contains no sugar. Black peppercorns themselves are the dried berries of the Piper nigrum plant. When ground, the result is a pure, single-ingredient spice. A nutritional analysis of black pepper confirms that its sugar content is negligible, with some reporting 0 grams per serving. Therefore, if you are grinding whole peppercorns or buying a pure black pepper product, you can be confident it is free of added sugars.

Sugar in Pre-Mixed Seasoning Blends

The most common place to find sugar mixed with salt and pepper is in pre-made seasoning blends. These commercial products often combine various spices, and sugar is a frequent addition to balance flavors. For example, Chinese salt and pepper seasoning, a popular seasoning for dishes like crispy chicken, contains a blend of spices, including:

Sea salt
Caster sugar
Chinese five spice
White pepper
Garlic powder
Chili flakes

In these cases, sugar is deliberately included to achieve a specific flavor profile that is sweet, salty, and savory all at once. Anyone concerned about sugar intake should always check the ingredient list of any seasoning mix before purchasing.

Comparison Table: Pure vs. Commercial Seasonings


Feature	Pure Salt (e.g., Sea Salt)	Iodized Table Salt (U.S.)	Pure Ground Black Pepper	Chinese Salt & Pepper Blend
Primary Ingredients	Sodium Chloride	Sodium Chloride, Potassium Iodide	Dried Peppercorns	Salt, Sugar, Spices (e.g., Fennel, Pepper)
Sugar Content	None	Trace amount (dextrose) for stabilization	None	Deliberately added for flavor
Carbohydrate Content	0g	0g (dietetically insignificant)	Trace amounts from peppercorns	Present from added sugar
Key Flavor Profile	Salty	Salty	Pungent, Spicy	Sweet, Salty, Savory
Best For	General cooking, baking	Everyday seasoning	All-purpose seasoning	Specialized dishes, like Chinese takeaway-style recipes

Making Your Own Seasoning Blends

If you prefer to have full control over your ingredients and want to avoid all added sugars, creating your own blends is a simple solution. A basic salt and pepper mix can be made by combining your choice of pure salt with fresh ground pepper. For more complex flavors, like a Chinese-style seasoning, you can experiment with adding your own spices and a sweetener of your choice, or omit the sugar entirely if you prefer.

Conclusion: The Nuance of Seasoning

So, is there sugar in salt and pepper? The answer depends entirely on the product. Pure, single-ingredient salt (like sea salt) and pure ground black pepper are sugar-free. The nuance lies in commercially processed products. Iodized table salt contains a minimal, stabilizing trace of sugar, while certain pre-made seasoning blends include significant amounts for flavor. By checking ingredient labels or choosing pure, unprocessed versions, you can easily control your intake and ensure your seasonings align with your dietary preferences.

Optional Outbound Link: Learn more about the science behind iodized salt additives from IUFoST.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in the United States, most iodized table salt contains a very small amount of dextrose, a type of sugar, which is added to stabilize the iodine supplement. However, the amount is dietetically insignificant.

Dextrose is added to iodized salt to prevent the potassium iodide (the iodine supplement) from oxidizing and evaporating over time. It helps to keep the iodine stable and effective.

Pure, ground black pepper contains no added sugar. Its nutritional label typically reports 0g of sugar per serving, as it is a single-ingredient spice made from dried peppercorns.

No, but many do. Pre-mixed spice blends often include sugar as a flavor enhancer to balance salty and savory notes. You must check the ingredients on the label to be certain.

Pure salts like sea salt or kosher salt contain no additives, including sugar. Iodized salt, conversely, typically has a minute amount of dextrose added for stabilization.

Yes, you can easily control the ingredients by creating your own blend. Simply mix pure salt, like kosher or sea salt, with your own fresh ground black pepper to ensure no sugar is included.

Commercial blends, especially those used in Asian cuisine like Chinese salt and pepper seasoning, are specifically formulated to have a sweet and savory taste. This is achieved by intentionally adding caster sugar or other sweeteners to the mix.