Tag: Salt additives

It is a fact that the iconic blue canister of Morton Iodized Salt has been a staple in American kitchens for decades. Many people use it daily without ever stopping to question: is Morton salt a table salt? The simple answer is yes, but the details reveal a fascinating look into salt production and variety.

Table salt is not pure sodium chloride; it is typically 97% to 99% NaCl, with the rest being various additives. The seemingly simple white granules you sprinkle on your food are the result of extensive refining and fortification, leading many to ask: is table salt pure salt?

By definition, salt is an inorganic mineral, not a product of agriculture, which means it cannot be certified as 'organic' in the same way as fruits or vegetables. The common use of the term "organic salt" is therefore a marketing tactic, usually signaling that the product is free of synthetic additives, not that it has passed organic certification.

Historically, widespread iodine deficiency led to the practice of adding iodide to table salt in the 1920s. This makes many people wonder: does any kosher salt have iodine, and is it a suitable alternative for those monitoring their iodine intake?

Over 3 million people in the U.S. have celiac disease, prompting careful scrutiny of even the most basic food items. While pure salt is naturally gluten-free, the answer to the question, "Is all salt gluten free?" is more complex due to processing, additives, and potential for cross-contamination.

According to the official McDonald's website, the salt used in the United States contains more than just sodium chloride, with the list including added dextrose, potassium iodide, and sodium silicoaluminate. This reveals that what does McDonald's salt contain is a blend designed for specific culinary and textural properties.

While most people use the terms interchangeably, table salt is typically 97–99% pure sodium chloride, the chemical compound with the formula NaCl. This means while NaCl is the main ingredient, the two are not identical, and the final product has been processed for human consumption.

Anti-caking agents are commonly added to many processed table salts to prevent clumping, but several types of salt, such as natural sea salt, are sold without these additives. Understanding which salt has no anti-caking agent is crucial for those seeking a more natural or less processed option for their culinary needs.

Approximately 36 million social media posts on platforms like TikTok have propelled Celtic salt into the spotlight, sparking widespread interest in its purported health benefits. Amidst this popularity, many people question whether this unrefined sea salt contains potentially harmful chemicals, a concern stemming from its distinctive color and origin.

Over 90% of US households have access to iodized salt, a testament to decades of public health initiatives aimed at preventing iodine deficiency. Understanding what elements are added to salt reveals how this common seasoning is transformed into a fortified dietary staple with enhanced functional properties.