LMNT's Unique Salt Source: Ancient Underground Deposits
LMNT's salt is not a generic, off-the-shelf ingredient. The company explicitly states they do not use sea salt, table salt, or Himalayan salt. Instead, they source their sodium chloride from ancient salt deposits deep within the earth in Hutchinson, Kansas. These deposits were formed millions of years ago when a vast inland sea evaporated and became covered by layers of earth. The salt is extracted from this protected environment, which LMNT refers to as one of the purest salt deposits in the world. This unique sourcing method is central to LMNT's marketing and product philosophy, emphasizing a natural, unrefined mineral source over heavily processed alternatives.
The Evaporated Manufacturing Process
The salt from the Kansas deposits is extracted using an evaporated manufacturing process. This begins with pumping water into the underground deposits, which creates a saturated brine solution. This brine is then forced back to the surface, where it is boiled to evaporate the water and produce pure salt crystals. The salt is then dried, centrifuged, and packaged, ensuring it meets strict food safety standards. This process contrasts with the modern harvesting of sea salt, which can be susceptible to current ocean contaminants, and the refining process of table salt, which often involves chemical treatments.
LMNT's Salt vs. Common Salt Types
Understanding the differences between salt types helps clarify LMNT's product positioning. While all edible salts are primarily sodium chloride, their source, processing, and trace mineral content can vary significantly.
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Table Salt: This is a highly refined and processed form of salt, primarily sodium chloride, from which most trace minerals have been stripped during processing. It often contains anti-caking agents and, in many regions, added iodine. LMNT's salt is unrefined, retaining its natural purity.
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Sea Salt: Harvested from evaporated seawater, sea salt can contain trace minerals depending on the source. However, modern oceans are increasingly polluted, which can be a concern for some consumers. LMNT's deep-earth source avoids these modern-day contamination concerns.
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Himalayan Pink Salt: Mined from a mountain range in Pakistan, this salt is unrefined and contains trace minerals like potassium and calcium, which give it a characteristic pink color. While popular for its mineral profile, LMNT's salt provides a different, specifically tested and pure profile.
LMNT's choice to use its particular Kansas-sourced sodium chloride allows it to provide a high-purity, unrefined product without the potential contaminants or processing compromises of other common salt types.
The Role of Salt in Hydration and LMNT's Formula
Sodium is a crucial electrolyte responsible for regulating fluid balance in the body, nerve function, and muscle contractions. LMNT is formulated with a robust 1,000 mg of sodium per packet, a level significantly higher than many other electrolyte drinks. This high sodium content is particularly beneficial for individuals who lose large amounts of sodium through sweat during intense exercise or due to a low-carb diet.
In addition to sodium chloride, LMNT's formulation includes other key electrolytes:
- Potassium: 200 mg per packet, which works with sodium to maintain healthy fluid balance within cells.
- Magnesium: 60 mg per packet (from magnesium malate), important for nerve function, muscle contractions, and energy production.
This specific mineral balance, delivered without added sugar, fillers, or artificial ingredients, supports the hydration needs of athletes, those on low-carb or keto diets, and people living or working in hot conditions.
Comparison: LMNT's Salt vs. Other Electrolyte Sources
| Feature | LMNT's Salt | Table Salt | Sea Salt | Himalayan Pink Salt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Ancient underground Kansas deposits | Mined or evaporated, heavily refined | Evaporated modern seawater | Mined mountain deposits |
| Refinement | Unrefined during extraction | Highly refined | Minimally to moderately refined | Unrefined |
| Purity | High-purity deposit, stringently tested | High purity, but stripped of minerals | Varies, potential modern contaminants | Varies, contains trace minerals |
| Added Ingredients | None, no anti-caking agents | Anti-caking agents, often iodine | Varies by brand | None, naturally occurring trace minerals |
| Primary Electrolyte | Sodium chloride | Sodium chloride | Sodium chloride + trace minerals | Sodium chloride + trace minerals |
Considerations and Usage
LMNT's high sodium content makes it a powerful tool for rehydration, but it isn't suitable for everyone. Individuals with conditions like high blood pressure or those on a sodium-restricted diet should consult a healthcare provider before use. The concentration can also be strong for some palates, so diluting it in more water than recommended is a common practice. For less active people, a full packet might not be necessary, but for heavy sweaters, athletes, and those following specific diets like keto, the high-purity sodium is a significant benefit.
Conclusion: More Than Just Salt
In summary, the salt used in LMNT is a high-purity sodium chloride sourced from ancient, deep-earth deposits in Kansas, extracted via an evaporated manufacturing process without further refining. This commitment to a specific, unrefined mineral source sets LMNT apart from electrolyte drinks that use common table salt, sea salt, or Himalayan salt. The result is a clean, potent electrolyte mix designed to replenish sodium lost through sweat, particularly benefiting athletes and those on low-carb diets. While the high sodium level is a deliberate choice for optimal hydration in many cases, personal needs and health conditions should always be considered before use. Ultimately, LMNT's salt is not just an ingredient but a core part of its mission to provide simple, effective, and clean hydration. For more information, you can visit the LMNT ingredients page.
