What minerals are found in real salt?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to manufacturer analysis, Real Salt contains more than 60 naturally-occurring trace minerals, which give it its distinctive color and flavor profile [1.6, 1.10]. Knowing what minerals are found in real salt helps consumers understand why it is different from highly processed table salt and how its unrefined state provides a unique seasoning experience [1.6, 1.9].

Quick Summary

Real Salt is an ancient, unrefined sea salt harvested in Utah containing over 60 trace minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which contribute to its flavor and coloration.

Key Points

Source: Real Salt is an ancient, unrefined sea salt mined from a protected deposit in Redmond, Utah [1.6].
Composition: It contains over 60 naturally-occurring trace minerals, giving it a distinctive color and flavor [1.6, 1.10].
Key Minerals: Prominent minerals include sodium chloride, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron [1.2].
Processing: Unlike table salt, it is minimally processed, with no additives or chemical treatments [1.6, 1.9].
Health Impact: The trace mineral content is too low to provide significant nutritional benefits for health, but the lack of additives is a primary appeal [1.8, 1.6].

The Unrefined Nature of Real Salt

Real Salt, particularly the brand harvested by Redmond, is sourced from an ancient underground salt deposit in Central Utah [1.6]. This prehistoric sea bed was protected for millions of years by layers of volcanic ash and bentonite clay, shielding it from modern contaminants [1.6]. Unlike standard table salt, which is heavily processed and stripped of its natural components, Real Salt is left in its whole, unrefined state [1.6, 1.9]. This minimal processing is what allows the salt to retain a full spectrum of trace minerals that would otherwise be removed [1.6]. These minerals are what give Real Salt its slightly pinkish or reddish hue and its unique, subtly sweet flavor [1.6, 1.7]. Its natural sourcing and lack of additives like anti-caking agents are key characteristics that differentiate it from other salts on the market [1.9].

A Detailed Look at the Mineral Content

While Real Salt is primarily sodium chloride (over 93%), its remaining composition includes a range of macro and trace minerals [1.2]. The presence of these minerals varies slightly depending on the specific analysis, but a general profile is consistent [1.2].

Key Macro and Trace Minerals in Real Salt

Sodium: The primary component of all salt, essential for nerve and muscle function, and maintaining fluid balance [1.2, 1.11].
Chloride: Sodium's partner, also vital for cellular functions and a major component of stomach acid [1.2, 1.11].
Calcium: A significant component found in amounts of around 0.55%, important for bone health [1.2].
Potassium: Present at approximately 0.03%, potassium helps balance sodium and is crucial for nerve signals and muscle contractions [1.2, 1.8].
Magnesium: Found in amounts around 0.09%, magnesium is a key electrolyte with over 300 biochemical roles in the body [1.2].
Iron: This mineral, present at concentrations of around 500 ppm, is responsible for the salt's reddish tint and is essential for oxygen transport in the blood [1.2].
Sulfur: Contributes to the overall mineral profile [1.2].
Iodine: Real Salt contains a small, naturally occurring amount of iodine, though not at the fortified levels found in iodized table salt [1.2, 1.7].
Phosphorus: An important mineral for energy production and bone health [1.2].
Manganese, Zinc, and Copper: These are among the many other trace elements present in smaller amounts, contributing to the salt's comprehensive mineral spectrum [1.2, 1.10].

Real Salt vs. Other Common Salts: A Comparison

While many people assume all salt is the same, there are significant differences based on sourcing and processing. The comparison below highlights how Real Salt stands out from standard table salt and even other gourmet salts like Himalayan pink salt [1.7, 1.8].


Feature	Real Salt (Redmond, Utah)	Table Salt (Refined)	Himalayan Pink Salt (Pakistan)
Sourcing	Mined from an ancient, protected sea bed in Utah [1.6].	Mined from salt deposits or evaporated sea water, then heavily processed [1.5].	Mined from ancient salt deposits in the Himalayan mountains of Pakistan [1.7].
Processing	Unrefined, additive-free, and minimally processed [1.6, 1.9].	Chemically cleaned, bleached, and processed. Stripped of most minerals [1.6].	Unrefined and minimally processed, with no additives [1.7].
Additives	None. Natural clumping can occur [1.7].	Often contains anti-caking agents like calcium silicate and dextrose [1.7].	None [1.7].
Minerals	Contains over 60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals [1.6].	Primarily pure sodium chloride, with most minerals removed [1.5].	Also contains a wide spectrum of trace minerals, giving it its color [1.7].
Health Claims	Marketed for potential health benefits from trace minerals, though content is minimal [1.8].	Fortified with iodine for thyroid health, but lacks other natural minerals [1.5].	Marketed for mineral content, similar to Real Salt but geographically different [1.7].
Sustainability	Mined in the USA with a focus on sustainable practices, reducing food miles for North American consumers [1.6].	Varies widely. Processing is energy-intensive [1.6].	Requires long-distance shipping to North America, increasing carbon footprint [1.6].

The Realities of Mineral Content for Health

While it's true that Real Salt contains a full spectrum of trace minerals, it is important to contextualize their nutritional impact [1.8]. The amounts of these additional minerals are so small that a person would need to consume an unhealthy quantity of salt to receive any significant nutritional benefit [1.8]. As noted by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, obtaining meaningful levels of minerals like potassium or calcium from salt is not realistic and can be obtained far more effectively from a balanced diet [1.8].

The primary health-related advantage of Real Salt is not the trace minerals themselves, but rather what it lacks—namely, the additives, bleaching, and chemical processing of refined table salt [1.6, 1.9]. For individuals who prefer an unadulterated product, Real Salt represents a more natural option, but it should still be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet, just like any other salt [1.8].

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Real Salt's Minerals

Real Salt is an unrefined sea salt with an impressive mineral profile stemming from its ancient, protected source in Utah [1.6, 1.9]. It naturally contains over 60 trace minerals, including significant amounts of calcium and iron, which distinguish it from heavily processed table salt [1.2]. However, the health benefits derived from these trace minerals are minimal due to the very small quantities present [1.8]. The main appeal of Real Salt for many consumers is its pure, additive-free nature and its unique, less bitter flavor [1.6]. It offers a clean, natural alternative to refined salt, but its use should be guided by general dietary sodium recommendations [1.5, 1.8].

For more information on nutritional differences in salts, a detailed study is available on the U.S. National Institutes of Health website [1.2].

Frequently Asked Questions

Real Salt contains a very small amount of naturally-occurring iodine, but it is not fortified to the same levels as iodized table salt [1.7, 1.2]. If iodine intake is a concern, it should be supplemented through other food sources or supplements [1.7].

The distinct coloration of Real Salt comes from the presence of natural trace minerals, particularly iron, which are retained because the salt is unrefined and unprocessed [1.6, 1.2].

While Real Salt is less processed and lacks additives found in table salt, the amount of additional minerals is too small to provide a significant health advantage [1.8]. Both should be consumed in moderation, and the choice is often based on flavor preference and a desire for an unrefined product [1.8].

Real Salt does not contain anti-caking agents, unlike many processed table salts. Salt is naturally hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which can cause it to clump. This is a natural behavior and can be addressed by adding rice to the shaker [1.7].

Both Real Salt and Himalayan pink salt are ancient, unrefined salts containing a spectrum of minerals. The primary difference is geographical, with Real Salt mined in Utah and Himalayan salt in Pakistan. They may have slight differences in flavor [1.7].

Real Salt is harvested from a single, ancient underground salt deposit in Redmond, Utah, which is the remnant of a prehistoric inland sea [1.6, 1.7].

For North American consumers, Real Salt is often a more sustainable choice than imported salts like Himalayan pink salt, due to significantly reduced shipping distances. The company also uses sustainable mining practices and solar power [1.6].