Can Food Grade Salt be Considered Organic Salt?

Can Food Grade Salt be Considered Organic Salt?

With many of us trying to be smarter with our health choices, you may be finding yourself gravitating towards items at the local grocery store that promote the word “organic” over others. However, when it comes to salt, be mindful when you are looking for this term amongst your favorite seasoning brands. “According to the USDA National Organic Program, salt cannot be certified as organic salt because salt is a mineral, not a product of agricultural…Something could be labeled an organic salt but that would mean that there were other ingredients in the product that were certified organic, but not the salt itself.”

In other countries around the world, however, there are certifications in place for organic sea salts not recognized by the USDA.

Let’s take a look at why minerals cannot be organic. “A mineral is an…inorganic element or compound having an orderly internal structure and characteristic chemical composition, crystal form, and physical properties.” Because they are naturally occurring and not derived from living organisms they cannot be considered organic substances.  Additives to salt formulas are commonly used to make the salt free-flowing, anti-caking, and as conditioning agents. However, they are generally not allowed in organic products. Sulfites, nitrites and nitrates as well the preservatives sodium benzoate and polysorbate 60 and 80 are prohibited in organic identifications.

In conclusion, you may come across organic salt on your grocery shelves, but just know that this means there are ingredients within the formula that are organic. The salt itself is not.

Food grade salt has numerous uses in home kitchens, businesses, restaurants and bakeries alike. But did you know that the type and texture of food grade salt matters for your specific application and usage? Contact us to learn which product is right for you or peruse our selection here.

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