What's The Difference Between Himalayan Salt And Normal Table Salt?

Himalayan Salt Vs Normal Table Salt: What's The Real Difference?

Walk into any modern grocery store, and you're likely to spot those soft pink crystals of Himalayan salt sitting proudly next to regular table salt.
It looks fancy. It sounds exotic. And depending on who you talk to, it’s either a superfood or just an overpriced version of the good old white stuff.

So — does it really matter which one you use? If you’ve ever wondered about that, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about it like we would over chai — no jargon, no hype.

First Things First: Where Do They Come From?

Let’s start with the basics.

Himalayan salt is mined from ancient salt deposits near the Himalayas, mostly in Pakistan’s Punjab region. That pretty pink colour? It comes from trace minerals, mainly iron oxide.

Normal table salt, on the other hand, is either mined from salt deposits or extracted from seawater. But before it hits your kitchen shelf, it goes through refining — removing impurities and giving it that ultra-white, fine texture.

 What’s Actually In Them?

At the core, both are about 97-99% sodium chloride. That’s salt.

Where they differ is in the tiny extras:

• Himalayan salt retains small amounts of minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium.
• Table salt usually has added iodine — to help prevent iodine deficiency — and anti-caking agents to keep it flowing.

Now here’s where it gets interesting: while Himalayan salt sounds like a “healthier” option thanks to those minerals, the quantities are tiny. You’d have to eat an impractical amount of it to meet any real nutritional needs. Not worth it.

 Himalayan salt, also called rock salt, is a salt made from the foothills of the Himalayan Mountain and it has a pinkish colour. As it contains more minerals than regular salt made from halite, it serves as a great substitute for table-salt.

Taste And Texture: Is There A Difference?

Absolutely — and this is where personal preference comes in.

Himalayan salt is usually sold in larger, coarse crystals or flakes. It brings a softer, more subtle saltiness and a bit of texture — which is why many chefs love using it as a finishing salt. Think roasted veggies or grilled fish.

Table salt dissolves faster and gives a sharper, more immediate hit of saltiness. Great for baking and when you want even seasoning.

👉 If you’re cooking dal, pasta water, or anything where the salt dissolves — table salt is perfectly fine.
👉 If you want a sprinkle of texture on your avocado toast — Himalayan salt can feel fancy.

Is One Healthier Than The Other?

This is where myths fly thick and fast. You’ll hear things like “Himalayan salt detoxes your body” or “it balances your pH” — neither claim holds up scientifically.

Both salts provide sodium, which your body needs in small amounts. Too much sodium from any source can lead to high blood pressure and heart issues.

One genuine difference? Iodine. Regular table salt is a key source of iodine in many diets — essential for thyroid function. Himalayan salt usually isn’t iodized.
👉 If you switch entirely to Himalayan salt, make sure you’re getting iodine elsewhere — seafood, dairy, or supplements.

---

Everyday Use: Which One Should You Choose?

There’s no reason you can’t use both — plenty of home cooks do.

Keep table salt for:

• Baking (where precision matters)
• Boiling pasta, potatoes, or rice
• Dishes where salt needs to dissolve quickly

Use Himalayan salt for:

• Finishing dishes (salads, grilled items)
• Visual appeal
• A slightly milder salt note in dry rubs or marinades

And of course — if budget is a factor, know that regular salt is much cheaper and perfectly fine for most cooking.

Are There Downsides To Using Himalayan Salt?

The main one is its lack of iodine. If your diet already includes iodine-rich foods, that’s not a concern. But for those who rely mainly on salt for iodine, skipping iodized table salt could be a risk.

Also — marketing can sometimes make Himalayan salt sound like a superfood. It isn’t. It’s salt — with some trace minerals that look pretty but don’t turn it into a miracle ingredient.

Quick Recap:

Factor	Himalayan Salt	Normal Table Salt
Source	Himalayan rock deposits	Salt mines or seawater
Processing	Minimal	Refined and iodized
Minerals	Trace minerals present	Mostly sodium chloride
Iodine	Low (unless iodized)	Added iodine
Texture	Coarse crystals/flakes	Fine, even grains
Taste	Subtle, rounded	Sharper, more direct
Cost	More expensive	Cheaper

FAQs: Himalayan Salt vs Table Salt — Answering What People Are Really Asking

Is Himalayan salt better than table salt for health?

Not really. Both provide sodium. Himalayan salt has trace minerals but in amounts too small to impact health significantly.

Does Himalayan salt lower blood pressure?
No — reducing overall sodium intake is what helps lower blood pressure, not the type of salt.

Can I use Himalayan salt for baking?
You can, but its larger crystals may not dissolve evenly in batters. Table salt works better for baking.

Why is table salt iodized?
Iodine helps prevent thyroid problems like goitre. Many regions iodize table salt to ensure adequate iodine intake.

Is pink Himalayan salt good for thyroid health?
Only if it is iodized — most pink salts are not. If you rely solely on Himalayan salt, you may miss out on essential iodine.

What gives Himalayan salt its pink colour?
Its natural iron oxide (rust) content gives it a pink hue.

Is Himalayan salt better for skin or detoxing?
No scientific proof supports this. Bathing in it can feel relaxing, but it doesn’t "detox" your body.

Should I switch completely to Himalayan salt?
You can include it, but ensure you get enough iodine through other dietary sources.

Does table salt contain additives?
Yes — most table salts contain anti-caking agents and added iodine.

Is Himalayan salt more natural?
It’s less processed, yes — but remember, natural doesn’t automatically mean healthier in this case.

Final Thoughts — Which Salt Should You Pick?

No need to overthink it. Both Himalayan salt and regular table salt have their place.

👉 Himalayan salt is lovely for adding a finishing touch or subtle flavour to certain dishes.
👉 Table salt is cheap, reliable, and plays an important role in baking and providing dietary iodine.

If you enjoy that pink jar on your shelf, go ahead and use it. Just remember — no matter the colour, salt is salt. And like most things in life, moderation is key.