Sea Salt Uses and Benefits

Kindi Lantz April 25, 2025

How and Why to Incorporate Sea Salt into Your Routine

Can you imagine a spice cabinet without salt? Sure, too much of it can wreak havoc on our health, but salt is also an essential mineral that supports the way our bodies are meant to function. And when it comes to flavor, it’s irreplaceable. Without it, most dishes would be bland and other ingredients wouldn’t get the chance to truly shine.

Of course, it’s always best to follow your doctor’s guidelines, but in general, moderate salt use can be part of a nutritious and delicious lifestyle. In this post, we’ll explore the many uses and benefits of sea salt, from adding life to all of your culinary escapades to supporting overall wellness.

What is Sea Salt? 

Sea salt is a natural type of salt produced through the evaporation of seawater, typically with minimal processing that allows it to retain trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, providing layered flavor and texture. Sea salt comes in various forms, from coarse crystals and flaky finishing salts to fleur de sel and pyrimidial crystals. Curious about the differences between types of sea salt? We break it down further in this post.

Best Culinary Uses for Sea Salt

When it comes to cooking, sea salt is more than just a seasoning; it’s a flavor enhancer that contributes a brighter, cleaner taste compared to standard table salt. The various mineral components enable it to add depth to dishes, while its texture can offer a satisfying crunch when used as a finishing salt. Different grinds serve different purposes, with fine sea salt easily incorporated into everyday cooking to marry other ingredients, while coarse or flaky varieties are best reserved for finishing. Sea salt also plays a key role in preserving foods—think pickles, ferments, brines, and cures.

Looking for recipes that feature sea salt? Check out some of these:

Smoked Salt and Honey Focaccia Bread

Salmon with Smokey Sea Salt and Chickpea Spinach Salad 

Gluten Free Koulourakia with Greek Sea Salt and Mastic Tears

Seared Sea Scallops with Truffle Sauce and Sea Salt 

Sea Salt for Health and Beauty

The uses for sea salt don’t end in the kitchen; it’s also a common ingredient in many wellness and skincare routines. It gently exfoliates and soothes when used topically, with the naturally occurring minerals being touted as being beneficial in skin revitalization and nourishment. As such, it should come as no surprise that sea salt is a common addition to DIY treatments.

It’s often found in bath soaks, scrubs, and masks. Mixing it with a bit of honey, shea butter, or coconut oil is a great way to create a natural exfoliating scrub. That said, we are not healthcare professionals, so check with your dermatologist before incorporating these methods into your own skincare routine.

Sea salt is not only beneficial as a skincare aid. Some small studies and health experts have pointed to it’s role in balancing electrolytes, thanks to its trace mineral content. While it's not a replacement for a varied, mineral-rich diet, using unrefined sea salt in moderation may complement overall hydration and wellness, especially when paired with plenty of water and a healthy diet. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, sodium is essential for nerve and muscle function and helps “maintain a proper balance of water and minerals in the body” 

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Whether you’re enhancing flavors and adding crunch to your favorite dish or mixing up a homemade body scrub, sea salt is a mineral-rich ingredient that brings both flavor and function. Ready to explore the various types of sea salt? Find recipes or more informational articles about sea salt on our blog or browse our full line of gourmet sea salts in our specialty ingredient shop.