May 31, 2025, 9:17 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Generally, a diet high in salt is cautioned against. Too much salt raises blood pressure and, consequently, the risk of other cardiovascular diseases. Only sea salt enjoyed a better reputation for a long time. The reasons for this are questionable. It is likely assumed that sea salt has a higher iodine content, similar to other foods sourced from the sea, such as fish and algae. Now, consumer advocates are speaking out clearly!
Sea salt adorns the table! The mineral, often found in crystal form, has a better reputation than plain table salt. Those who reach for the bowl, even frequently during a meal, seemingly aren’t doing much wrong–after all, sea salt is said to contain more minerals. It’s particularly noted for having a higher iodine content. But that’s apparently a misconception.
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Overview
Why Sea Salt Is More Popular Than Regular Table Salt
Its crystals are usually coarser, but its taste is all the finer. This is likely why sea salt is trending. Professional chefs appreciate it because it dissolves quickly. This is practical for seasoning soups, pasta, rice, or potatoes.
From a health perspective, however, sea salt is hardly better than regular table salt. The assumption that it contains more iodine, for instance, is incorrect. This is pointed out by the Consumer Center NRW.
Also interesting: Symptoms Indicating Iodine Deficiency
Table Salt Is Often Rock Salt
Where does our salt actually come from? About 70 percent of the salt produced worldwide is so-called rock salt, which comes from deposits of ancient seas and is mined deep underground. Sea salt, on the other hand, is created by the evaporation of seawater in shallow basins. The difference lies solely in the method of extraction.
Sea Salt Does Not Contain More Iodine Than Table Salt
Both sea and rock salt consist mainly of sodium chloride. Daniela Krehl from the Consumer Center Bavaria knows: “Sea salt does contain a few more minerals, like magnesium or calcium, but in such small amounts that they don’t have a significant health impact.”
By nature, sea salt doesn’t contain much iodine. The consumer advocate recommends looking for the label “iodized table salt,” as only then is iodine truly present–regardless of whether it’s sea or rock salt. In that case, the salt has been enriched with iodine.
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Experts Recommend Iodized Salt
Iodine supply in Germany is declining: 32 percent of adults and 44 percent of children and adolescents are at increased risk of under-supply.1 For this reason, consumer advocates generally recommend using iodized salt when seasoning. Even those who eat a balanced diet can only cover up to half of the daily recommended iodine intake. The Consumer Center’s tip: Those who like to use sea salt can now find varieties enriched with iodine-rich algae in well-stocked stores.
With material from dpa