Himalayan, Celtic, or Sea Salt? Which One Should You Use?

Himalayan, Celtic, or Sea Salt? Which One Should You Use?

Choosing the right salt might seem simple, but with so many natural options on the market — Himalayan salt, Celtic sea salt, and pure sea salt — it can be difficult to know which one is best for your cooking and wellbeing.

If you're exploring healthier, more mineral-rich ingredients for 2026, this guide breaks down the key differences, benefits, and best uses of each salt. Whether you're cooking, baking, seasoning, or simply looking to upgrade your wholefoods pantry, this article will help you choose the salt that best suits your needs.

What’s the Difference Between Himalayan, Celtic, and Sea Salt?

All three salts are considered more natural and less processed than standard table salt.
Where they differ most is in:

• Source
• Mineral content
• Texture
• Flavour
• Moisture level
• Colour
• Best uses in cooking and wellness

Let’s take a closer look.

1.  Himalayan Pink Salt

A popular choice in natural living and wholefoods communities. Where it comes from

• Mined from ancient salt deposits in the Himalayan mountains of Pakistan.
• Colour & texture: Pink to deep rose hues
• Dry, coarse crystals
• Slightly crunchy texture

Key minerals

Contains trace minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which give it its signature colour.

Flavour profile: Mild, clean, and not overly salty — ideal for everyday use.

Best uses

• Daily seasoning
• Finishing dishes
• Adding to grinders
• Bath soaks
• Fermentation

Why choose it?

Himalayan salt offers a clean flavour and elegant colour, making it perfect for both cooking and presentation.

2. Celtic Sea Salt (Grey Salt)

Often called “sel gris” (grey salt), Celtic salt is known for its moisture and mineral richness.

Where it comes from

• Harvested from coastal salt flats in France, especially Brittany.
• Colour & texture
• Light grey colour
• Moist, clumpy texture
• Coarse, soft crystals

Key minerals

Higher moisture content retains a broader mineral spectrum, including magnesium and trace elements.

Flavour profile: Bold, briny, earthy flavour — more “oceanic” than pink salt.

Best uses

• Finishing salt for meats & vegetables
• Baking artisan bread
• Salt-brines
• Mineral-rich hydration drinks

Why choose it?

Its moisture and mineral complexity make it a favourite among chefs looking for deeper, more robust flavour.

3. Pure Sea Salt

Sea salt is the most versatile natural salt, harvested from evaporated seawater around the world.

Where it comes from

• Coastal salt farms globally — Mediterranean, UK, Japan, and more.
• Colour & texture: White or off-white
• Available in fine, coarse, and flaky varieties
• Often crisp and light

Key minerals

Contains naturally occurring trace minerals from the sea, though less than Celtic salt.

Flavour profile: Clean, bright and balanced — the most universal salt for cooking.

Best uses

• Everyday seasoning
• Baking
• Roasting vegetables
• Salting pasta water
• Finishing dishes (flake varieties)

Why choose it?

Pure sea salt adapts to almost any recipe and is a budget-friendly way to elevate flavour.

How to Build a Wholefoods Salt Collection

For the most flexible, flavourful pantry, stock one of each:

• Himalayan Pink Salt for daily use
• Celtic salt for finishing and hydration
• Sea salt for general cooking and baking
• This trio covers every recipe, every cuisine, and every nutritional preference.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right salt isn’t about picking the “healthiest” — it’s about choosing the salt that enhances your cooking and supports your wholefoods lifestyle.

• Himalayan Pink Salt  adds visual beauty and clean flavour
• Celtic salt delivers unmatched mineral depth
• Pure sea salt brings crisp versatility to any dish

With these natural salts in your pantry, clean eating becomes tastier, simpler, and more enjoyable.