Food Salt Frequently Asked Questions

Are some salts more pure than others?

Yes. Evaporated salt ranges from 99.7 to 99.99% pure sodium chloride. Solar salt is typically 99.6 to 99.8% sodium chloride. Rock salt used for water conditioning may run from 95 to more than 98.5% sodium chloride, depending on the source.

Where does food grade salt come from?

We've created this video to show you how the salt in your food is manufactured.

Can you use softener salt with food, such as canning or with meat packing?

Although water softener pellets may be made from food grade salt, the pellet press process, itself, does not meet the criteria required to call the finished pellets "food grade". Therefore, direct application of pellets in food processing is not recommended. Other water softening salt products like solar salt, rock salt and brine blocks are not recommended for food application for the same reason.

Can I use water softening salt in my ice cream freezer?

Salt lowers the freezing point of water making it possible to achieve below freezing temperature when applied to ice. Any type of salt, including table salt may be used for this purpose. Since the salt will eventually melt the ice, coarse salt would be preferred because it dissolves more slowly. Rock or solar water softening salt tends to be coarse and will work well for this purpose. Pellets and Sun Gems® are too coarse and should not be used.

Does your salt contain iodine?

The salt only contains iodine if it states so on the packaging. If the salt is not labeled as iodized, it does not contain any.

What stores in my area carry your salt?

Please visit our retail website at www.diamondcrystalsalt.com or click here.

Are there any chemicals in your salt?

Some of our products contain additives (primarily to keep it from getting hard or to iodize it) and others do not. Please refer to the product packaging or request a technical data sheet.