Reducing Sodium with Unique Salt Crystal Structures

There is an ever increasing world of ingredients and technologies that are expanding the boundaries of what can be achieved in sodium reduction. Salt structures that increase the rate of dissolution in the mouth may be associated with altering and increasing saltiness perception. Alberger^® brand flake salt from Cargill provides food grade salt that offers quick dissolution and a strong flavor “burst” because of its unique crystal structure.

The majority of food grade salt is produced using the vacuum pan method, which creates six-sided cube salt from brine in vessels similar to pressure cookers. To create flaked products often crystals are compressed with a roller to make sheets of salt which can be broken down to form flat flakes. But for a flaked salt that offers greater solubility, coverage, density, blendability and staying power, Cargill uses a different approach.

Cargill’s operation in Saint Clair, Michigan uses shallow, open pans which allow the brine to evaporate at normal atmospheric pressure, creating remarkably intricate crystal structures, one of which is in the shape of a quadrilateral pyramid. This method is referred to as the Alberger^® salt process for producing salt. It results in a unique, three-dimensional flake salt with a lower bulk density. It is highly prized in the fast food industry and is widely used on French fries. Cargill’s plant is the only plant in the U.S.A. that makes this type of salt.

Alberger^® products are said to be composed of “tiny, multi-faceted crystals” which have a large surface area and low bulk density, therefore allowing for improved adherence, blendability, and solubility compared to cube-shaped granular salt. Alberger’s rapid solubility creates “a burst of flavor” when used in topical applications.

Alberger^® brand flake salt is a high-purity, food grade, flake salt. It is available in a wide range of grades and screen sizes, with or without anti-caking or conditioning agents. Some of the offerings and their key application uses include:

• For processed cheeses, baking, spreads, dressings, meats, seasonings, curing, spice blends, canning and pickling: Alberger^® Fine Flake Salt
• For potato chips, corn chips, corn curls, puffed snacks, popcorn, nuts, seasoning blends, prepared soup, sauce mixes, candy and cookies: Alberger^® Fine Flake Prepared Salt
• For processed cheese, baking, spreads, dressings, meats, seasonings, blending, curing, spice blends and snacks: Alberger^® Shur-Flo^® Fine Flake Salt
• For self-rising flour, prepared mixes, dough, seasoning blends and snacks: Alberger^® Fine Prepared Flour Salt
• For crackers, bread sticks, baked goods, natural cheeses, coarse seasoning blends: Alberger® Coarse Topping Flake Salt
• For natural cheeses, sauerkraut, seasonings, natural casings, canning, cured meats: Alberger® Flake Salt

Alberger^® brand flake salt, exclusively from Cargill, provides food manufacturers with a unique salt crystal structure that may help reduce sodium in their products.