I often talk about how essential salt is to our health, from supporting electrolyte balance to regulating blood pressure. Adjusting my salt intake also made a huge difference to my sleep and energy. But many salts hide a dirty secret: microplastic contamination.
Salt has an unfair reputation, and as a result, many of us walk around feeling salty (actually salt-deficient).
Penetrated microplastics
I add salt to most of my water (not advice, just what I do). So when reports started coming out about microplastics in salt, we became aware. Following my slightly obsessive brain, I went down the rabbit hole about salt and microplastics. I came out the other side and continued to salt the water without worry, but with a few important caveats.
Recent reports suggest that microplastics, tiny plastic particles that are almost invisible, are entering the ocean and (in some cases) making their way into the food we eat, including salt.
This article details what microplastics are, the shocking study that found them in sea salt, why this is a problem, and most importantly, how to avoid microplastics in salt. I will. Spoiler alert: It’s easier than you think!
What is microplastic?
Before we explain how microplastics show up in your salt shaker, let’s define microplastics. Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size (about the size of a sesame seed or smaller). They come from a variety of sources, including the decomposition of larger plastic waste (water bottles, plastic bags, fishing nets, etc.).
They are so small that they are almost impossible to see with the naked eye. Over time, plastic waste breaks down into smaller pieces, which are then transported through water systems, often reaching the ocean. This is one of the reasons I stopped using synthetic microfiber cleaning cloths.
Unfortunately, microplastics don’t just stay in water. They are now found in everything from fish to honey to sea salt. These particles are so small that they can’t be seen, but they have a huge impact on the environment and our health.
Research that shocked the salt industry
You may be wondering: How did microplastics get into the salt we use to flavor our food? Well, it turns out that our oceans, where most of our sea salt is extracted, are contaminated with microplastics. It’s not just scattered here and there. A 2017 study led by researchers at the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology found that more than 90% of sea salt samples from around the world contained microplastics.
This is not just about salt collecting trash from the ocean. These plastic particles are small enough to be absorbed by marine life, such as fish, so we consume them. People often collect salt by evaporation, which ends up concentrating plastic particles in the salt they sprinkle on their food. It’s like seasoning your meal with a sprinkle of ocean pollution.
The study didn’t just focus on sea salt. Microplastics were also detected in table salt and other foods. However, sea salt appears to contain higher concentrations of these particles, perhaps due to its direct connection to seawater.
It’s also part of a rapidly growing microplastic problem, and it’s not just limited to salt.
Why are microplastics in salt a problem?
Now, you may be thinking: “That’s just a little bit of plastic, right?” What harm can just a little bit of plastic do? ” That’s exactly what scientists and health experts are trying to figure out. Although the impact of microplastics on human health is not yet fully understood, research shows that ingesting microplastics can be harmful to both our bodies and the environment. .
Health concerns:
Chemical pollution: Microplastics can contain harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and flame retardants, which can leach into the body if ingested. These toxic chemicals can cause long-term health problems such as hormonal disruption, inflammation, and even cancer. The chemicals in plastics themselves are also problematic. Accumulation in the body: Microplastics are so small that our cells can easily absorb them. While our bodies may eventually eliminate some of these particles, others can accumulate over time. Although the long-term effects of microplastic accumulation are still being studied, it is safe to say that the accumulation of plastic particles in tissues is undesirable. Impact on marine life: Humans are not the only ones affected by microplastics. Marine life often mistakes these tiny pieces of plastic for food, which can lead to physical damage, digestive problems, and even death. If the seafood we eat contains microplastics, it’s a clear sign that the ocean and the creatures in it are suffering from the pollution we cause.
While adding a pinch of salt here and there may not cause an immediate health crisis, it is the cumulative impact of microplastics in our food, water, and air that causes concern. The more we consume, the more microplastics our bodies are exposed to. To be honest, we didn’t buy plastic salad dressing or steaks covered in plastic.
I take in about a teaspoon of salt every day, so I wanted to find an option that didn’t contain microplastics.
How to avoid microplastics in salt
If you’re like most people, the idea of eating plastic makes you feel a little uncomfortable. So how can you avoid microplastics in salt while still reaping the health benefits of this essential mineral? Good news. You have options.
Choose high-quality unrefined salt
Not all salt is created equal. When it comes to avoiding microplastics, unrefined salts like Himalayan pink salt, Celtic sea salt, and Redmond real salt are your best bet. Because these salts come from ancient mineral deposits or clean, pristine waters, they are less likely to contain plastic particles compared to commercially processed table salt.
Unrefined salt also retains valuable trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium that are removed from regular table salt during processing. So not only can you avoid plastic, but you can also have healthier and more nutritious options.
Find sea salt from clean water
Not all sea salt is contaminated with microplastics. It depends on where and how it is harvested. Look for brands that source their sea salt from clean, unpolluted oceans. For example, certain brands harvest their salt from uncontaminated, remote areas, far from industrial activities, providing a safer product for use in cooking.
Choose a salt brand that tests for microplastics
Some high-quality salt brands are now taking the extra step to test their products for microplastic contamination. These brands understand that consumers are concerned about salt quality and work hard to provide clean products. If you’re not sure about a brand, look for certificates or test results that prove the product is free of microplastics.
avoid processed salt
Processed salts, like table salt, are not only more likely to contain microplastics, but are also stripped of beneficial minerals. Table salt is usually processed with anti-caking agents and other chemicals and doesn’t offer the same health benefits as unrefined salt. So, while it may be cheaper and more convenient, it’s worth avoiding it in favor of higher quality, mineral-rich options.
Notes on salt from ancient sources
Pink Himalayan salt, or salt from other ancient sources such as Redmond, is a popular natural choice. Many people prefer these salts, which are harvested from ancient seabeds deep within the Himalayas. These are far from modern marine pollution and often require minimal treatment. They are also said to contain up to 80 trace minerals that are beneficial to the body.
According to my research, Himalayan salt and Redmond Real Salt are likely free of microplastics. However, some are concerned that it may contain trace amounts of heavy metals. I still feel mostly good about those salts and don’t avoid eating anything containing any of these types of salt. However, I use other types of salt for brine consumption.
Salts I have been eating (drinking) recently
I’ve been experimenting with different types of salt, and lately I’ve been alternating between the following three for cooking and water:
After all, fear of what we eat and drink is probably just as harmful as the “bad” things we can ingest. I don’t want to fear-monger with this post, but rather to offer peace of mind and microplastic-free options.
Conclusion: Avoiding microplastics in salt is simple and important
While the discovery of microplastics in sea salt is alarming, it’s important to remember that there are many ways to avoid microplastics while still enjoying the health benefits salt provides. By choosing high-quality unrefined salt, sourcing from clean water, and being selective about the products you purchase, you can minimize your exposure to microplastics and support better health.
Salt is an important part of your diet, but it doesn’t need to come with a side of plastic. So next time you reach for that salt shaker, be sure to choose wisely. Your body (and the planet) will thank you!
final thoughts
Microplastics in sea salt are a reminder of how pervasive plastic pollution is, and a call to action to address it. If you’re on the pro salt train like I am, you can make smarter, healthier choices without compromising taste or quality. Enjoy your meals knowing you’re nourishing your body with unrefined, high-quality salt from clean sources and no plastic.
What kind of salt do you use? Are you planning to switch to a different brand? Let us know by leaving a comment.
