Skip to main content

BlissMark may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Salt substitutes don’t have to be disgusting – these are our top recommendations

Salt substitutes can too often be disgusting and disappointing. They’re either too acidic or too bitter and most of the time, they don’t quite resemble that savory salty flavor you’re looking for. There are other salt alternatives that you likely already have in your kitchens such as lemon juice, black pepper, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. However, these flavors often add a different flavor dimension to the overall taste of any dish, and can’t quite provide the saltiness you crave.

That’s why we’ve shared our top recommendations for salt substitutes that elevate the flavor of your dish while also remaining sodium-free. Oh, and they’re tasty too!

Why would you need a salt substitute?

Many health conditions, such as high blood pressure, are typically a result of or exacerbated by, excess salt in the diet. Even if you don’t have a pre-existing condition, there are a plethora of other reasons to reduce your sodium intake.

While salt isn’t bad for you overall, too much of it can lead to high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, or even a stroke. Americans, more so than people of other nationalities, often consume significantly more salt than is needed for their bodies to remain healthy. This is likely due to fast food and salty treats being a staple in many U.S. diets.

Salt and potassium are natural and necessary components of the body, pumping fluid in and out of cells and maintaining the balance of nerve and blood circulation functions. Too much salt, however, can clog up these cells and lead to severe medical problems.

While some salt substitutes can often taste metallic and unappealing, they don’t have to. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks for kicking sodium out of your diet.

person adding salt while cooking
VasiliyBudarin/Shutterstock

NoSalt

NoSalt is a brand that promotes itself as the “original sodium-free salt,” and it certainly lives up to its name. The salt is indeed sodium-free, composed of Potassium Chloride, Potassium Bitartrate, Adipic Acid Silicon Dioxide, Mineral Oil, and Fumaric Acid. Some noted NoSalt has an especially potent flavor, so it works great for salty snacks like french fries, popcorn, and chips.

Be aware that it tastes a little stronger than salt, so when adding to recipes, you may want to dial back the proportions a tad. However, it is the closest thing to salt we’ve ever found, and we highly recommend this brand as a delicious sodium alternative!

Sweet n’Low Nu-Salt

As sweeter alternative to other salt substitutes, Nu-Salt offers a sodium-free treat for those who wish to make the switch to low sodium living. Nu-Salt is sweeter than regular salt and includes potassium chloride as opposed to sodium chloride. There is no metallic aftertaste, and this brand looks, tastes, and cooks just like ordinary table salt would. 

This brand is ideal for people who enjoy baking since the flavor profile works well with sweet meals and baked goods. However, it is still full of the beloved salty flavor for your savory meals as well!

Morton

Morton is one of the most popular salt brands, but did you know they also offer a salt substitute? Their salt substitute is comparable to Nu-Salt because of its slightly sweeter taste in comparison to ordinary table salt. Of note, some people say that this salt substitute tastes a little more metallic than other brands. While it might not be the top choice to sprinkle on your fries, many people don’t find any trouble when cooking or baking with it.

person adding salt in a salad bowl
goodbishop/Shutterstock

Benson’s Table Tasty

Benson’s Table Tasty salt substitute was initially invented to be a seasoning substitute for popcorn. It includes more flavors than most salt substitutes and has a much more potent taste. Be aware that this substitute is best for cooking rather than baking since it takes on a more robust taste than other substitutes. 

Benson’s Table Tasty is unique in that it is not only sodium-free but also potassium-free. This way, you can avoid any bitter or metallic aftertaste. The ingredients in Benson’s blend include nutritional yeast extract, carrot, red bell pepper, onion, lemon, citric acid, arrowroot, celery, dill, allspice, paprika, sweet basil, parsley, and silicon dioxide.

Focus on flavor

Another approach to no- or low-sodium cooking is boosting the flavor of your favorite dishes with herbs, spices and other ingredients. Some of the most popular choices for intensifying flavor include:

  • Garlic
  • Lemon juice or zest
  • Ground black pepper
  • Dill
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Smoked paprika
  • Apple cider vinegar

Salt is the most common food seasoning by far, but consuming too much can lead to a host of health problems. These alternatives will add flavor to your cooking and baking without the risk associated with the real thing. Start experimenting and you may find you can come up with some tasty dishes that are better for you.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring. 

Editors' Recommendations

Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
Our favorite snacks to nibble on while working from home
a businesswoman carries papers and folders in one arm, supports a cell phone to her ear with her shoulder, and eats a sandwich with the other hand

Get a pen and some paper ready because you're going to want to make a grocery list. Snacking is a classic work-time distraction we all can get behind, but what to pick for your next round of afternoon munchies? No worries, we're here to inspire you. From salty and sweet to savory and sour, this list has you covered. We picked these snacks with their nutritional benefits in mind, so nothing on this list will make you sluggish and sleepy when you need to be on your game.

As always, keep your personal dietary needs in mind when choosing your next favorite snack. Everything is best enjoyed in moderation and it's never a bad idea to double-check with your physician before making any huge changes to your diet. That being said, with a little culinary creativity, work can become a lot more delicious.
Pumpkin seeds
If you tend to reach for the nearest bag of chips when you're feeling peckish, try another crunchy, salty snack. Pumpkin seeds have the same satisfying texture but without a lot of the oils and fats that are in most potato chips. Whether raw or toasted, just add a pinch of salt and you're set! An even healthier and more rewarding option is to roast your own seeds if pumpkins are in season. It's definitely more work than grabbing a bag off the shelf, but you can add your own toppings and spices and make them exactly how you want.
Avocado
If loving avocado toast is wrong, we don't want to be right. This Instagram-able dish is not only delicious but healthy too! Avocados are fruits full of monounsaturated fats that encourage blood flow throughout the body and keep you feeling fuller longer.

Read more
Up your look with these 5 belt types
men belts

What is the first thing that you notice about a man? It is his attire, isn't it? You will be surprised to know that the first thing that many women notice about a man is his belt. These are among the most versatile fashion accessories. They adorn your outfits, hold up your pants and even accentuate your shoes. Still, most people wear belts only at the most. Now, you don't need to wear some exquisite, leather belt to prove your mettle. Just get up, pick your favorite belt, and wear it with a stylish outfit. Here are 5 essential belt types that you should consider wearing if you want to look your best.

Belt types are as unique as the men who wear them. While all belts give an air of fashion, we've learned that you can never go wrong with the classic belt and a timeless pair of dress shoes. Take care to choose a belt that complements your style and never be afraid to try something new. Tell us which one you liked the most?

Read more
Barn door must-haves for a proper upgrade
a wide shot of a large, full pantry

Barn doors are known for their vintage, stylish, and niche decoration. They add a whole new atmosphere to your home to make it look better than ever before. However, its old and vintage feel has its drawbacks. It could be too old-timey to be properly utilized at times and can use an upgrade to attain that much-needed modern touch.

You don’t have to have a boring old barn door anymore. Instead, check out the following items to ensure a smooth and efficient opening and closing process. Whether you’re looking to install some barn doors or upgrade, you can be sure we got you covered.

Read more