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.
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.
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.
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