Sea salt has the same composition as traditional salt but tends to be coarser. Sea salt is produced by the evaporation of seawater and contains residual minerals beside sodium chloride. It adds taste to foods.

Sea Salt

Found In

  • Beverages
  • Foods

Also Known As

  • Sodium Chloride

The Beverage Bottom Line

Sea salt is authorized for use in the U.S., Europe and Canada.

 

This ingredient may have authorizations in countries not included on this site.

International Assessments and Authorizations

U.S. Food And Drug Administration (FDA)

Generally recognized as safe for intended uses. (GRAS)

In 2024, FDA expanded its 2021 voluntary sodium reduction targets in foods.

In 2019, dietary reference intakes for sodium were assessed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

In 1993, FDA supported a health claim for lower sodium and reduced risk of hypertension.

In 1979, health aspects of sodium chloride as a food ingredient were evaluated.

FDA describes (a, b) nutrition facts labeling requirements.

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European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

Recommended in moderation.

 

In 2019, EFSA set dietary reference values for both sodium and chloride.

In 2008, Europe embarked on its salt/sodium reduction initiative.

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Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)

Safe for intended uses.

 

In 2012, WHO issued its guidelines on sodium in the general population.

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Health Canada

Recommended in moderation.

 

In 2019, dietary reference intakes for sodium were assessed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

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This page was last updated on 6/30/2025.