10% off £35

Code:SAVE10
OffersBuy one get one 1/2 priceBlack Friday DealsBetter than 1/2 priceOutletBuy 6 Naturya products to get free blender2 for £18 Mix & Match2 for £5 Mix & MatchShort DatedVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBetterYouBioglanGrass & Co.Nature's WayNatures AidBuy one get one 1/2 priceBlack Friday DealsBetter than 1/2 priceOutletBuy 6 Naturya products to get free blenderShort Dated3 for £15 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkChristmas Food & GiftsAdvent CalendarsFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthSnacksShop all SnacksSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHeath & HeatherHuelPukkaTwiningsNakdMeridianPerfectTedBuy one get one 1/2 priceBlack Friday DealsBetter than 1/2 priceBuy 6 Naturya products to get free blender2 for £5 Mix & MatchOutletFree MGO 40 Manuka Pharm with selected productsIntroductory OfferGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePrecision EngineeredApplied NutritionMyproteinHolland & BarrettNakdPhDHuelBlack Friday DealsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBetter than 1/2 priceOutletBuy 6 Naturya products to get free blenderGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inBeautyGiftsNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautySun CareShop all Sun CareSun Lotion SPFMineral Sun CareFace SPFAfter SunHair Skin & NailsWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaHolland & BarrettNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+AEthiqueBuy one get one 1/2 priceBlack Friday DealsBetter than 1/2 priceOutlet2 for £18 Mix & MatchAlcohol FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeMicroplastics FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeNew inCBDShop all CBDCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCBD Food & DrinkCBD BeautyGrass & Co.CBDfxTRIPfourfiveCannaray CBDHolistic HerbHolland & BarrettReakiroLove HempBody & Mind BotanicalsBlack Friday DealsBetter than 1/2 priceBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletShort DatedDairy FreeAlcohol FreeGluten FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeasExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettGrenadeHeath & HeatherPhDUSNOptimum NutritionBouncePulsinTrekDiabloBlack Friday DealsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBetter than 1/2 priceOutletShort DatedGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inVeganChristmasHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicBetterYouApplied NutritionWildBuy one get one 1/2 priceBlack Friday DealsBetter than 1/2 price2 for £18 Mix & MatchOutletBuy 6 Naturya products to get free blenderShort Dated3 for £15 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeNew inShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Black Friday sale
Shop 100s of products and brands you love
Black Friday Sale

Explore related topics

The ultimate guide to Celtic salt

emily_coates

Written byEmily Coates

abbie-cawood

Reviewed byDr Abbie Cawood

Celtic sea salt in a bowl
With the help of our seasoned H&B food team and in-house scientists, we’re diving into everything Celtic salt and asking what it might bring to the table

Summary

1What are the benefits of Celtic salt?

“Celtic sea salt contains a higher content of trace minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium compared to normal salt,” says Abbie.

2Celtic salt vs. Himalayan salt

As well as its dusky pink hue, Himalayan salt differs in origin, flavour and mineral content...

3Celtic salt vs. sea salt

“Celtic sea salt differs in mineral content from regular table salt due to its harvesting techniques...

Explore related topics

Having piled up over 36 million posts on TikTok, Celtic salt is certainly shaking up the food world. But how much more nutritious can salt really be than... salt? We asked our Head of Science Abbie Cawood and Category Manager Launa Humphreys to sprinkle us with their knowledge.

So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this trending ingredient.

What is Celtic salt?

Although the name might suggest it hails from the Celtic Sea, it’s actually hand-harvested from the coasts of France and Portugal. The nod to the Celts actually comes from the traditional collection methods of sun and wind evaporation.

“The seawater is collected from tidal pools and channelled into ‘oeillets’, shallow, clay-lined salt marshes, to allow the water to evaporate and salt to crystallize, maintaining its rich mineral content,” says Abbie,a registered nutritionist with a PhD in clinical nutrition.

You might also see it called “sel gris”, French for grey salt, due to its tonal grey colouring from the minerals.

“Celtic sea salt actually contains slightly less sodium per serving compared to regular table salt”

What are the benefits of Celtic salt?

“Celtic sea salt contains a higher content of trace minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium compared to normal salt,” says Abbie.
celtic sea salt up close
“Magnesium, calcium and potassium2-4 are well-established beneficial minerals which are involved in the maintenance of healthy bones, muscle function, nerve transmission and the regulation of blood pressure,” she says.

Launa in our category team was really excited to get this trending product stocked up on our shelves and online. Here are a few reasons why...
Celtic salt is less processed
“Celtic sea salt is less processed than other salts and contains a variety of trace minerals including magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc,” agrees Launa.

Celtic salt has lower sodium content
“Despite its bold flavour, a pinch of Celtic salt has slightly less sodium content vs. table salt,” Launa says. 

Celtic salt can help with hydration
“The presence of trace minerals in Celtic salt can help balance electrolyte levels and promote better hydration,” she says.
So that’s what all the fuss is about. But remember these studies are small and need to be taken with a pinch of salt (ahem). Abbie explains why.

“Although the nutritional profile of Celtic sea salt sounds promising, the evidence is lacking in regard to any additional health benefits associated with the consumption of Celtic sea salt over regular table salt, as the minerals are only present in trace amounts,” she says.

“However, the composition of Celtic sea salt doesn’t allow for adequate accessibility to the amount of minerals required by the body. So, alternative sources such as whole fruits, vegetables and grains are great options as there’s less worry of over-consuming salt,” says Abbie.

“While regular table salt is rigorously processed, Celtic sea salt is hand-harvested”

Celtic salt vs. Himalayan salt

As well as its dusky pink hue, Himalayan salt differs in origin, flavour and mineral content.

As it’s mined from the mountains in the Punjab region of Pakistan, you can imagine how this might make it different from the European shores where Celtic salt is found. Himalayan salt has a more subtle flavour and contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron (like its Celtic sibling), as well as other trace minerals like strontium and molybdenum.5

Celtic salt vs. sea salt

“Celtic sea salt differs in mineral content from regular table salt due to its harvesting techniques. While regular table salt is rigorously processed and refined, Celtic sea salt is hand-harvested from France and Portugal,” says Abbie.

The final say

The mineral profile sounds promising – but is it worth its salt? Compared to regular table salt, Celtic-harvested varieties certainly retain more magnesium, calcium and potassium. So if you’re already seasoning your dishes, Celtic salt is a way to up your gourmet game.

Think of it like choosing a wholegrain loaf over refined white bread, baking with the finest Belgian chocolate or choosing freshly squeezed orange juice over concentrate.

Although Celtic salt will enhance your recipes, it still does have a high sodium content. So if you’re looking for extra minerals, there are other ways to add magnesium to your diet.

Disclaimer

The advice in this article is for information only and some of the information reflects the opinion of our in-house nutritionist and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
 

Sources

  1. Imen Ben Fredj (2024). Celtic Sea Salt: A closer look to its benefits, origins & uses. [online] Isle of Skye Sea Salt Company. Available at: https://www.isleofskyeseasalt.co.uk/blogs/news/celtic-sea-salt-a-closer-look-to-its-benefits-origins-uses [Accessed 27 Sep. 2024].
  2. EFSA NDA Panel (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies), 2013. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to magnesium and contribution to normal development of bone pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal 2013; 11(7):3331, 10 pp. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3331
  3. EFSA NDA Panel, Turck D, Bresson J-L, Burlingame B, Dean T, Fairweather-Tait S, Heinonen M, Hirsch-Ernst KI, Mangelsdorf I, McArdle H, Naska A, Neuhäuser-Berthold M, Nowicka G, Pentieva K, Sanz Y, Sjödin A, Stern M, Tomé D, Van Loveren H, Vinceti M, Willatts P, Martin A, Strain S (JJ) and Siani A, 2016. Scientific opinion on calcium and contribution to the normal development of bones: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal 2016; 14(10):4587, 9 pp. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4587
  4. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA); Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to potassium and maintenance of normal muscular and neurological function (ID 320, 386) and maintenance of normal blood pressure (ID 321) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal 2010; 8(2):1469. [17 pp.]. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1469.
  5. Fayet-Moore F, Wibisono C, Carr P, Duve E, Petocz P, Lancaster G, et al. An Analysis of the Mineral Composition of Pink Salt Available in Australia. Foods. 2020 Oct 19;9(10):1490.
 

Related Articles