I often discuss how salt is essential to our health, from maintaining electrolyte balance to regulating blood pressure. Reducing my salt intake also made a big difference in my sleep and energy. But many salts hide a dirty secret: microplastic pollution!
Salt has gotten an unfairly bad rap and as a result many of us are walking around feeling salty (or actually lacking it)!
Microplastics are rampant
I add salt to most water (not advice, just what I do). So I noticed when reports started coming out about microplastics in salt. My slightly obsessive brain led me down a rabbit hole about salt and microplastics. I added salt to the water and came out on the other side without any worries, but with a few important caveats!
According to recent reports, microplastics – tiny, barely noticeable plastic particles that find their way into the oceans – are finding their way into the foods we eat (in some cases), including salt.
In this post, we’ll learn more about what microplastics are, the shocking study that found microplastics in sea salt, why this is a problem, and most importantly, how to prevent microplastics in salt. Spoiler alert: It’s easier than you think!
What are microplastics?
Before we discuss how microplastics show up in your salt shaker, let’s first define them. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size (about the size of a sesame seed or less). This occurs from a variety of sources, including the decomposition of large plastic waste (water bottles, plastic bags, fishing nets, etc.).
They are so small that they are barely visible to the naked eye. Over time, plastic waste breaks down into smaller pieces and is transported through water systems, often ending up in the ocean. This is one of the reasons I stopped using synthetic microfiber cleaning cloths!
Unfortunately, microplastics don’t just stay in water. It is now found in everything from fish to honey and even sea salt. These particles are too small to be seen, but they have a significant impact on the environment and our health.
Research that shocked the salt industry
You may be curious. How do microplastics get into the salt used to season food? The oceans from which most sea salt is harvested have been found to be polluted with microplastics. And it’s not just a few scattered pieces here and there. 2017 study led by researchers Journal of Environmental Science and Technology establish More than 90% of sea salt samples Contains microplastics from all over the world.
This isn’t just a case of collecting salt debris from the ocean. These plastic particles are small enough to be absorbed by marine life such as fish and ingested by us. Because people often harvest salt through evaporation, plastic particles end up concentrated in the salt we sprinkle on our food. This is similar to sprinkling marine pollutants to spice up your meal.
This study didn’t just focus on sea salt. Microplastics have also been found in table salt and other foods. However, sea salt appears to have a higher concentration of these particles, probably because of its direct association with seawater.
It’s also part of the rapidly growing microplastics problem, and it’s certainly not limited to salt.
Why are microplastics in salt a problem?
Now you might be thinking, “It’s just a tiny bit of plastic, right?” “What harm can a few pieces of plastic do?” Well, that’s what scientists and health experts are trying to find out. Although the impact of microplastics on human health is not yet fully understood, studies have shown that ingesting microplastics can be harmful to both our bodies and the environment.
Health Problems:
- chemical contamination: Microplastics contain harmful chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, and flame retardants, which can penetrate our bodies when ingested. These toxic chemicals can cause long-term health problems, including hormonal disorders, inflammation, and even cancer. Plastic chemicals themselves also pose problems.
- accumulation in the body: Microplastics are so small that our cells can easily absorb them. Our bodies may eventually expel some of these particles, but others may accumulate over time. While the long-term effects of microplastic accumulation are still being studied, it’s safe to say that we don’t want plastic particles building up in our tissues.
- Impact on Marine Life: Not only humans are affected by microplastics. Marine life often mistakes these tiny pieces of plastic for food, which can lead to physical harm, digestive problems, and even death. If microplastics appear in the fish and shellfish we eat, it is a clear sign that the ocean and the creatures within it are suffering from the pollution we have created.
While a spoonful of salt here and there may not cause an immediate health crisis, it is the cumulative impact of microplastics in food, water and air that is causing concern. The more we consume, the more microplastics our bodies are exposed to. And to be honest, we didn’t order plastic salad dressing or plastic covered steak.
Since I consume about a teaspoon of salt every day, I wanted to find an option that was free of microplastics!
How to avoid microplastics in salt
If you’re like most people, the idea of eating plastic is somewhat unpleasant. So how can you avoid microplastics in salt while enjoying the health benefits of this essential mineral? The good news is: You have options!
Choose high-quality, unrefined salt
Not all salt is created equal. To avoid microplastics, unrefined salts like Himalayan pink salt, Celtic sea salt, and Redmond real salt are your best options. This salt is harvested from ancient deposits or pure, clean water. This means it is less likely to contain plastic particles compared to commercially processed table salt.
Unrefined salt also contains valuable trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium that are removed from regular table salt during processing. So not only are you avoiding plastic, but you’re also getting a healthier, more nutritious option.
Find sea salt in pristine waters
Not all sea salt is contaminated with microplastics. It depends on where and how it is harvested. Look for a brand that sources sea salt from clean, unpolluted oceans. For example, certain brands harvest their salt from remote, unpolluted areas far away from industrial activities, providing a much safer product to use in cooking.
Choose a salt brand that tests for microplastics
Some high-quality salt brands are now going the extra mile to test their products for microplastic contamination. These brands understand that consumers are concerned about salt quality and are working hard to provide clean products. If you’re unsure about a brand, look for certification or testing that confirms the product is free of microplastics.
Avoid processed salt
Processed salt, such as table salt, is not only more likely to contain microplastics, but also has beneficial minerals removed. Table salt is typically treated with anti-caking agents and other chemicals that do not provide the same health benefits as unrefined salt. So while they may be cheaper and more convenient, you might want to avoid them if you prefer high-quality, mineral-rich options.
Notes on salt from ancient sources
Other ancient salts such as pink Himalayan salt and Redmond are popular natural salts. Many people prefer this type of salt harvested from ancient seabeds deep in the Himalayas. They are far from the pollution of modern oceans and often come with minimal processing. It is also said to contain up to 80 trace minerals that are beneficial to the body.
My research shows that Himalayan salt and Redmond real salt are likely free of microplastics. However, some people are concerned about trace amounts of heavy metals they may contain. I still feel good about them and I won’t avoid eating foods that contain either of these types of salt. But I use a different type of salt when I consume salty water.
Salt I’ve been eating and drinking recently
I’ve been experimenting with different types of salt and lately I’ve been alternating between the following three when cooking and adding them to water.
In the end, fearing what we eat and drink is probably just as harmful as any of the “bad” things we might consume. I don’t want to create any fear with this post, I just want to give you peace of mind and a microplastic-free option.
Bottom line: Avoiding microplastics in salt is simple and important.
Although it’s concerning to discover microplastics in sea salt, it’s important to remember that there are many ways to prevent them and enjoy all the health benefits salt has to offer. Choosing high-quality, unrefined salt, sourcing from clean water, and making thoughtful choices about the products you buy can help you minimize your exposure to microplastics and maintain better health.
Salt is an important part of our diet, but it doesn’t necessarily have to come with plastic. So next time you buy a salt shaker, choose wisely. Your body and the planet will thank you!
final thoughts
Microplastics in sea salt are a reminder of how widespread plastic pollution has become, and a call to action to solve the problem. If you’re a salt advocate like me, you can make smarter, healthier choices without compromising taste or quality. Stick to unrefined, high-quality salt from clean sources, and enjoy your meals knowing they are nourishing your body without plastic!
What type of salt do you use? Are you going to switch to another brand? Let us know by leaving a comment!
