Salt has various uses in varied sectors from tanning, bleaching, dyeing to being used extensively in the production of pottery, soap and chlorine. But when we think of salt, we automatically associate it with cooking.
Despite being an essential ingredient in our food, salt has gained much ill reputation. We are constantly reminded to cut down on our salt consumption, to use only the bare necessary amount in our food.
Are you looking for the best salt brands in India? But you are continually coming up with articles that are looking to inform you about the plethora of ways excess salt can be dangerous to the human body and even potentially fatal.
There is so much information regarding the misuse of salt but very little on its proper use and myriad of health benefits. The benefits of Indian salt are manifold: it prohibits iron deficiency, regulates pH levels of blood, counters dehydration, enables efficient heart circulation, diminishes risk of diabetes and helps in exfoliation.
India is famously regarded as the land of spices. We like our food to be topped with ample seasonings and condiments. Salt is one such extremely crucial condiment for our cooking. It is especially true for vegetarian dishes. Thereby, it is no surprise that India happens to be the third largest manufacturer of salt in the world.
Here are the Best Salt Brands In India:
Tata Salt, 1 kg
With its famous tagline as “Desh ka namak”, Tata surely is the first choice when it comes salt at least. Just as Tata happens to be popular in various business sectors of the world and it just as well has made a designated spot for itself in our kitchen shelves.
Being one of India’s most trusted brands, Tata Salt is the most widely purchased packaged salt in India. This specific iodized salt has garnered such popularity that when we go grocery shopping our hands automatically reach for the Tata salt without a second thought.
It so happens that even when we can ask the shopkeeper for salt he passes us the Tata’s packaged salt, without even confirming if that is the brand we want to purchase. That is the kind of power and trust Tata salt has gained in the hearts of us Indians.
There are also two kinds of Tata salt available in the market: Tata Salt Iodized and Tata Salt Lite.
A staple kitchen product for generations, the iodized salt is particularly rich in iodine and iron, two of the most important micronutrients required by the body for balanced human health. Their combination bolsters physical and mental strength and prevents physiological malfunction.
Tata salt lite is a low-sodium salt which is especially beneficial for hypertension patients. It accounts for 15% low sodium than its counterpart and is thus a healthier version.
As food without salt is impossible, the Tata Salt Lite is the preferred choice of many heart and blood pressure patients. This low-sodium salt consists of iodine, potassium and iron which are integral to the body.
It also happens to be the best salt to resist and overcome iron deficiency. This salt is also especially manufactured for children who suffer from iron deficiency anaemia.
Pros
- Assured quality, trusted by every Indian family
- Makes food instantly flavourable and delectable
- Perfect combination of health and taste
- Two great alternatives to choose from: Tata Salt Iodized and Tata Salt Lite
- Great pricing
Cons
- Bad packaging that is prone to wear and tear
Aashirvaad salt, 1 kg
ITC owned Aashirvaad is a famed brand which endorses staple kitchen items such as atta, multigrains, svasti ghee, spices or instant mixes. Salt too happens to be one of their specialties.
This iodized brand of salt is obtained by evaporating brine or sea water and from the majestic waters of Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. The salt is procured by a long-drawn procedure which involves evaporation ponds, scorching sunlight and the ever-friendly wind.
It is an all-natural process and is made by love, care and patience. The Aashirvaad Salt ensures all around well-being, fitness and also acts as a great taste enhancer.
Pros
- Meets all health requirements
- Good quantity and affordable price range
- Packed with iodine
- Fine, granular texture
Cons
- Bad packaging that is susceptible to easy tear and damage
- Its flavor might be a little too strong for some
Saffola Salt, 1 kg
Saffola is very popular for its oil which is said to work wonders for heart patients. The Saffola salt is equally potent. Specially formulated with reduced sodium, the salt rightfully comes with the tagline “The heart of a healthy family”.
Packed with wholesome health benefits, the Saffola salt makes the perfect addition to any meal or cuisine. It is definitely a healthier alternative to regular table salt. The salt is naturally extracted from sea and is then refined and enriched with nutrients like calcium and potassium.
It can be consumed by children as well as it contains essential nutrients. A healthy lifestyle inclusive of timely sleep, exercise and a low sodium diet which can be maintained with the help of Saffola Salt, can go a long in lowering high blood pressure.
Pros
- Its low sodium composition makes it especially helpful for patients suffering from high blood pressure
- Rich in essential minerals such as calcium and potassium
Cons
- The oil seems to have a somewhat synthetic smell
- While Saffola salt is 10% less in sodium, some brands offer lesser percentages of sodium and also come for a cheaper price
Puro Salt, 1 kg
Puro Salt is not yet a household name but it is slowly and surely making its way up there. The salt is completely unrefined and 100% natural, Puro Salt is the quintessential healthy salt and it even claims to be so on its packaging.
Wrapped in a gorgeous lavender case, this edible mineral salt is free from any chemical processing and boasts the composition of 84 minerals. This unrefined salt is sourced straight from nature and is completely unpolluted, unfiltered and untampered.
And this is only so because it is sourced from pristine resources. It also helps manage acid reflux balance within the body. All its health benefits might lead one to think that it will taste nothing like the salt we are used to and will be of no use in daily cooking.
But Puro Salt happens to be first choice of many top chefs due to its earthy and long-lasting flavour. If you are still not convinced, the Puro salt has been mentioned in the most authentic literature of Ayurveda Charaka Samhita.
It provides various benefits such as accelerated digestive powers, improved eyesight, boosting of heart health, and over well-being. So get cooking, sprinkling or baking with Puro salt and walk your way to good health.
Pros
- It contains absolutely zero additives and anti-caking agents
- Composed of rich minerals such as iodine, potassium, iron and 81 other essential minerals
- Recommended by many leading health experts and dietitians
Cons
- Comes at quite a steep price.
Catch Salt, 200 gms
Catch is relatively new to the market but has amassed quite the popularity. While most salts are sold in kgs, this one comes in small 200 gm containers.
This iodized table salt is as the name suggests more appropriately used as just that, a table salt and is not explicitly suitable for cooking. But one look at its fine crystal cube grains you will know this salt is premium in quality.
Because of its easily dissolvable feature and superior composition it is a popular choice among many chefs & dietitians. The container comes fitted with a rotating sprinkler and a cap to keep the salt locked away from any dampness.
The taste and flavour of the salt acts as the perfect condiment to spicy snacks, chats and salads. It can also be used to sprinkle on fruit juices and lemonades.
Pros
- Unique design and packaging
- Prepared meticulously and in an extremely hygienic manner
- Easily dissolvable and superior composition
Cons
- Not salty enough
Chef Urbano, 500 gms
Chef Urbano specifically deals with Himalayan Pink Rock Salt. Himalayan Pink Rock Salt is found naturally in the Himalayas and is always high on demand but almost scarce in terms of availability.
The Salt has high quantities of phosphorous, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, bromine, zirconium and iodine. They are a much healthier alternative to regular iodized table salt and should be used in cooking as well.
Since the product is scarce in quantity you can only trust a select few brands to deliver authentic products and Chef Urbano is undoubtedly one of them.
This salt is a hot favourite among those who like to keep a strict watch on what they consume. And since salt goes into essentially every item we eat, it is best to choose a healthier option.
Pros
- 100% natural and pure, gluten-free and non-irradiated
- It is known to decrease blood pressure, prevent symptoms of allergy, improve respiratory and vascular health, regulate sleep pattern and bolster the immune system
- It also has positive psychological effects that invigorate the mind
Cons
- Expensive as far as salts go and the quantity is not adequate. Using it for cooking on a daily basis can become a costly affair
- Poor and low quality packaging
Patanjali Iodized Namak, 1 kg
Patanjali has won over thousands of people since its initial launch in the market. It may have gained popularity because it was endorsed by a health guru that has a loyal fanbase. But the products are authentic, natural and affordably priced.
Gaining quick popularity they have entered every sector; cosmetic, culinary or hygiene. Patanjali Iodized Namak is one such exemplary product. Even with the presence of competitors like Aashirvaad & Tata, who have been in the limelight forever, Patanjali has managed to capture much audience.
Pros
- Designed to cater to the Indian taste
- Made of 100% pure herbal products
- Available easily and all over India
Cons
- Must be used in larger quantities than normal to reach desired level of saltiness
Organic Tattva Natural Rock Salt, 500 gms
Tattava is a leading organization that works with organic products. Quite a recent addition to the market, the Tattva Organic salt promotes only natural products to give the people of India a chance to a healthier living.
Tattva manufactured salt is laden with important minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron that can improve the digestive strength, strengthen immunity and regulate healthy heart function.
Pros
- Devoid of any pesticides or fertilizers, created from the natural salt rock available in Himalaya
- Obtained in an environmental-friendly manner to ensure a healthier planet
- Ensures no loss of essential nutrients
Cons
- Pricey considering its quantity
Keya Salt, 200 gms
Sharing much resemblance with Catch Salt, Keya too offers an iodized table salt which may also be used for cooking. This artistic, tiny container comes with a unique sprinkler opening which has 3 different hole sizes to choose from – 1 with small holes, another with bigger holes with the last one being a cut-out section for bulk pouring.
This design serves to be rather helpful in the kitchen. The salt’s unique flavour, taste & consistency make it a much loved product among consumers.
Pros
- Unique design and packaging
- Required in small quantities
- Good consistency
Cons
- A tad too salty
- Heavy on the pocket
Thanjai Natural Sea Salt, 500gm
Sea salt is popularly believed to be the better alternative to table salt because it is a natural source of sodium. It also helps the body absorb the minerals quicker. It is also effective in treating muscle spasms and cramps and may help alleviate mild depression. So, if you are in search of the perfect sea salt – Thanjai Natural is the one. This unrefined and non-iodised salt is available in a 500 gm pouch and is the chosen condiment for many health conscious families. It is also completely herbal.
Pros
- Natural product with no added preservatives
- It is not chemically treated or bleached
- Naturally sun dried and non-idodised
Cons
- The salt crystals are a little too big to be used a table salt
- Coarse structure
- Unattractive packaging
Conclusion
Salt is staple condiment in our kitchen and there is no way to do without it. And it is also extremely crucial for the effective functioning of our system.
Regular consumption of salt ensures maintenance of sodium and chloride ion levels in the body which help facilitate effective nerve & muscle function, regulation of bodily fluids and blood pressure level.
Cutting the body out of salt can give rise to a condition named Hyponatremia. This can trigger severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting, shock and vertigo.
You can add any one of these ten aforementioned salts in your kitchen without any hesitation and be rest assured that they will make great additions to you food and health.