I often discuss how salt is essential for health, from supporting electrolyte balance to regulating blood pressure. Dialing in my salt consumption has also been a game changer for my sleep and energy. Many salts are hiding a dirty secret though: microplastic pollution!
Salt got an unfairly bad rap and many of us are walking around feeling salty (but actually deficient) as a result!
Pervasive Microplastics
I add salt to most of my water (not advice, just what I do), so I noticed when the reports started coming out about microplastics in salt. As per my slightly obsessive brain, I went down a rabbit hole on salt and microplastics. I emerged on the other side still putting salt in my water without concern, but with some important caveats!
According to recent reports, microplastics—the tiny, nearly invisible particles of plastic infiltrating our oceans are (in some cases) making their way into the foods we eat, including salt.
In this post, we’re diving deep into what microplastics are, the shocking study that found them in sea salt, why this is a problem, and most importantly—how to avoid microplastics in your salt. Spoiler alert: it’s easier than you think!
What Are Microplastics?
Before we can discuss how microplastics are showing up in your salt shaker, let’s define them. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size (about the size of a sesame seed or smaller). They come from various sources, like the breakdown of larger plastic waste (think water bottles, plastic bags, or fishing nets).
They’re so small that they’re nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. Over time, plastic waste breaks down into smaller pieces, which are then carried through water systems, often ending up in our oceans. This is one reason why I stopped using synthetic microfiber cleaning cloths!
Unfortunately, microplastics don’t just stay in the water. They’re now found in everything from fish to honey, and yes—even sea salt. While these particles are so small they can’t be seen, they have a big impact on the environment and our health.
The Study That Shocked the Salt Industry
You might be wondering: how did microplastics end up in the salt I use to season my food? Well, it turns out that our oceans, where most sea salt is harvested, are polluted with microplastics. And it’s not just a few stray pieces here and there. A 2017 study led by researchers at the Environmental Science and Technology Journal found over 90% of sea salt samples from around the world contained microplastics.
This isn’t just a case of salt collecting debris from the ocean. These plastic particles are small enough to be absorbed by marine organisms like fish, which we then consume. Since people often harvest salt through evaporation, the plastic particles end up concentrated in the salt we sprinkle on our food. It’s a bit like seasoning your meals with a sprinkle of ocean pollution.
The study didn’t just focus on sea salt; it also found microplastics in table salt and other foods as well. However, sea salt appeared to have a higher concentration of these particles, likely because of its direct connection to ocean water.
This is also part of a rapidly growing microplastics issue and it certainly isn’t isolated to just salt.
Why Are Microplastics in Salt a Problem?
Now, you may be thinking, “It’s just a tiny amount of plastic, right? What harm can a few bits of plastic do?”. Well, that’s exactly what scientists and health experts are trying to figure out. While the full impact of microplastics on human health isn’t completely understood yet, research has shown that ingesting microplastics can be harmful to both our bodies and the environment.
Health Concerns:
- Chemical Contamination: Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals with them, like pesticides, heavy metals, and flame retardants, which can leach into our bodies when ingested. These toxic chemicals may contribute to long-term health issues, including hormone disruption, inflammation, and even cancer. Plastic chemicals themselves are also problematic.
- Accumulation in the Body: Since microplastics are so small, our cells can easily absorb them. While our bodies may eventually expel some of these particles, others may accumulate over time. The long-term effects of microplastic accumulation are still being studied, but it’s safe to say we don’t want plastic particles building up in our tissues.
- Ocean Life Impact: It’s not just humans who are impacted by microplastics. Marine life often mistakes these tiny plastic pieces for food, which can lead to physical harm, digestion issues, and even death. If microplastics are showing up in the fish and shellfish we eat, it’s a clear sign that the oceans—and the creatures in them—are suffering from the pollution we’ve created.
While a pinch of salt here and there might not cause an immediate health crisis, it’s the cumulative effect of microplastics in our food, water, and air that should raise concern. The more we consume, the more microplastics our bodies are exposed to. And let’s be honest, we didn’t sign up for plastic salad dressing or plastic-encrusted steaks.
Since I’m consuming teaspoons of salt daily, I wanted to find microplastic-free options!
How to Avoid Microplastics in Your Salt
If you’re like most people, the idea of eating plastic is a bit off-putting. So, how can we avoid microplastics in our salt while still enjoying the health benefits of this essential mineral? Here’s the good news: you’ve got options!
Choose High-Quality, Unrefined Salt
Not all salt is created equal. When it comes to avoiding microplastics, unrefined salt – like Himalayan pink salt, Celtic sea salt, or Redmond Real Salt – is your best bet. These salts are harvested from ancient deposits or from clean, pristine waters, which means they’re less likely to contain plastic particles compared to commercially processed table salt.
Unrefined salts also retain valuable trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which are removed from regular table salt during processing. So, you’re not just avoiding plastic, you’re also getting a healthier, more nutrient-dense option.
Look for Sea Salt from Clean Waters
Not all sea salt is contaminated with microplastics. It depends on where and how it’s harvested. Look for brands that source their sea salt from clean, unpolluted waters. For example, certain brands harvest salt from remote, uncontaminated regions far from industrial activity, giving you a much safer product to use in your cooking.
Opt for Salt Brands that Test for Microplastics
Some high-quality salt brands are now going the extra mile to test their products for microplastic contamination. These brands understand consumers are concerned about their salt quality and they’re working hard to provide a clean product. If you’re unsure about a brand, look for certifications or testing results that confirm their products are free from microplastics.
Avoid Processed Salt
Processed salts, like table salt, are not only more likely to contain microplastics, but they’re also stripped of beneficial minerals. Table salt is typically processed with anti-caking agents and other chemicals that don’t offer the same health benefits as unrefined salts. So, while it may be cheaper and more convenient, it’s worth avoiding in favor of higher-quality, mineral-rich options.
A Note on Salt From Ancient Sources
Pink Himalayan Salt or salt from other ancient sources, like Redmond, are popular, natural options. Many people prefer these salts sourced from ancient sea beds deep within the Himalayas. They’re far removed from the pollution of modern oceans and often come with minimal processing. These are also said to contain up to 80 trace minerals that are beneficial for your body.
From my research, Himalayan salt and Redmond Real Salt are likely to be free of microplastics. However, some people have concerns about trace amounts of heavy metals they may contain. I still feel mostly good about them and wouldn’t avoid eating something that had one of these types of salt. However, I use other types of salt in my salty water consumption.
The Salts I’ve Been Eating (And Drinking) Lately
I’ve experimented with various types of salt and have alternated these three in cooking and in my water lately:
At the end of the day, fear of what we eat and drink is probably just as harmful as the “bad” things we can consume. I don’t want to create any fear with this post, but to provide peace of mind and microplastic-free options.
The Bottom Line: Avoiding Microplastics in Salt is Simple and Important
While the discovery of microplastics in sea salt is concerning, it’s important to remember there are plenty of ways to avoid them and still enjoy all the health benefits salt provides. By choosing high-quality, unrefined salts, sourcing from clean waters, and making mindful choices about the products you buy, you can help minimize your exposure to microplastics and support better health.
Salt is a crucial part of your diet, but it doesn’t have to come with a side of plastic. So, next time you reach for that salt shaker, be sure to choose wisely. Your body (and the planet) will thank you!
Final Thoughts
Microplastics in sea salt are a reminder of just how pervasive plastic pollution has become and also a call to address that problem. If you’re on the pro-salt train like I am, we can make smarter, healthier choices without compromising on flavor or quality. Stick to unrefined, high-quality salts from clean sources, and enjoy your meals knowing you’re nourishing your body—without the plastic!
What kind of salt do you use? Will you be changing to a different brand? Leave a comment and let us know!
