Kosher Salt in the UK: What You Need to Know

Salt is an essential ingredient in cooking, and its type can make a big difference in the final result of your dishes. Among the many varieties, kosher salt stands out for its versatility and unique properties.

But what exactly is kosher salt, and how does it differ from the other salts found in the UK? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about kosher salt, especially for those in the UK looking to explore its benefits.

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What is Kosher Salt?

Kosher salt is a type of coarse, flaky salt commonly used in cooking rather than at the table. Despite its name, kosher salt itself is not necessarily “kosher-certified”, but it is called “kosher” because it is traditionally used in the koshering process — the Jewish method of drawing blood out of meat to make it kosher.

Key Features of Kosher Salt:

1. Texture: It has large, coarse crystals that make it easy to pinch and sprinkle evenly, making it a favorite among chefs.
2. Flavor: Kosher salt is pure salt without additives like iodine or anti-caking agents, so it has a clean, straightforward saltiness.
3. Usage: Ideal for seasoning during cooking, dry brining meat, and garnishing, as it dissolves easily and adheres well to food surfaces.
4. Not Always Kosher Certified: The name refers to its use in koshering meat, not its certification. If you need it to be kosher-certified, look for a hechsher (kosher certification symbol) on the packaging.

Kosher Salt vs Table Salt:

• Saltiness: Due to its larger crystals, kosher salt is less salty by volume than table salt — i.e., 1 tablespoon of kosher salt is less salty than 1 tablespoon of table salt.
• Crystal Size: Kosher salt crystals are larger and more irregular.
• Additives: Table salt often has iodine and anti-caking agents; kosher salt usually does not.

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Availability of Kosher Salt in the UK

Kosher salt is widely available in many countries, including the UK. You can find it in supermarkets, gourmet food stores, and online. While it may not be as common as table salt or sea salt, it’s becoming increasingly popular, especially among chefs and cooking enthusiasts.

1. Imported Kosher Salt (Diamond Crystal, Morton)

Kosher salt, especially the popular American brands like Diamond Crystal and Morton, is not typically found in UK supermarkets. However, it is available through online specialty food retailers in the UK. These imported salts have the large, flaky crystals that chefs prefer for cooking and seasoning. Diamond Crystal is known for its light, airy flakes, while Morton is denser and saltier by volume.

2. Available Substitutes in UK Supermarkets

Since kosher salt is uncommon in typical UK stores, most home cooks substitute it with:

• Coarse sea salt
• Rock salt
• Maldon sea salt flakes

Maldon, in particular, is considered one of the best substitutes. It’s widely available in major UK supermarkets and offers similar flake size and saltiness for finishing and seasoning.

3. Kosher-Certified Salt in the UK

If you’re looking for salt that is kosher-certified (approved under Jewish dietary laws), some specialty stores offer coarse or fine sea salt labeled as kosher. These may not have the same texture as American kosher salt but meet religious certification standards.

4. Specialty Spice and Food Retailers

A few UK-based specialty stores and online platforms sell kosher salt under that label. They often import products directly from the U.S. or offer alternatives that mimic the texture and use of kosher salt.

Comparison Table

Salt Type	Texture	Best Use	Availability
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt	Large, pyramid flakes	General cooking, brining, seasoning	Online only (imported)
Morton Kosher Salt	Coarse crystals	Cooking, curing	Online (limited availability)
Maldon Sea Salt Flakes	Flat, flaky crystals	Finishing salt, seasoning	Widely available in supermarkets
Coarse Sea Salt / Rock Salt	Chunky crystals	Salting water, curing	Common in supermarkets
Kosher-Certified Sea Salt	Fine or coarse crystals	Religious dietary compliance	Specialty or online retailers

If you’re looking for convenience, kosher salt is available on platforms like Amazon UK and specialty food websites.

Also read: What is the Halal Diet?

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How is Kosher Salt Used in Cooking?

One of the reasons kosher salt is so loved by chefs is its coarse texture. The larger grains make it easier to control the amount you’re using, ensuring even seasoning.

Here are some popular uses:

1. Seasoning Meat and Vegetables
Kosher salt’s coarse flakes make it ideal for seasoning because it can be sprinkled evenly and sticks well to food surfaces. It allows for better control during cooking, especially for meats and roasted vegetables.
Example: Rubbing kosher salt on a steak before grilling helps create a flavorful crust.

2. Dry Brining
Kosher salt is often used in dry brining, where meat is salted and left to rest before cooking. This process helps draw out moisture and then reabsorbs it, resulting in juicier, more flavorful meat.
Commonly used for: chicken, turkey, pork chops.

3. Salting Water for Pasta or Vegetables
When boiling water for pasta, rice, or vegetables, kosher salt is preferred because it dissolves well and gives a clean, balanced saltiness without additives like iodine. Chefs often recommend salting water until it “tastes like the sea.”

4. Flavoring Soups, Stews, and Sauces
Kosher salt dissolves easily and enhances flavors without overpowering the dish. Since it’s less salty by volume than table salt, it gives more flexibility in adjusting seasoning while cooking.

5. In Baking (with Caution)
While not commonly used in precise baking measurements, kosher salt can be used when measured by weight. It also works well as a finishing touch on baked goods like cookies or breads to add a bit of crunch and contrast.

6. As a Finishing Salt
Sprinkling kosher salt on dishes just before serving can enhance flavors and add a pleasant texture. It’s often used on salads, avocado toast, grilled vegetables, or even desserts like brownies or caramel.

Salt Conversion Note:
Because kosher salt has larger crystals, it’s less salty by volume than table salt.

• 1 teaspoon of table salt = about 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
  Always check if the recipe refers to Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt, as Morton is denser.

Also read: Can We Exercise After Eating? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Kosher Salt vs. Other Salts in the UK

There are several types of salt available in the UK, each with its own properties. Here’s how kosher salt compares:

• Table Salt: Kosher salt has larger, coarser grains and does not contain additives like iodine, which are often found in table salt.
• Sea Salt: Both kosher salt and sea salt have a similar grain size, but sea salt often has a more complex flavor due to minerals. However, kosher salt tends to be less expensive.
• Himalayan Salt: This pink salt is coarser and has a distinct mineral flavor. While it can be used similarly to kosher salt, it’s often more expensive and used as a finishing salt rather than in general cooking.

Also check: Is Popcorn a Gluten-Free Food

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Is Kosher Salt Actually Kosher?

Despite its name, not all kosher salt is certified kosher. The term refers more to the process of koshering meat than to the religious standards of the salt itself. To be sure the salt is certified kosher, you’ll need to look for a kosher certification symbol on the packaging.

Where to Buy Kosher Salt in the UK

Finding kosher salt in the UK is easier than ever, especially with the rise of online shopping. You can purchase kosher salt from various places, including:

• Amazon UK: Many kosher salt brands are available for delivery.
• Specialty Food Stores: If you’re looking for high-quality kosher salt, gourmet food stores often stock it.
• Supermarkets: While kosher salt isn’t always on every supermarket shelf, stores like Waitrose or Tesco sometimes carry it, especially under sea salt brands.

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Health Considerations of Kosher Salt

1. Sodium Content

Kosher salt is chemically almost identical to table salt, meaning:

• It contains sodium chloride, the main compound in all edible salts.
• By weight, it has the same amount of sodium as table salt.
• By volume, kosher salt contains less sodium, because the larger flakes mean fewer grains fit into a teaspoon.

What this means:
If you measure by volume (e.g., teaspoons), kosher salt can result in lower sodium intake — but only if you’re not compensating by using more to match the saltiness.

2. No Iodine

Kosher salt usually does not contain added iodine, unlike many table salts which are iodized to help prevent iodine deficiency (a cause of thyroid problems).

Health implication:

• If kosher salt is your only salt source, make sure you’re getting enough iodine from other foods like dairy, seafood, or eggs.

3. Fewer Additives

Kosher salt typically does not contain anti-caking agents or other chemical additives that are sometimes present in table salt.

Potential benefit:

• Some people prefer kosher salt for its cleaner taste and more natural form.

4. Easier to Control Salt Intake in Cooking

Due to its coarse texture, kosher salt is easier to sprinkle by hand and distribute evenly. This makes it easier to avoid over-salting food, especially when tasting and adjusting seasoning during cooking.

5. No Proven Health Advantage Over Other Salts

While kosher salt has culinary advantages, it does not offer any specific health benefits over other salts like sea salt, Himalayan salt, or iodized salt.

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Final Thoughts on Kosher Salt in the UK

Kosher salt is a fantastic, versatile option for home cooks and professional chefs alike. Whether you’re seasoning meat, brining, or simply garnishing your dishes, kosher salt offers great flavor without the additives of table salt. It might take a bit of searching to find the right brand in the UK, but once you start using kosher salt, you’ll see why it’s a kitchen staple for so many.

For those looking to enhance their cooking with a reliable and easy-to-use seasoning, kosher salt is definitely worth trying. Happy cooking!

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