French Grey Sea Salt

French grey sea salt, also known as sel gris, is a type of sea salt harvested by hand from clay-rich tidal ponds in the Guérande region of France. The salt crystals are naturally moist and retain minerals and trace elements from the clay, giving them a distinctive grey color and subtle flavor.

Manufacturers use French grey sea salt primarily as a finishing salt to add a mild, complex salty flavor and a touch of moisture to foods. Its unique taste makes it popular in gourmet cooking, especially for seasoning meats, vegetables, and baked goods, and it is also used in some confections and preserved items.

French grey sea salt is chemically similar to table salt (sodium chloride) and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. Like other salts, excessive intake can contribute to high blood pressure in some individuals. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated salt and sodium compounds. Evidence on the health effects of moderate salt consumption is mixed, with some studies linking it to increased blood pressure and others highlighting its essential role in bodily functions.