Including Sea Salt

Sea salt is a type of salt produced by evaporating seawater. It contains sodium chloride, along with trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which are naturally present in ocean water.

Manufacturers add sea salt primarily as a seasoning to enhance flavor in a wide variety of foods. It also functions as a preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of products by inhibiting microbial growth. It is commonly found in snacks, processed meats, and baked goods.

Sea salt is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Like all salts, sea salt is primarily composed of sodium, and high sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure. The FDA's Daily Value for sodium is 2,300 milligrams per day. There is no specific ADI set for salt by JECFA, as it is a fundamental nutrient. While sea salt is often marketed as a healthier alternative to table salt due to its trace mineral content, these minerals are present in very small amounts and do not significantly alter its impact on health compared to other forms of salt.