What Is Salt Substitute?

Seasonings.

Salt, or sodium chloride, is used to add flavor to food. It's added to countless processed foods, and families keep a salt shaker at the dinner table. When too much salt is consumed, it can contribute to health problems such as high blood pressure. There are many alternatives to salt.

Salt Substitutes

Salt substitutes are made to provide a salty favor without any added sodium. Most are made from potassium, with other ingredients added, depending on the brand.

Potassium Risks

Unfortunately, there are risks associated with too much potassium. Hyperkalemia is a condition where too much potassium is stored in the body, and it can be serious.

Taste

Many people claim that salt substitutes don't taste like salt. There's often a bitter aftertaste.

Alternatives

There are many alternatives to salt that will add extra flavor to food. Experiment with spices, or try adding a little bit of lemon juice.

Herbs

Nothing brings new flavor to food quite like fresh herbs. Buy them in the store, or grow them yourself on a windowsill.

Mrs. Dash

An entire line of sodium-free salt alternatives is offered by Mrs. Dash. Available in 14 different varieties, Mrs. Dash products contain no MSG. Recipes are available its website.

References

• Low-Sodium Salt Substitutes
• BMJ
• Alternatives to Salt

Resources

• Consumer Reports
• The Free Dictionary
• Mrs. Dash