With our modern understanding of nutrition and diet, and how such things can affect various aspects of our health, there has never been such a demand for alternatives to seemingly commonplace ingredients – a demand that has more than been met, with countless alternatives and resources cropping up as a result of the shared online community we all partake in.
But what about something like pretzel salt? What possible alternatives could there be for an ingredient like that?
What Is Pretzel Salt?
Pretzel salt is a coarse, large-grained salt that – as its name suggests – is used to salt pretzels after baking.
The grains themselves are rectangular in shape, and flat, which helps to ensure they bond with the baked goods they are used with – including the above mentioned pretzels, focaccia bread, bagels, and other forms of hard rolls.
One of the other benefits of pretzel salt is that it is considered to be ‘non-melting’ – meaning that it is less affected by the heat of the baked goods, and as such remains crystalized on the surface of the pretzel as a means of decoration and flavoring.
The 6 Best Pretzel Salt Substitutes
However, for one reason or another, not everyone likes pretzel salt – or at the very least cannot eat it due to dietary restrictions – which means those wanting to bake at home will need to find a viable alternative to use instead.
Luckily, there have never been so many alternatives that people can use to replicate pretzel salt in a manner that is right for them. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the list!
1. Kosher Salt
One of the most popular alternatives for pretzel salt is kosher salt.
While it has distinct links to Judaism, the salt is in no way prepared under religious means, and does not refer to ‘kosher’ in the way that other Jewish food might be.
Kosher salt takes its name from use within Jewish cooking, wherein it is used to dry and salt meat in a process called ‘kashering’, and aside from this association, really does not have any notable distinction from regular cooking salt.
This salt is smaller grained than pretzel salt, but is different from table salt – both in terms of composition, and taste – instead making it a good product for baking and cooking.
2. Margarita Salt
While margarita salt is obviously used for salting the rims of margarita glasses, it can indeed be used for cooking.
What makes this salt special is that it is available to buy in differently dyed colors, meaning that it is perfect for seasonal celebrations, themed events (such as sporting events), and other occasions where some personalization might be called for in your baking.
However, some of the dyes can affect the flavoring of the salt slightly, so it is always best to either research what flavors there are, or make up some tester pretzels beforehand to see whether or not the combination works.
Generally speaking though, most forms of margarita salt have similar flavor palettes to pretzel salt, making them a good alternative.
3. Red Diamond Sea Salt
Next on the list we have red diamond sea salt. Despite the name, this salt actually has a stark, white coloring – something that is a side effect of the harsh refining process that it goes through.
However, there are also flecks of color within the salt, making it unusual and attractive.
While these flecks obviously have aesthetic appeal, it is the mineral content within them that actually makes the salt so special – and which is why it makes such a great alternative to conventional pretzel salt.
What’s more, red diamond sea salt has a really mild flavor – more subtle than pretzel salt, and perfect for those who do not like an overly salty pretzel.
4. Rock Salt
Of course, there is also the classic rock salt.
This is from the same places as traditional table salt, but hasn’t undergone the same harsh refining and processing methods, meaning that the flakes are larger and more translucent in appearance.
Combining zinc, manganese, nickel, cobalt, and copper, rock salt is laden with intact minerals – which in small amounts are much healthier than traditional salt.
As such, it is a good alternative for those looking for a little salt, without an overpowering flavor.
5. Coarse Sea Salt
Sea salt is one of the most commonly used forms of salt, and is a great alternative for pretzel salt due to the mineral content therein.
However, one thing you need to bear in mind with sea salt is that it is saltier than other kinds, meaning that less really is more when using this for baking and flavoring.
This is also more prone to melting than basic pretzel salt, meaning those looking for subtle salting should choose this variety.
6. Himalayan Pink Salt
Last on this list, but by no means least, we have Himalayan salt.
While commonly used for health and wellness practices, as well as in traditional medicine, Himalayan salt can also be consumed in food, and has numerous benefits.
Loaded with calcium, potassium, and magnesium, it is certainly the healthier option, and has larger flakes that resemble pretzel salt – albeit with the same overpowering saltiness that people might want to avoid in their meals.
Why Might People Need Alternatives?
Of course, there are a few reasons why people might seek out viable alternatives for pretzel salt.
Health Issues
For those with specific health issues – such as high blood pressure or cholesterol – it might be a good idea for them to avoid salt entirely.
However, there are certain kinds of salt, such as Himalayan salt, which are considered healthier than the traditional kind, and as such, these can be good alternatives (in small amounts) for this purpose.
Aesthetic Reasons
It could also be an aesthetic reason.
Pretzel salt is quite large and noticeable when on the pretzels or other baked goods, and if this is not the look that the baker is going for, then it might be prudent to seek out an alternative that is a little more subtle.
Personal Preference
It is also true that some salt is saltier than other kinds, and if the person doesn’t like a lot of salt on their food, or they prefer something that is a little more subtle, then they might wish to seek out an alternative.
There are many kinds of salt on the market, with some being stronger than others, and as such, people might like to find something that meets their specific palette.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about pretzel salt, and the 6 best substitutes for cooking and baking.
It’s true that there are many reasons why people might seek an alternative to an ingredient – be it through allergies, health concerns, or dietary restrictions – and luckily there have never been so many options for people to choose from.
So if you are looking for a viable alternative for pretzel salt, then be sure to give some of these a try. Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
