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Sea Salt & Himalayan Salt Tested For Heavy Metals Like Lead & Microplastics — Guide

Mamavation » Blog » Food | Mamavation » Sea Salt & Himalayan Salt Tested For Heavy Metals Like Lead & Microplastics — Guide
Salt glass shaker and pile of spilled salt on a wooden table

December 12, 2023 //  by Leah Segedie

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What are the levels of heavy metals and microplastics found inside your favorite sea salt and Himalayan salt products? This was the question Mamavation community members asked us and we didn’t know the answer, so we sent 23 popular salt products off to an EPA-certified laboratory to find out. Do you want to know how high the levels of heavy metals & microplastics are in your favorite sea salt or Himalayan salt? You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you topics like the safest butter without toxic PFAS packaging, the safest cookware sans PFAS and nanoparticles, & safest water purifiers to filter PFAS “forever chemicals,” now join us for the results of 23 salt products sent to the lab testing for metals aluminum & arsenic, & heavy metals cadmium, mercury, and lead & microplastics.

Disclosure: Scientific reviews were performed by (1) Terrence Collins, Teresa Heinz Professor of Green Chemistry & Director of the Institute for Green Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University & (2) Pete Myers, Chief Scientist at Environmental Health Sciences, Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, and Co-Author of Our Stolen Future. This post was medically reviewed by Sondra Strand, RN, BSN, PHN. Donations were provided by Mamavation community members. Note that Mamavation has only “spot-checked” the industry and thus we cannot make predictions about brands and products that were not tested in our EPA-certified laboratory. Products and manufacturing aides can change without notice so buyer beware. This post contains affiliate links, with most to Amazon, which means Mamavation will receive a portion of those sales and we will use that to pay ourselves back for the testing. You can also give a tax-deductible donation to our consumer studies here through Environmental Health Sciences. Thank you! 

Sea Salt with heavy metals in a wooden bowl

Table of Contents

  • Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium & Lead Found in Salt Brands
    • Federal vs. California Prop. 65 “Safe Harbor” Levels For Heavy Metals like Lead & Arsenic
  • Aluminum in Food & Standards Set in Europe
  • How Do Heavy Metals Find Themselves in Salt?
  • Investigation of Salts for Heavy Metals & Raw Data
    • Not Our Favorite Salt Products
  • Not Our Favorite Salt Products
    • Better Salt Products
    • Best Salt Products
  • Best Salt Products

Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium & Lead Found in Salt Brands

According to the American Heart Association, the average American consumes about 3,400 milligrams per day of salt, whereas the dietary guidelines recommends we consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium daily. Americans are getting most of their sodium from processed foods, and therefore, if you are cooking and eating your meals from home in your own kitchen, you can greatly reduce those levels. It’s claimed that “eating less sodium can reduce your risk for high blood pressure, fluid retention, heart disease, stroke, kidney issues, osteoporosis and cancer.” This is why we highly recommend you cook most of your meals from scratch with ingredients that are minimally processed. But what about the quality of salt you are using? Some metals that are known or suspected toxicants & microplastics are already known to be inside salt but at what levels? This is the question we attempted to answer to help our audience lower their sodium intake while also lowering their intake of heavy metals and microplastics.

Mamavation sent 23 salt products off to an EPA-certified laboratory to test for aluminum, arsenic, and heavy metals cadmium, mercury & lead and microplastics. The good news is no salt product came back with the equivalent levels that would require a Prop. 65 warning based on serving size per day. In addition, no salt product had high enough microplastics that could be conclusively recognized through FTIR testing. The bad news was all salt products had detectable amounts of the subject metals present. Mamavation has done our best to share with you what our laboratory found so that if you are concerned about clearly toxic or potentially toxic metals inside your salt, you’ll be able to make an educated decision when shopping. Here’s what we found:

  • The light metal, aluminum, was found in 78% of the salt products. 35% of salt products had over 100,000 ppb of aluminum.
  • Arsenic was found in 100% of salt products. 74% of salt products had over 10 ppb of arsenic.
  • Cadmium was found in 70% of salt products. 4% of salt products had over 4.1 ppb of cadmium.
  • Mercury was NOT found in any salt products.
  • Lead was found in 96% of salt products. 
  • Microplastics were so minute they could not be conclusively detected and recognized via Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopic imaging for any sample.
[Update: 3 additional salt products were added to this investigation from popular demand on 2/13/24 and the above percentages were not adjusted.]

Salt on wooden background

Federal vs. California Prop. 65 “Safe Harbor” Levels For Heavy Metals like Lead & Arsenic

So what levels of lead, arsenic, mercury, & cadmium are concerning to public health officials? According to the Food & Drug Administration, the levels inside your food that you are allowed to be exposed to are as follows:

  • Heavy metals as lead (as Pb), should not be in your food or supplements at more than 10 parts per million (ppm)
  • Arsenic (as As), should not be in your food or supplement at more than 3 parts per million (ppm)
  • Mercury (as Hg), should not be in your food or supplements at more than 1 part per million (ppm)
  • Cadmium levels (as Cd) in bottled water should not exceed 0.005 parts per million (ppm)

When it comes to protecting consumers, California has far more stringent health protective levels, but instead of banning products, they require manufacturers to use label warnings instead. California’s Prop. 65 established “safe harbor levels” for most of the heavy metals we tested: arsenic, cadmium, lead, & mercury. Prop. 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to consumers living in California about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. These chemicals can be in the products they purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or released into the environment. By requiring this information to be provided, it enables consumers in California to make informed decisions about their exposure to these chemicals.

Here are the No Significant Risk Levels (NSRL) and the Maximum Allowable Dose Levels (MADL) established by the State of California for the heavy metals we tested:

  • Arsenic: 0.06 ug/day (inhalation), 10 ug/day (except inhalation)
  • Cadmium: 0.05 ug/day (inhalation), 4.1 ug/day (oral)
  • Lead: 0.5 ug/day level for reproductive toxicity, 15 ug/day (oral) for carcinogens
  • Mercury: no established levels (and therefore no seafood would require a warning)
  • Aluminum: no established levels (and therefore no salt products would require a warning)

The most difficult part to understand about Prop. 65 is it’s not about the actual test results. Defendents must prove that the average person would consume enough to the product in a 70 year period to cause cancer or reproductive harm. If that contaminate is “naturally occurring” like so many heavy metals are in the soil (especially in modern times from agricultural pesticides in the case of arsenic and lead and the myriad other uses of lead such as its now terminated use as a combustion promoter in gasoline), a company can avoid having to provide a warning label. Therefore, it’s complicated and difficult to understand unless you have good attorneys by your side to explain. But the bottomline is no salt product we tested would require a warning label under the California statute.

Sea salt with the inscription "salt" on a dark background, selective focus

Aluminum in Food & Standards Set in Europe

Aluminum can come from natural sources as it makes up 8% of the earth’s mass. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) considers aluminum used as an indirect additive in food “generally regarded as safe.” Thus aluminum compounds are used in many ways in American food production as preservatives, as color dyes, anti-caking agents, or for leavening breads without active yeast. It’s possible aluminum could be finding its way into salt in various levels as an anti-caking agent, which would help prevent it from clumping. However, not all of these products disclosed the use of aluminum as a food additive if they were using it.

The amount of aluminum from indirect food additives varies from person to person based on what you are eating, however, it’s assumed to be anywhere from 0 to 95 milligrams per day for Americans. The United States does not have any standards for aluminum in food that we could find. We could, however, find tolerable weekly intakes from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) & the World Health Organization (WHO) based on the precautionary principle.

  • Based on the combined evidence from several studies, EFSA has recommended a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1 mg aluminum/kg body weight/week. Thus using EFSA’s estimate, a person weighing 150 lbs. can tolerate up to the equivalent of 68 mg of aluminum per week.
  • More recently, in 2011, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) reviewed scientific evidence which increased their confidence in the risk assessment, and thus WHO experts established an increased Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) of 2 mg/kg body weight. This means, according to the WHO, someone who weighs 150 lbs. could safely 136 mg per week.

Because you are also getting aluminum inside other foods like baked goods with flour, beans, condiments, cereals, cheese sauces, root vegetables, & certain seafood, it may be possible, especially for people with bad kidneys, that you could be consuming more than a safe recommendation. In reflection of the Precautionary Principle, we’ve tested salt for aluminum for you as well to help you make those decisions yourself on where you would like your dietary aluminum to come from.

Bowl of sea salt flakes, with small wooden spoon.

How Do Heavy Metals Find Themselves in Salt?

So how do heavy metals (aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, mercury & lead) find their way into salt? Officially, we are not certain brand by brand, but here are some theories based on how other food products are contaminated:

  • Naturally Occurring: Heavy metals are naturally present in the soil in different concentrations based on the geology of the land. For instance, more cadmium is found in certain soils in South America and less in certain African soils. This may be why we consistently found higher heavy metals in Himalayan salts vs. most sea salts because Himalayan salt is dug out of the ground mostly in Pakistan, which is also known to have higher levels of Cadmium in the soil. However, it is to be remembered that Himalayan sea salt is thought to have been laid down in the Permian Epoch more than 250 million years ago so the metal content reflects that truly ancient environment.
  • Legacy Pesticide Use: For many decades, heavy metals were added to pesticides as an adjuvants, or were key components of pesticide toxicity such as with lead arsenate used as a pesticide in orchards and can still be found in soils with a history of certain pesticide use. Thus, runoff from farm use could find its way into sea salt.
  • Manufacturing Contamination: Heavy metals can be found in many manufacturing situations, for example, as equipment is used dust from abrasion can contaminate food and personal care products that way. When salt is processed, the manufacturing equipment itself could pose a contamination risk.
  • Storage: In places where heavy metals are present in the soil, storing and drying certain salts outside can present a contamination risk. Dark chocolate is known to be contaminated this way.
  • Air Pollution: Heavy metals can start as air pollution from manufacturing byproducts from polluted industrial areas and can find their way into other parts of the world through the wind and through bodies of water. For example, mercury originally found in coal is released into the air when coal is burned. Downwind it falls to the earth and is converted to methyl mercury, which moves up the food chain contaminating fish, including tuna. We were happy to see that mercury was non-detect for all samples of salt.
  • Food Additives: Some food additives could be contaminated with heavy metals, or as in the case with aluminum, could itself be a food additive.

Glass salt shaker, wooden Cup and spoon on the table. Ground stone sea salt.

Investigation of Salts for Heavy Metals & Raw Data

To recap, Mamavation sent 23 salt products to an EPA-certified lab testing for aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, mercury & lead. 100% of salt products had detectable amounts of heavy metals and those levels and types of heavy metals varied. Here’s a couple of notes to consider before reading the raw data:

  • The laboratory also looked for microplastics by using Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopic imaging. Microplastics were found, but they were not in high enough levels for the test to conclusively recognize what type of microplastics they were.
  • Parts per billion is ppb and parts per million is ppm.
  • 1 ppm = 1,000 ppb
  • MRL means Maximum Residue Levels which meant that the lab could detect some metals, but it was so low they could not measure the exact amount.

We divided the 23 salt products into 3 categories according to contamination levels. These levels reflect the overall levels of heavy metal contamination in each product but do not follow specific government recommendations.

(Update: 3 additional salt products were added to this investigation on 2/13/24 and are marked with a ** in the “not our favorite” category.) 

Steak with kosher salt without heavy metals

Not Our Favorite Salt Products

These salt products represented the highest amounts of heavy metals according to our laboratory. Aluminum is reported in the ppm, while other heavy metals are reported in the ppb. In this category, you will find between 29 – 242 ppm of aluminum, 12.53 – 82.156 ppb arsenic, non-detect to 7.32 ppb cadmium, all mercury non-detect, and between 92.56 – 553.44 ppb of lead. (UPDATE: We added 3 additional salt products to this investigation from audience popularity and they are at the bottom of this category marked with a **. )

Not Our Favorite Salt Products

Al in ppmAs in ppbCd in ppbHg in ppbPb in ppb
Artisan Salt Company Ancient Ocean Himalayan Pink Salt130.51440.50.74ND96.834
Manischewitz Natural Kosher Salt29.95512.536NDND140.572
McCormick Fine Ground Pink Himalayan Salt167.27044.637< MRLND92.564
Redmonds Real Salt Ancient Fine Sea Salt229.07136.147.3256ND252.246
San Francisco Salt Company Sherpa Pink Himalayan Salt251.82439.431.1276ND132.984
Celtic Sea Salt Fine Ground171.32082.1561.1927ND553.440
Shaun Himalayan Salt173.53442.0061.7755ND106.704
The Spice Lab Himalayan Salt242.75046.0631.0684ND170.570
Trader Joes Himalayan Pink Salt Crystals83.04133.6861.7928ND180.695
Wellesley Farms Kosher Himalayan Pink Salt211.77235.0320.9818ND14.985
**Baja Gold Mineral Sea Salt Fine Grind< MRL< MRL3.63ND337.79
**Colima Sea Salt< MRL< MRL 2.29ND16.55
**Crucial Four mMinerals (Polar White Sea Salt) 5.0221.941.13ND7.41

 

Pink Himalayan salt crystals background

Better Salt Products

These salt products represent the middle of the road in terms of heavy metals according to our lab. Aluminum is reported in the ppm, while other heavy metals are reported in the ppb. This category has the following levels present: Between 2.154 – 80.468 ppm of aluminum, between 7.39 – 24.14 ppb of arsenic, between non-detect – 0.77 ppb of cadmium, no mercury, & between 45.63 – 84.45 ppb of lead.

Al in ppmAs in ppbCd in ppbHg in ppbPb in ppb
Frontier Co-Op Fine Grind Pink Himalayan Salt80.46817.487< MRLND71.416
Seasonello Iodized Sea Salt3.4267.391< MRLND55.496
Terrasoul Superfoods Himalayan Pink Salt16.37724.1410.620ND84.447
Watkins Fine Himalayan Pink Salt76.86419.1020.752ND90.246
Vera Salt Pure Natural Spring Salt Microplastic Free2.15415.4250.769ND45.627
Himala Salt12.0212.28NDND70.63

 

Himalayan pink crystal salt high resolution image

Best Salt Products

These salt products had the lowest amounts of heavy metals. Aluminum is reported in the ppm, while other heavy metals are reported in the ppb. Here’s how low this category was: All aluminum was under 2 ppm, all arsenic was 15.27 ppb or less, all cadmium was 2.56 ppb or less, all Mercury was non-detect, and all lead was 14.99 or less. MRL means Maximum Residue Levels which meant that the lab could detect some metals, but it was so low they could not measure the exact amount.

Best Salt Products

Al in ppmAs in ppbCd in ppbHg in ppbPb in ppb
David's Kosher SaltND10.839< MRLND3.561
Diamond Crystal Kosher SaltNDND< MRLNDND
Hain Pure Foods Iodized Salt< MRL9.5522.559ND3.702
Jacobsen's Salt Company Kosher Sea Salt 1.6909.8850.532ND< MRL
Maldon Sea Salt FlakesND12.799NDND< MRL
Morton Iodized SaltND< MRL< MRLND11.967
Saltverk Flaky Sea SaltND15.273NDND6.571
Wellesley Farms Mediterranean Sea Salt< MRL7.602< MRLND14.985

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. tommchris

    April 21, 2025 at 7:10 pm

    Naturally occurring in the earth’s crust, heavy metals like lead, mercury, Sprunki cadmium, arsenic, and aluminum can contaminate salts through geological deposits (Himalayan salt) or environmental pollution (sea salt).

    Reply
  2. Wren T.

    April 20, 2025 at 12:21 pm

    I’d love to see some testing done on the new Nordur & Co salt brand that’s recently become available in the US. It seems like Icelandic salts have been doing pretty well in this new research so I’m hoping that their results are also good! We just bought a pounds’ worth as a result of this realization and we’re hoping we made the right choice!

    Reply
  3. smt

    February 8, 2025 at 12:31 pm

    Who did the testing? I would like to see the lab results for Diamond Kosher salt?

    Reply
    • Trevor Belmont

      February 25, 2025 at 1:12 pm

      me too, it looks like refined salt, sodium chloride.

      Reply
  4. Scott Dwyer

    December 10, 2024 at 2:21 pm

    Regarding the following two statements made in this article, could you provide a link to the laboratory report, and could you provide your calculations per Prop 65?

    “Mamavation sent 23 salt products off to an EPA-certified laboratory to test for aluminum, arsenic, and heavy metals cadmium, mercury & lead and microplastics.”

    “The good news is no salt product came back with the equivalent levels that would require a Prop. 65 warning based on serving size per day.”

    Reply
    • Miguel

      February 13, 2025 at 7:38 am

      Hello! I want to know what salt do you recommend for add to water for electrolytes, because all the best salts in the study are sea salt and they dont have enough minerals like himalayan celtic redmon etc.
      i know i can use those best sea salt for cooking, but for drinking for minerals and electrolytes what salt do you recommend? Thanks for all!

      Reply
  5. Carole Vitanis

    December 8, 2024 at 9:28 am

    Hello, I’m confused. The Colima salt has almost undetectible amounts of alumium and arsenic, very low cadium, no mercury and very minimal lead. Why is it listed on your “not so favorite” list? Plus, the taste is amazing!

    Also, have your tested the Ava Jane’s Avocado oil for phthalates? Would be great if you did. Thanks so very much.

    Look for much forward to your reply

    Reply
    • Han

      April 4, 2025 at 1:33 pm

      Colima tests high in lead: 16.55 PB in PPB.
      All the numbers are in the chart above.

      Reply
  6. Mela27

    December 6, 2024 at 11:48 am

    I have a cupboard full of Colima salt and I think it tastes great! I came here to find out if it was ok to eat. I see that it is on the “not favorite” list but it has these two astericks by it. What do those mean?? Please clarify those. It is also on the Baja Gold as well. ~ Thanks.

    Reply
    • Mitchell Cambron

      February 9, 2025 at 3:11 pm

      Hey, they added Colima to the list later. It has the astricks next to it bc it doesn’t belong in that category, that’s just where it got added. You can see in the test that Colima contains almost none of these. It’s a great product. It’s the salt I use also.

      Reply
  7. TerriJ

    October 17, 2024 at 6:22 am

    Available information suggests that Morton iodized salt is generally considered safe and has not been flagged in recent reports for unsafe levels of heavy metals such as aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), or lead (Pb). However, heavy metal contamination in food products, including salt, can vary by source, and independent testing on various salt brands has revealed significant differences in their purity.

    Reply
    • G.

      November 5, 2024 at 3:03 pm

      Both Morton Iodized Salt and their Sea Salt has HIGH levels of aluminum.
      At least the containers that I bought. I know this because I am highly allergic to any product that contains aluminum ie : toothpaste, deodorant, baking soda… because I used to work at an electronics co. doing a job called Aluminum etch – where the aluminum was dissolved and released into the air via a chemical reaction by dipping the “wafers” into a nitric acid/ soap solution. My etch hood was not ventilating the fumes out, and my supervisor didn’t want any down time, so I breathed in these fumes for an entire year.
      I got so sick I had to quit my job. 40 years later I am still sick. McD French fries put me into anaphylaxis as will any other product with reg. salt, or baking soda. They add aluminum as an anti-caking agent. I am a human litmus test paper. I have had no problem with Himalayan pink salt, so I really doubt the results of this study – at least where aluminum is concerned.

      Reply
      • Jodi

        December 1, 2024 at 12:49 pm

        once heavy metals enter the human body is a challenge to remove from the human body… this is why Your gone on so long of a time to endure a hyper sensitivity to other chemicals or other heavy metal exposure… since Your body is already burdened from Your former work place .. I highly recommend checking into Dr Chris Shade protocols on removing the exposure from your body .. he has an extensive background as a toxicologist..

        Reply
      • Anonymous

        April 22, 2025 at 8:24 pm

        You need EDTA TOO DETOX HEAVY METALS, PLUS VIT C 10,000 MG DAILY , TAKE AT LEAST 2 HRS AWAY FROM MED OR SUPPLEMENTS

        Reply
    • Anonymous

      April 10, 2025 at 3:38 pm

      Baleine Salt???

      Reply
  8. Dianne

    October 16, 2024 at 6:39 pm

    Apologies but I don’t understand the chart. Can someone explain in plain english what the heading abbreviations mean and would I be correct in assuming that the best one is the one with the most ND’s and the lowest of other numbers? Thanks to anyone with the patience to explain to a senior.

    Reply
    • Alexis

      November 15, 2024 at 11:41 am

      I believe ND means none detected

      Reply
  9. Nancy

    September 25, 2024 at 5:00 pm

    Hi Leah,
    The Baja Gold mineral salt looks like it has low numbers. Is there a reason why it’s in the Not your favorite grouping? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Drewzie

      December 2, 2024 at 12:30 pm

      Looks like it’s high in Lead, but lower in the other categories. Baja gold has plenty of minerals and health benefits, low sodium chloride numbers too. I hate how it has high levels of lead, but it’s lower than Celtic Sea Salt, another so called “gold standard” of salt. I’ll take my baja gold natural salt over Morton’s bleached salt any day of the week…

      Reply
  10. Anonymous

    September 25, 2024 at 3:56 am

    ND non detected or no data?

    Reply
    • D'

      March 9, 2025 at 7:44 am

      With all the research that I have done on salt recently Lake Debrah salt seems to be no detection of lead, heavy metals or microplastics. Now whether that’s true or not I do not know. It is very expensive I bought it on Amazon for $19 and tasted it this morning it’s more saltier than the norm. I am trying to stay away from chemicals and eat clean. Can anyone tell me if they’ve ever used Lake Debrah and know any more details than they’re telling us?

      Thanks,
      D’

      Reply
  11. Emily

    September 9, 2024 at 1:43 pm

    Is it possible to find out what EPA lab was used? I’m trying to share this information with others and that was a question I was asked. Thank you

    Reply
    • Les

      December 6, 2024 at 6:42 am

      So the diamond crystal kosher salt is the best ?

      Reply
    • Harry

      April 6, 2025 at 6:06 pm

      NO! Hahaha. A Real Conundrum huh. Such a bunch of nonsense that people are wracking their brains over fear of the ability to use machines to determine microscopic levels of nonsense.

      No matter what you buy and no matter what you eat your subconscious can not only cure but fully recreate you.

      You can eat poison but if you eat it knowing it will make you strong it will make you strong.

      Unless of course you prefer to play their game. Go with the heart. Eat much less food and be sure to allow the Sun on your body and your bare feet on the ground.

      Reply
  12. Leo G Younger

    August 19, 2024 at 6:26 pm

    Not Our Favorite Salt Products
    AL IN PPM AS IN PPB CD IN PPB HG IN PPB PB IN PPB . As you can see from the preceding pasted header which begins the test results chart for salt, PB IN PPB, the 5th column is displayed for lead (Pb). That’s only when I view that chart in the preview screen for printing it. The 5th column for lead (Pb) doesn’t appear when viewing the website page for the same chart.

    Reply
  13. Leo G Younger

    August 19, 2024 at 6:16 pm

    Mamavation salt test results: The website pages don’t show the 5th column for lead (Pb), but the printout view shows the 5th column for lead. I’m not the only one who has observed this problem. Please correct the charts to display that 5th column for lead (Pb). Thank you.

    Reply
    • Ally W

      August 26, 2024 at 9:02 pm

      I am able to simply scroll it over on the website – have you tried that?

      Reply
  14. Jepeto

    August 19, 2024 at 9:36 am

    This is ridiculous. The only logical reason to seek out these fancy salts is to avoid or reduce metals and plastic intake which supposedly is in the regular salt. Morton is the most “regular” salt you can get, and yet here this study lists it as having one of the lowest amounts of both metals and plastics. If that’s true, then we better stick to Morton. In that case this is all a BIG waste of time. If we are to believe this testing we better all go back to consuming Morton, which is one of the cheaper options and we could have avoided wasting a bunch of time, and avoided the aggravation. What is wrong with people? What happened to reason?

    Reply
    • Elisa

      August 24, 2024 at 9:22 pm

      It seems to me that putting refined salts, which are dangerous to your health, in the Good category because they have the least heavy metals, is not helpful. I would rather find the unrefined salts that have the least contaminants thann use refined salt. Frankly, though I understand the comparison and it may be helpful, some suspicion arises in me if I see the worst salts listed as the best.

      Reply
      • GA from CA

        September 20, 2024 at 6:08 am

        This data shows that calling refined table salt “bad” is just a bunch of marketing hype by companies selling specialty salts which are actually contain far more toxic metals.

        Reply
    • Emily

      September 12, 2024 at 1:26 am

      The reason for testing these salts is because they are very very good for you. They contain so many healthy much needed minerals. Use them to cook with as well as adding them to the water you drink. You can google to find out the benefits and also how much to add to water. Morton salt does not contain minerals. It only has iodine. I know people have always been told to eat less salt but get the right ones and you can have salt all the time. Morton’s is on this list but it’s only in the best salt chart based on it’s contaminates. If you don’t believe me feel free to fact check this comment.

      Reply
      • Jody

        September 19, 2024 at 5:16 pm

        They are NOT good for you. Didn’t you read anything at all? Stick with salt companies that produce kosher salts, and use that or their iodized salts. You will get all the minerals you need by eating all types of meat and fish and eggs.

        Reply
      • Anonymous

        September 22, 2024 at 4:42 am

        You have been fact checked and found wanting.
        Calcium and sodium ions/receptors form the basis of cell and organ signalling in our body, in particular our autonomic cardiac system.
        The reason we’re constantly told to reduce salt, is because our diets have trended towards processed foods which contain high amounts of salt per serving.
        Putting excess salt into your system (or equally not having enough) changes this signalling balance and results in things like blood pressure, heart issues etc etc.
        So saying that you can eat as much salt as you like is plain wrong. Much the same as eliminating all salt from your diet and drinking huge amounts of water.
        If you still want to believe you can consume as much salt as you want because they are “very very good (salts)”, I hope you have an excellent health insurance and estate plan.

        Reply
        • Mela27

          December 6, 2024 at 11:45 am

          My husband has high blood pressure and we find that when we use regular Morton salt with no minerals it does in fact raise his blood pressure. But when we use a salt that has all those other minerals in there, he can use as much salt as he likes (and he likes a lot of salt if given the freedom to do that) and it does not affect his blood pressure at all. I have learned of this idea from many health practitioners but never took it too seriously until I know have witnessed this in my own life with my husband. What they tell you about this IS TRUE.

          Reply
    • Anonymous

      October 16, 2024 at 9:08 pm

      They bleach regular salt so that’s not good

      Reply
    • Ky

      October 31, 2024 at 6:16 am

      There is also color and flavor. Most people buy things based on marketing stories, not information or how they personally FEEL after using the product. 🙂

      (I’ve been a loyal Morton’s fan since childhood…)

      Reply
  15. Barbara Smith

    August 5, 2024 at 8:17 am

    Many salts have caking agents to make them pour easier…..but these are harmful too. Did the salts get tested for these caking agents?

    Reply
  16. Liz

    July 22, 2024 at 6:53 am

    I was just about to order some Maldon sea salt based on this list when I discovered there was a nuclear plant right beside Maldon and nuclear waste has been dumped there for decades….

    It would be great to have an article on salt that considers microplastics, heavy metals and radioactivity. Then we could choose a healthy salt.

    Reply
    • Stephanie

      November 11, 2024 at 4:29 pm

      There was one salt, Vera Salt Pure Natural Spring Salt , that tested either very low or negative for microplastics. I searched for it but wasn’t fond of the price.

      Reply
      • Sara Schoen

        March 22, 2025 at 3:31 am

        Tested very low or negative for microplastics where? By Mamavation?

        Reply
  17. Mel Y

    July 18, 2024 at 6:44 am

    I see that Alessi brand sea salt wasn’t on any of the lists. That is the brand that I purchase. Has it not been tested? I’m curious as to what the results would be.

    Reply
    • Alejandria

      August 11, 2024 at 8:30 pm

      I was also looking for Alessi ☺️

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      August 11, 2024 at 8:35 pm

      Same!

      Reply
  18. Anonymous

    July 1, 2024 at 8:46 am

    I’d also be interested to see how costco’s pink salt is rated as well

    Reply
    • Angela Mizner

      August 13, 2024 at 3:40 pm

      Me too!

      Reply
    • Tiffany

      August 19, 2024 at 3:28 pm

      Same. That’s precisely why I’m scouring the net..

      Reply
  19. Shelley Brown

    June 3, 2024 at 4:07 pm

    Hello, you have caught my interest…regarding the heavy metal content in our foods, condiments, salt, etc… I would like to know if you are sponsered in any way, from any companies, to promote their products specifically. I buy Spice Hunter almost exclusively and wondered why they were not on the list. And if you picked certain companies to promote them.

    Reply
    • Lauren

      July 8, 2024 at 5:16 am

      Leah isn’t sponsored by anyone. Read through her website and you’ll learn a lot more about how her and how her testing works.

      She also can’t possibly test every product in every category. But, as with this test, she occasionally updates findings with additional products.

      Reply
  20. Raymond J

    May 16, 2024 at 5:34 am

    Not mentioned in this article are the two 800lb gorillas with regards to sources of heavy metals in our bodies coming from our modern Babylonian medical system–vaccines and dental amalgams. Worrying about the lead or cadmium content in your Himalayan salt while consuming these medical products is akin to straining for gnats and swallowing camels.

    Reply
    • G Marie

      May 20, 2024 at 7:00 am

      We don’t know what we don’t know. When we do, we can make better choices.
      And by the way, this was a SALT post!

      Reply
      • jennifer meyerson

        July 26, 2024 at 8:36 am

        touched a nerve me thinks!

        Reply
    • Tiffany

      August 19, 2024 at 3:40 pm

      While I agree with you regarding the medical industry, (vaccines help aluminium and such bypass our filtering organs thus giving a direct line through the blood brain barrier) the writer can’t possible address every topic in one post. Causing awareness about what we ingest is a great start to one’s journey and often leads to a greater health exploration later down the road.. While most of us stumbled on this post because of a deeper desire for truth the general population isn’t questioning what makes up salt.. The desire for truth starts from within..

      Reply
  21. Teresa Smalczewski

    May 9, 2024 at 9:11 am

    On my computer, I only see 4 columns, but I printed this for someone, and on the printout the 5th column is lead. Glad I printed it, as that number is large for some of these, and there is no safe amount for lead. I have a child with autism. Modified citrus pectin is what our doctor had us use to get her lead count down to zero via blood test.

    Reply
    • John Owen's

      May 15, 2024 at 6:08 pm

      Does that apply to aluminum toxicity of people with dementia & people with lead toxicity /, parkinson’s?

      Reply
      • Truthseeker

        October 2, 2024 at 8:54 am

        Read Dr Ardis new book Covid 19 lies. He discusses scientifically peer reviewed studies that reveal cures for Parkinsons, MS and even diabetes! Be prepared to be shocked with the truth.

        Reply
    • Binvius Nib

      July 1, 2024 at 3:43 am

      Within the digital world, one can typically scroll horizontally via various methods such as clicking on the table followed by the use of the arrow keys, pushing the mouse wheel from side to side if it supports it or most popular, simply holding down the shift key whilst scrolling the mouse wheel (whilst the pointer is hovering over the table.)

      Reply
    • michelle

      August 17, 2024 at 7:45 pm

      Can you tell me where you get the pectin from

      Reply
      • Elaine Thomas

        November 13, 2024 at 3:26 pm

        Google PectaSol Modified Citrus Pectin

        Reply
  22. John Petkevich

    April 30, 2024 at 1:42 pm

    which independent labs did you use to test the contaminants in the various salts?

    Reply
  23. Chris W

    April 23, 2024 at 10:47 am

    How about Eden Celtic French Sea Salt? I mean, if it says they leave the minerals in, wouldn’t that include whatever else comes along with it, including heavy metals?

    Reply
    • Mel

      June 9, 2024 at 8:45 am

      Mnay people with pots or similar symptoms need full electrolytes to include potassium and magnesium mixed in with the salt. A popular brand is LMNT. You’re talking about 3 to 10 G of salt consumed a day. Which of the best salts is the lowest for all heavy metals? And have you tested electrolyte powders before? It’s the best option for those with pots symptoms to take the ones without added sugar(flavor). Most brands have an unflavored version. Thank you!

      Reply
    • Ks

      July 10, 2024 at 7:12 pm

      Yes, that’s definitely generally how it works. It’s always best to have *processed* salt. And white in color! 🙂

      Reply
    • Ellen Eisenstadt

      July 31, 2024 at 4:36 am

      Eden Celtic sea salt has a California prop 65 warning for arsenic, which accumulates in the body over time, and salt is used over time. I got arsenic symptoms after using this salt.

      Reply
  24. kal

    March 16, 2024 at 1:09 pm

    This is bogus!

    Kosher Salt has no data (ND) yet it is listed under Best/better category!!!!

    I don’t trust this website!

    Reply
    • Danielle

      March 20, 2024 at 3:02 pm

      ND means not detected

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      March 21, 2024 at 2:11 pm

      I think that stands for Not Detected

      Reply
    • A.J.

      April 20, 2024 at 10:24 am

      Yeah, me either!

      Reply
    • Ash

      May 20, 2024 at 6:15 am

      ND is explained to mean Not Detected.

      Reply
  25. Josie

    February 26, 2024 at 9:58 am

    The three you tested later seems to test well. Are they listed in the wrong category? Specifically crucial, shouldn’t it be under better?

    Reply
  26. Danielle

    February 25, 2024 at 8:02 pm

    Did you test Costco’s pink Himalayan salt? Or Himalayan chef pink salt?

    Reply
    • Tia

      May 17, 2024 at 11:19 pm

      I have the same question- what about Himalayan Chef’s pink salt- product comes from Pakistan.

      Reply
      • Eon

        October 3, 2024 at 8:12 pm

        Hi! Could you consider adding Himalayan Chef’s Himalayan Pink Salt to the sturdy? They’re one of the largest manufacturers of Himalayan salt and market themselves as sourcing they’re products organically and responsibly.

        Reply
  27. BC

    February 24, 2024 at 12:59 am

    Why are the salts you newly added to your results under the not so good list? Based on their results, they should be in a better salt list. No?

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      February 25, 2024 at 11:14 am

      Each one of them failed one of the categories. We did not change those categories…we placed them in accordance with what we had already done.

      Reply
      • Kayla

        June 21, 2024 at 3:45 pm

        Curious about Kirklands fine ground pink salt from Pakistan as well!

        Reply
      • Leo G Younger

        August 19, 2024 at 6:28 pm

        AL IN PPM AS IN PPB CD IN PPB HG IN PPB PB IN PPB . As you can see from the preceding pasted header which begins the test results chart for salt, PB IN PPB, the 5th column is displayed for lead (Pb). That’s only when I view that chart in the preview screen for printing it. The 5th column for lead (Pb) doesn’t appear when viewing the website page for the same chart. Mamavation salt test results: The website pages don’t show the 5th column for lead (Pb), but the printout view shows the 5th column for lead. I’m not the only one who has observed this problem. Please correct the charts to display that 5th column for lead (Pb). Thank you.

        Reply
  28. janyce prall

    February 18, 2024 at 9:55 am

    Hello. First: Thanks for all you do. I was wondering why you didn’t test Costco’s Kirkland Brand of Pink Himalayan. Can you tell me?

    Reply
    • Susan JunFish

      March 5, 2024 at 9:13 am

      I second the motion, analyzing Costco table salt and pink salt would be helpful, especially since they are massively consumed by not just individuals but used by the restaurant industry serving many.

      Also, I am concerned about the way samples are taken. I’m a scientist by training and when we attempt an analysis, we would normally split a sample from one production and do the same for at least 2 or 3 more productions.

      From each of the split samples, we have positive controls (where we know the amount of heavy metals to make sure the assay is working properly) , negative controls, where we have no products, and samples given to the labs are labeled in a way such that the tester has no knowledge of what they are to reduce bias.

      Reply
  29. Dee

    February 17, 2024 at 1:28 pm

    I just purchased an 8 lb. container of Evolution Salt Co. Gourmet Pink Himalayan Salt (course grind). The company is based in Austin, TX, and the salt comes from Pakistan. Should I toss it?

    Reply
    • Elisa

      August 26, 2024 at 1:16 pm

      I go by my inner guidance for which I have had a lot of validation over 30 years. When I test/ask, I “get”(spiritually) that the Evolution pink Himalayan salt is the best for me and the cleanest. I use it for all of my food needs. Some of the salts I test don’t even show up as being what they say they are! I get that there is more heavy metal contamination in the Celtic grey salt, but have just begun to use it in the way suggested by Barbara O’Neill, because of the higher content of magnesium, just a couple of grains before drinking water to enable to body to absorb more water into the cells. I am curious to find out whether I become better hydrated and can cut down on my usual very high need to take magnesium capsules around the clock (to avoid horrific cramps and restless legs).

      Refined salt is terrible for me. If forced to use it (rare because I carry a container of Himalayan salt in my purse), it doesn’t even taste like salt. It tastes bitter and harsh and I end up using too much and it also causes edema (swelling) in my body. If you don’t know about the dangers of refined salt, do research it.

      Reply
  30. aimee

    February 17, 2024 at 9:33 am

    I don’t see anything in the article that states what the sample size was. Are these results for what was found in 100g? 1000g? 500mg? 1 ounce? 1 tablespoon?

    Reply
    • Sara

      June 30, 2024 at 4:07 pm

      I have the same question. How much salt would I have to ingest to get this much lead?

      Reply
  31. Leon

    February 16, 2024 at 4:47 am

    What about non-U.S. salt products from Canada and Europe. I use Maison Orphee Grey Salt and would love to have seen many more salts tested.

    Reply
  32. Jillian

    February 15, 2024 at 8:22 pm

    How about the Mercola Himalaya salt?

    Reply
  33. Ana

    February 14, 2024 at 1:59 am

    Thanks for picking out the time to discuss this, I feel great about it and love studying more on this topic. It is extremely helpful for me. Thanks for such a valuable help again

    Reply
    • Rosalyn

      February 15, 2024 at 2:25 pm

      Thank you for this.
      What doea this number mean?
      Morton iodize salt 11.967 PB IN PPB

      Also Jacobsen salt has aluminum 1.690 PPM. I have been using this salt for the last 3 years. I wonder if that’s what caused my kid aluminum levels to get rise slightly?. It is such a expensive salt.

      Reply
      • Jennifer

        March 20, 2024 at 2:38 pm

        RE: What does this number mean? Morton iodize salt 11.967 PB IN PPB
        – “PB” is the elemental abbreviation for lead. “PPM” stands for parts per million.

        Reply
      • Laurie Adamson

        April 20, 2024 at 5:54 am

        There are so many sources of aluminum we are exposed to the salt is most likely only one source. You may know this but if you want to reduce your child’s aluminum levels have them drink silica rich mineral water, 3 to 4 cups a day. There are many waters which have enough silica to remove aluminum, Fiji, Spritzer and Gerlosteiner and you can also make your own Silicade. If you want to learn more check out my husband’s (Dennis N Crouse) and my website site Prevent Alzheimer’s, Autism and Stroke. We also have blogs on blogger, you tube channels, and facebook pages.

        Reply
        • margaret paterson

          May 11, 2024 at 5:02 pm

          Hi
          What’s the you tube channel name intrested thx

          Reply
  34. Heidi

    February 13, 2024 at 7:35 pm

    I would be interested to know the results for French Grey Sea Salt (I buy it from the San Francisco Salt Company). The course grain is more wet and grey than the fine grain which appears to be more refined. So testing should be on the course grain.

    Reply
  35. BayMom

    February 13, 2024 at 4:07 pm

    I knew that French/Celtic sea salt and Pink H salt were bad and had lead. I have been loyally using Jacobson’s salt and also Saltwerk salt as previous studies stated that these had less lead. Glad that they make the “good list” but not so happy to see they still have alum, arsenic and cadmium. Sigh. I would not get the ones with iodine if you ask me – toxic.

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      March 15, 2024 at 5:57 am

      I agree

      Reply
    • S. McGill

      April 2, 2024 at 2:14 pm

      How would iodine not be nutritive in these amounts?

      Reply
  36. Kim

    February 13, 2024 at 3:01 pm

    I have recently discovered Watkins brand seasonings, and love the flavors. Now I am questioning all their products. Ugh.

    Reply
    • Carol

      August 20, 2024 at 3:36 am

      Was hoping to find the bad list here. Any word on Redmond sea salt?

      Reply
      • Geri

        November 1, 2024 at 4:10 pm

        I am a holistic Equine hoof care practitioner. Redmond salt is marketed to the Equine community. I have done a lot of study on this as well as some of my peers. Salt is an important supplement for horses. But it has to be the right kind. Blocks and rocks are more for cows with coarse tongues. Horses should have loose granular salt because they have smooth tongues. Although this post is about heavy metals in salt, there are other imbalances that can occur and cause symptoms as well. “Red” means “iron”. Copper, zinc, manganese, selenium and iron all compete with the same cell receptors. There are many areas where there is too much iron in the ground, water, feed, hay and supplements. (There are maps online with this information) For us it could be the red clay our food is grown in or where our water comes from. When there is too much iron (iron overload), the other competing minerals are washed out of the body and not utilized. Iron overload is a problem with horses in certain areas. We have found that by adding the other essential competing minerals in comparable levels, the iron becomes balanced and all are absorbed equally. The symptoms disappear when balance is reached. Search Dr. Zach Bush for more in depth information on salt.
        Having grandchildren, I am grateful for Mamavation for doing all these studies. I look at these tests as more information to make better choices as well as new opened doors to learning more about how and with what we nourish ourselves and our families with. Keep going everyone!

        Reply
  37. W. Kruger

    February 8, 2024 at 4:45 pm

    It is somewhat odd that the “safest” brands are mainstream brands–Morton, Hain, Diamond… I have been using Himalayan pink salt for years because of trace mineral content. I’m pretty sure that the mainstream brands don’t contain healthy levels of trace minerals. So this is quite a bummer…

    Reply
    • Rosie H

      February 15, 2024 at 9:52 pm

      That’s how I feel too. My functional med doctor recommended Redmonds Real Salt and I switched from Morton’s which is in the ND category.

      Reply
      • S. McGill

        April 2, 2024 at 2:15 pm

        How would iodine not be nutritive in these amounts?

        Reply
      • Alison

        April 4, 2024 at 4:59 pm

        I have so much Redmond and I’m so disappointed. I don’t even know anymore. I don’t know what to get.

        Reply
      • Cynthia

        May 24, 2024 at 2:33 am

        Not Detected

        Reply
    • Kimberly Phoenix

      February 16, 2024 at 12:32 pm

      Exactly my thoughts ????

      Reply
  38. Amaia

    January 25, 2024 at 5:01 pm

    Thank you for this testing. What about Morton Himalayan salt? I wanted to try Himalayan or Celtic for their trace minerals and great health benefits I’ve heard about. I guess I’ll stick to Morton Iodized for cooking and try the Morton sea salt flakes in my water for hydration.

    Reply
    • Jaclyn Miller

      February 11, 2024 at 12:11 pm

      I am wondering the same thing!

      Reply
    • Ann

      February 14, 2024 at 4:43 am

      Keep this in mind. There are no “great” health benefits – they are absolutely minimal. There are other ways to get trace minerals.

      Reply
    • DB

      April 6, 2024 at 9:03 am

      It looks to me, in my unscientific opinion, like the more processed it is, the less stuff that’s in it because the more content has been removed, including the good stuff like the minerals.

      I would be interested to know how the amount of the chemicals listed compared to other natural foods and things to understand the degree.

      Reply
  39. Randy Cassels

    January 17, 2024 at 2:26 am

    So what salt do you use Leah?
    I have been using Redmonds sea salt for years thinking that it is as good as it gets.

    Reply
    • Nonya

      January 24, 2024 at 4:27 pm

      How can you say that when it tested poorly. That is ignorance. The great Salt Lake is the most contaminated place where they worry about the dust and bed exposure everyday due to arsenic in the air and more. I wouldn’t touch anything from there.

      Reply
      • Lia

        January 26, 2024 at 1:24 pm

        Redmond Real Salt doesn’t come from the Great Salt Lake:) Its comes from an ancient sea bed in Redmond Utah, far far away from the Great Salt Lake

        Reply
        • Eko

          February 13, 2024 at 6:35 pm

          I actually tried to go visit the Redmond Sea Salt mine when I drove through Utah in 2016. Apparently I was the first “customer” to ever ask to see it, way back then. They said no because its just too primitive and not safe for regular visitors.

          Reply
          • Anonymous

            August 29, 2024 at 10:24 pm

            I’m wondering if anyone else has considered the type of lead found in the salt…Whether organic or inorganic. I was reading an article from wellness mama about lead in clay and she explained the differences between the two types and that if the heavy metal in question (lead in this case) is already bound, it doesn’t pose a health threat. So, I’m thinking that the grey Celtic salt is super high because it’s dried in clay beds, isn’t that lead already bound and will not be released in the body? Just trying to get to the bottom of this. Anyone else actually tested themselves? I think we might do that next for piece of mind.

    • GINA Wilgis BATEMAN

      January 30, 2024 at 1:58 pm

      same, but for the Celtic. this was so disappointing to read!

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      February 15, 2024 at 4:52 pm

      Me too

      Reply
    • Samantha Woheltz

      February 16, 2024 at 10:51 am

      Same !

      Reply
  40. jB

    January 12, 2024 at 12:16 am

    Falksalt Himalayan and their plain sea salt flakes please! Fleur De Guerande (French, hand harvested) oh I have a long list …we looove our salt heh. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      October 26, 2024 at 3:17 pm

      Yesss plss

      Reply
  41. Ann Pearrow

    January 7, 2024 at 9:21 pm

    We just purchased a lot of Redmond’s and Celtic Sea Salt on Barbara O’Neill’s recommendation. Spent quite a lot of money on tainted salt thinking it was the safest. I am shocked and dismayed! Which brand is the safest and the cheapest now that I have wasted all this money and will need to replace the salt we bought.

    Reply
    • Gina

      January 15, 2024 at 2:04 pm

      Same! I thought Celtic sea salt was supposed to be fabulous. And Redmond’s. Sigh…

      Reply
    • Emma

      January 15, 2024 at 8:05 pm

      This has to be a joke how can Morton’s iodized table salt be better? I’m sorry but I feel like the list with the good salt is actually the bad salt.

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        January 24, 2024 at 8:01 am

        Thanks
        So Fleur De Guerande is okay to consume?

        Reply
      • Sandy

        February 13, 2024 at 10:55 pm

        My guess is that the refined salts don’t have as much heavy metals because they are removed or lessened in the refining process along with the minerals which are also heavy metals.

        Reply
      • Michele K

        February 22, 2024 at 8:35 pm

        Seems he same to me. Such a let down. The good salt companies should test their own salt for safety, then filter out the heavy metals. We don’t want highly refined salt from big conglomerates. We want the good trace minerals and to support the better companies.
        ugh.

        Reply
      • G.

        November 5, 2024 at 4:01 pm

        I’m with you Emma. Mortons’ is HIGH in aluminum. I know because I am highly allergic to aluminum and even their sea salt gave me a severe reaction.

        Reply
    • karo

      January 30, 2024 at 10:00 am

      Key quote from early in this article:
      “The good news is no salt product came back with the equivalent levels that would require a Prop. 65 warning based on serving size per day.“
      And ‘ca lif or nia’ seems to be overly cautious with warnings.

      I had typed lots more to take into consideration, but the page refreshed and I had to start over. Not wasting time letting that happen again.

      Reply
    • Lisa

      February 14, 2024 at 1:07 pm

      I know your pain, I just did the same with Redmonds. I’m so ???? mad.

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      February 16, 2024 at 7:30 am

      Yes I agree. I’ve spent way too much money on these highly recommended salts. Redmonds and Celtic. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

      Reply
  42. P Neyman

    January 5, 2024 at 12:45 am

    PS please add what do the abbreviations at top each chart mean (AL,AS etc)

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      January 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm

      They are the element symbols for the different contaminants. Al- aluminum, As- arsenic, Cd- cadmium, Hg- mercury, Pb- lead

      Reply
      • Tracy

        February 1, 2024 at 12:24 pm

        I don’t see the category for lead? What am I missing? Looking at Diamond Crystal in the best salt products grouping, could someone explain?

        Reply
        • Dee

          February 17, 2024 at 10:45 am

          It’s the last column on the right.

          Reply
          • Barbara

            September 17, 2024 at 12:57 pm

            Was it just the refined celtic salt or is the coarse grey celtic sea salt included? I contacted the company.selina naturally and they told me that the Makai pure celtic sea salt had no heavy metals metals metals at all.

          • Ari

            March 25, 2025 at 2:08 am

            Makai pure tested for very low levels, however when asked regarding microplastics it seems they do will not disclose the content which I believe translates to containing it. In AU we have Lake Deborah sea salt which is the only that I’ve found to have no detectable levels of heavy metals or microplastics.

    • Jeff

      August 4, 2024 at 3:48 pm

      Al = Aluminum, As = Arsenic Hg, = Mercury, Cd = Cadmium, Pb = Lead

      Reply
  43. P Neyman

    January 5, 2024 at 12:41 am

    I am looking for a healthy source of trace minerals I am not getting now, and that is why i was looking at these salts. Your research is huge and impressive and useful! However my immediate question of course is how do all these salts compare with respect to their ingredients. I have been looking at some in the supermarket and noticing they do not list trace minerals at all.

    Reply
    • Renee

      April 1, 2024 at 9:58 pm

      I believe the company called upgraded formulas has minerals. They also provide hair analysis that is well respected within the functional medicine community that I am a part of. The analysis will also show if there are deficiencies in minerals.

      Reply
  44. CF

    January 4, 2024 at 10:05 am

    Great content on your site, Leah! Thank you for this work!

    I see a lot of replies here asking for other products to be tested including the brands I use. I also see some manufacturers did not respond to you.

    How can we, your growing set of followers, best leverage our collective power to drive industry towards safer products and greater transparency? For example, do you have a template we can use when we contact manufacturers of what to ask for?

    Also, do you have a template we can use when we contact our legislators? Think about what can be accomplished with the power of the thousands of moms outraged by learning the myriad ways we are slowly poisoning our children. Legislation demanding greater transparency? Stronger regulation? Funding for independent testing?

    Reply
    • Debbie

      January 8, 2024 at 11:24 am

      Good ideas!!

      Reply
    • Lisa

      February 14, 2024 at 1:11 pm

      And targeting the companies that pollute so much in the first place. Especially big Ag and big Pharma, of which billionaires and politicians have earned massive fortunes from.

      Reply
      • Susan JunFish

        March 5, 2024 at 9:07 am

        thank you for your comment, I totally agree!

        Reply
      • jennifer meyerson

        July 26, 2024 at 8:47 am

        touched a nerve me thinks!

        Reply
  45. Charmaine

    December 28, 2023 at 8:03 am

    What about Hawaiian Alaea Red sea salt? It had iron oxide, and 80 natural natural elements, electrolytes and trace minerals of potassium and magnesium. Red alaea clay is extracted from the veins between the layers of lava rock. sodium chloride is.84%

    Reply
    • Barbara

      January 1, 2024 at 10:48 am

      What about SoSalt? Sicilian sea salt?

      Reply
  46. Lealea

    December 20, 2023 at 5:54 pm

    What about Gadesal salt?

    Reply
  47. Danielle

    December 20, 2023 at 5:23 pm

    Have been using Natierra for more than 3 years. Would also love to know if it is safe.

    Reply
  48. Rosemarie

    December 17, 2023 at 7:23 pm

    I’ve been using Natierra as well and would love to know.

    Reply
  49. Sara Levine

    December 17, 2023 at 5:30 pm

    BS”D
    You’re fantastic!
    Donated and will again. Keep those analyses coming PLEASE!
    Would love to know if Colima salt supposedly from a lake in Mexico, is as clean as they claim, please.

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      December 28, 2023 at 10:23 am

      Same!

      Reply
      • Ursula Harlos

        February 14, 2024 at 4:32 pm

        same!

        Reply
  50. Lora

    December 15, 2023 at 5:40 pm

    Dammit. They ARE trying to poison us! ????

    Reply
    • Barbara

      December 16, 2023 at 6:30 pm

      No they’re not! It’s a by product of being civilized and uneducated about the consequences of manufacturing and industry. Recall supply vs demand. If YOU didn’t buy any products they wouldn’t be manufactured but then you too want to live by modern standards! Businesses are first motivated to fill a need, make money and then (cover up) worry about negative consequences. It’s not always a conspiracy!

      Reply
      • Bee

        December 24, 2023 at 9:35 am

        Ummm yes they are!!! And this ain’t no conspiracy. They been spraying our air food and water for years. Wake up barb!

        Reply
        • Deb

          January 2, 2024 at 12:03 am

          Yes, Bee, that is Very TRUE!!… And NOT conspiracy theories. Chem Trails that the planes have been spraying all over cities for MANY years, along with ALL the toxins, GMOs, additives, etc. in all of the packaged foods for MANY years, and toxic chemicals are in most tap water!! I hear in some states, they want to convert sewage water to tap water!! Do your research!! Please people wake up and smell the stench of toxins and poisons real soon!!

          Reply
          • Rob

            January 7, 2024 at 11:11 am

            “Chem Trails that the planes have been spraying all over”

            Um, you mean contrails, which are a simple natural phenomenon due to water vapor condensing in cold air? Do you know anything about science, or just paranoid conspiracy theories?

          • D

            February 13, 2024 at 6:38 pm

            Sounds like Rob missed the whole geoengineering program the USA is currently part of…shame.
            It started back in the 1950’s and really ramped up during the Viet Nam war.
            https://www.geoengineeringmonitor.org/

          • Js

            February 13, 2024 at 7:23 pm

            Thats the absolute truth deb.people need to wake up and look up.
            Our trees are dying too!

          • Dianne

            October 16, 2024 at 6:18 pm

            They DO convert sewage water into tap water!

        • Kathleen McCarthy

          February 16, 2024 at 3:53 am

          I was under the impression that Redmonds was the best around…guess I need to rethink that.

          Reply
      • Kasey

        February 16, 2024 at 4:00 am

        They are trying to poison us…I’ve been watching chem trails for many years now. What are they spraying? Why do so many people think they are clouds or trails from commercial airliners? Look up and you tell me what it’s all about.

        Reply
        • Mia

          February 25, 2024 at 7:29 pm

          It’s evil is what it’s all about 🙁

          Reply
        • Claudette

          February 27, 2024 at 4:03 am

          Totally right. There are tons of data and whistleblowers now. They are evil and deserve hell. Is we all come together as one they will be done is days.

          Reply
        • Betty

          September 15, 2024 at 9:02 am

          Deb,
          I agree with your post 100%! Only thing I would add is the doctors and Big Pharmacy as well!
          A farmer in Idaho was recently interviewed and said his soil is so contaminated from the chemtrails that he doesn’t know if his crops will grow!
          These aren’t conspiracy theories! Wake up people!

          Reply
      • JEROMY STEWART

        February 16, 2024 at 9:11 am

        I think we disagree on what comprises a conspiracy. Profiting from systems that harm of others is ethically unthinkable.

        Reply
    • Barbara

      December 16, 2023 at 6:37 pm

      Has anyone noticed that these toxins now in salt and virtually everywhere in/on the entire planet are major components of batteries??? ???????? My parents and my generation have spent decades throwing them in the trash,landfills, is it any wonder???

      Reply
      • Sandy

        February 13, 2024 at 10:45 pm

        A bigger culprit would be chem trails which contain aluminum and cadmium but not sure about arsenic. What I found on batteries does not match up with the metals being found in salt. The battery chemistry that powers every Energizer® alkaline battery is a precise combination of zinc, high-density manganese dioxide, and potassium hydroxide.
        Lithium-ion batteries – main substances needed will be the chemical elements graphite, cobalt, lithium, manganese and nickel.

        Reply
  51. Leslie Beck

    December 15, 2023 at 10:53 am

    I’d like to see Costco’s Kirkland pink salt tested since that is a common one that Costco shoppers buy. Also, Azure Standard has a pink salt and sea salt that they sell under their brand name. Thanks for the work you are doing!

    Reply
    • Susan K

      December 17, 2023 at 7:13 am

      I was looking for the Costco Kirkland rating also.

      Reply
    • Natalie

      December 17, 2023 at 7:44 am

      Same. Iodized salt is not a good option in my understanding even if it is cleaner.

      Reply
      • Celia

        July 15, 2024 at 1:13 pm

        Actually,after reading books (on Iodine) by Dr. Brownstein and Lynne Farrrow. Celtic sea salt was recommended and they did testing as well, but this web sites testing may be more current. But no way is Morton’s Iodized salt good, when you look at how it is processed with chemicals even to make it white, and iodine has to be added to it! I’ve not tried all the various salts, but I liked Redmond’s better than Selina Naturally Celtic Sea Salt. Just getting away from Morton’s iodized salt helped my health.

        Reply
      • Mike

        November 29, 2024 at 7:21 am

        So now I’m really confused. The salts with the lowest heavy mental seem to have high microplastics and the salt with low microplastics seem to have high levels of heavy metals. Where can I find one with both low counts of heavy meals and microplastics?

        Reply
    • Jen

      December 22, 2023 at 10:42 pm

      I buy azure’s salt. Looks like its from Pakistan. Not sure of testing levels though.

      Reply
    • Melissa Roth

      January 20, 2024 at 10:39 pm

      Also would love to know about kirkland brand!

      Reply
    • Js

      February 13, 2024 at 7:19 pm

      Yes indeed
      GEO ENGINEERING WATCH.COM
      They are spraying our skies
      Look up its rarely blue.
      Pay attention!

      Reply
  52. Fighting Father

    December 14, 2023 at 9:30 am

    Thank you so much for this report Leah :)!

    Wondering if you had a chance to test Crucial Four Icelandic Salt?

    You rock!

    Reply
    • Kaitlyn Hilton

      December 14, 2023 at 10:49 am

      Yes please! Would love results from crucial four if tested !

      Reply
    • Virginia Kellogg

      December 29, 2023 at 11:41 am

      Which Salt Is Safest To Consume??????????‍♀️

      Reply
    • Tara Georges

      January 3, 2024 at 12:50 pm

      Yes would love to know about crucial four Icelandic salt.

      Reply
  53. Rachel

    December 14, 2023 at 9:23 am

    Thanks for posting this. Maybe in the future you could test A Vogel Herbamare sea salt. Been using it for the last 15 years.

    Reply
  54. belinda

    December 14, 2023 at 8:25 am

    Please rate Dr. Berg baja gold sea salt from Mexico, naturally harvested from the Sea of Cortez. Has the minerals and trace element profile for health. Good for hydration and no micro-plastics!

    Reply
    • VS

      February 16, 2024 at 7:32 am

      She did. It’s the same as the Baja Gold under the worst list.

      Reply
  55. Leslie Brooks

    December 13, 2023 at 11:21 pm

    I recently found out about Diamond Crystal flake salt – how it’s the one most restaurants use / it’s not as strongly salty as non-flaked salt so you have to use more – but it’s good – it permeates the food well – Now I see here it’s non toxic. Yay! It’s not cheap and I had to order a big box from Amazon – but I’m glad to have a good supply of non toxic salt!

    Reply
  56. Sarah

    December 13, 2023 at 9:04 am

    ~ Many thanks for your insightful posts on what to avoid in our food & spices. However, I did not see any ratings for Morton Coarse Kosher Salt or McCormick’ Himalayan Pink Salt Grinder. If I didn’t know any better (but do!), I believe they’re trying to kill us all! Thank you, your hard work is greatly appreciated. ~

    Reply
  57. Diane Klemmer

    December 13, 2023 at 6:39 am

    Is the Diamond Crystal Sea Salt one that’s safe or just the kosher salt? I do want all the minerals that sea salt offers. Are they in kosher?

    Reply
  58. Tanya

    December 13, 2023 at 3:13 am

    Was Crucial Four salt tested?

    Reply
  59. Josephine

    December 12, 2023 at 10:45 pm

    I live in Europe and sadly we don’t have any website like Mamavation to run tests. I wonder if there any general guidelines we can follow when buying salt (such as country of origin) to minimize our exposure?

    Reply
  60. Rebecca Bowling

    December 12, 2023 at 6:44 pm

    Do you have any results for Riega Himalayan Salt or Wild Pink Himalayan Salt. I wrote the companies to get the report. Thank you.

    Becca

    Reply
  61. Edye

    December 12, 2023 at 1:47 pm

    You didn’t test the course grey celtic sea salt. The celtic company told me that their salt tests very low for toxic heavy metals. Salt tested by both their lab and an independent lab. ??

    Reply
    • Chace

      December 14, 2023 at 10:20 am

      This is the salt I use and love! I’d love to have third-party verification of their claim!

      Reply
    • Melinda

      December 15, 2023 at 7:17 pm

      I didn’t see Baja Gold Salt Co. on your list.

      Reply
    • Naya

      April 5, 2024 at 4:31 pm

      Which brand is this? Brittany?

      Reply
  62. Pam Orr

    December 12, 2023 at 12:41 pm

    Colima is plastic free; any other info?

    Reply
    • Cari

      December 13, 2023 at 8:17 am

      I’d also like to see Colima salt tested!

      Reply
      • Fonda Neal

        December 16, 2023 at 9:02 am

        Ditto for Colima sea salt! Thanks 🙂

        Reply
  63. Trish Aquino

    December 12, 2023 at 12:20 pm

    Hi Leah!

    As alarming as these reports are, it is such important information! I just threw out an entire bag of Selina Naturally Coarse Celtic Sea Salt! I have also been buying Natierra Himalayan Fine Pink Salt for years and would really love it if you would test that also.

    Thank you so much!
    Trish

    Reply
    • Amy

      December 14, 2023 at 9:43 am

      I’ve also been using Natierra for the last 10 years and would like to know as well

      Reply
    • Rosemarie

      December 17, 2023 at 7:23 pm

      I’ve been using Natierra as well and would love to know.

      Reply
    • Veronica Evans

      September 6, 2024 at 10:10 pm

      Why don’t you and others who have been eating various types of salts for years get tested for heavy metals? LabCorp and quest diagnostics have test panels for heavy metals. If you’re blood and urine doesn’t show heavy metal contamination then the salt is fine — no need to throw it. Cost for heavy metals test is about $100, $200 (+). Certainly, it would be a worthwhile investment. Contamination is not only occurring from the salt we eat, but from various foods and other vectors. So folks, before you throw out your expensive salts, go get yourself tested for heavy metals.

      Reply
      • Billy

        December 26, 2024 at 6:50 am

        What a great thought! This comment is inspiring me to order a test for myself.

        Reply
  64. Ashley

    December 12, 2023 at 11:54 am

    So this means no Himalayan or pink mineral salts passed the test? :,( What about Redmond salt or Impact Utah mineral salt? Very discouraging thinking we are buying the best for our families 🙁 Thank you for doing this!

    Reply
  65. Jenifer Rooke

    December 12, 2023 at 11:45 am

    Wow. Looks like we will be throwing out our supposed Real salt lol

    Good to know as we use a lot.

    Thank you!!!

    Reply
    • Lia

      January 26, 2024 at 1:30 pm

      She won’t release her “verified” 3rd party testing, but Redmond will, I trust them a lot more than someone making claims with “testing” that we don’t know anything about, Redmond will send you all their facts, all verified, reach out to them and you will see.

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        August 20, 2024 at 3:38 am

        This is reassuring..thanks. I thought they were the best with all their verified testing..

        Reply
  66. Ana

    December 12, 2023 at 10:55 am

    What about Redmond’s Real Kosher Salt?

    Reply
  67. Julia S.

    December 12, 2023 at 10:33 am

    Thank you very much for this Leah, this is very useful info to be aware of!

    Reply
  68. Misty Hill

    December 12, 2023 at 10:30 am

    THANK YOU for posting clear and accurate information!!! And thank you for taking the time to care enough to do this research! As the mother of a lead-poisoned toddler, we’ve been on this lead-free journey for 7 years now. Things like salt slip in without us even knowing, so I appreciate your factual research!

    Reply
  69. Colima

    December 12, 2023 at 9:58 am

    Have you tried testing Colima salt?

    Reply
    • Cynthia

      December 13, 2023 at 5:08 pm

      I was hoping to see results for that salt also!

      Reply
  70. Andrew Levine

    December 12, 2023 at 9:47 am

    This is all disturbing. We have been using Celtic sea salt and would have loved to see it included as it is the most highly touted product for containing the most trace minerals, the very minerals that support cellular hydration.

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      December 12, 2023 at 10:12 am

      It was included. We just used their entire name. If you go back and look now, we shortened their name to “Celtic Sea Salt” to make it more recognizable for everyone.

      Reply
  71. Pat L

    December 12, 2023 at 9:47 am

    It would have been nice to see the Eden Foods salts tested. They do one from the protected Isle of Noirmoutier (France) and one from environmentally-protected marshes in southern Portugal’s Algarve region. Both are hand-harvested from protected areas.

    Reply
    • Dee

      February 17, 2024 at 10:54 am

      I’d also be interested in Eden, we buy many of their products.

      Reply
      • Cyndi Braun

        April 21, 2024 at 8:36 pm

        Yes!

        Reply

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