Salt - my thoughts as a nutritionist

The salt debate!

@emmatalksnutrition

It’s Salt Awareness Week 2026. Are you saying yay or nae, to salt? ?✨❓❌ Here I give some examples of how I use different salts in my cooking, and how I approach the salt vs electrolytes debate. Some of the brands I feature here and love to use in my own regime include: Herbamare Herb Sea Salt range ??️ A.Vogel Balance Mineral Electrolyte Drink ? ? Maldon Sea Salt ? Mystic Nature Celtic Sea Salt ? Please ask any salt or electrolyte queries in the comments, or share your own salty experiences! Follow me for other dietary tips, health hacks and recipe inspo, I appreciate every single one of you! ?

♬ original sound - emmatalksnutrition



Qualified Nutritionist (BSc, MSc, RNutr)
@emmatalkshealth
@EmmaThornton
Ask Emma


14 May 2026

Salt: My Thoughts as a Nutritionist

Why Salt Has Become So Confusing

From salty electrolyte drinks popping up everywhere, to fancy cooking salts and constant messages about cutting salt out altogether — it’s no wonder people feel confused about what they should be doing.

As a nutritionist, and someone who genuinely loves cooking and encouraging others to cook more at home, I take a balanced and practical approach to salt. Rather than fearing it or overdoing it, I focus on using quality salts thoughtfully in everyday cooking.

Is Salt Really the Problem?

The research consistently shows that most people tend to consume too much sodium when their diets are high in ultra-processed and packaged foods. For those cooking mostly whole foods at home, salt intake is usually far less concerning.

That’s why I prefer focusing less on restriction and more on balance and food quality.

What About Electrolytes?

Electrolytes have become hugely popular recently, with salty drinks and powders marketed for everything from energy to hydration.

Personally, unless you’re doing intense exercise, endurance training, sweating heavily, or travelling in extreme heat, I don’t think most people need large amounts of additional salty electrolytes every day.

Instead, I prefer supporting electrolyte balance naturally by:

  • Using good quality salt in cooking
  • Eating potassium-rich foods
  • Including magnesium-rich foods or supplements where needed

For most people, this approach works really well without needing to rely on heavily marketed electrolyte products.

How I Use Salt in My Kitchen

When it comes to cooking, I like to mix things up.

Just like with food in general, variety keeps meals exciting, flavourful, and can provide a broader spectrum of minerals and nutrients too.

Here are a few of my favourite ways to use different salts in the kitchen:

Herbamare Herb Sea Salt — For Maximum Flavour

When I really want to elevate flavour quickly, especially on things like eggs or roasted vegetables, I love using Herbamare Herb Sea Salt. It adds a savoury, herby depth that makes simple foods taste incredible.

Quality Sea Salt Flakes — For Texture

A good flaky sea salt is perfect when I want texture and a finishing touch — especially sprinkled over tomatoes, salads, or freshly cooked dishes.

Celtic Salt — For Mineral Content

For everyday cooking, soups, curries, and slow-cooked meals, I also enjoy using Celtic salt for its mineral richness and more natural profile.

My Final Thoughts on Salt

For me, salt doesn’t need to be feared — it just needs to be approached sensibly.

Cook more whole foods, use quality ingredients, enjoy variety, and focus on overall balance rather than extremes.

That’s usually where good nutrition lives.

Have Questions?

Comment below with your questions or share your own salty experiences — I’d love to hear them!

References

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19955402/


Unrefined sea salt, harvested by hand and infused with 16 organic herbs, spices & vegetables


  • Enhance your favourite dish with Herbamare®
  • 100% natural and unrefined sea salt
  • Infused with 16 organic herbs, spices and vegetables
  • Free from artificial flavours and preservatives
  • No MSG or GMO

Herbamare®Herb Sea Salt 125g

Herb Sea Salt 125g

£ 3.00

Buy now

Sea salt with organically grown vegetables and herbs. Also available in 250g and 500g tubs.
More info