When it comes to popcorn, the type of salt you use can make a big difference in flavor. The salt enhances the natural sweetness of the popcorn while also providing a burst of flavor with each bite. But with so many salt options available, how do you choose what’s best for popcorn? Here’s a look at some of the most popular salts for popcorn and how they impact taste.
Table Salt
Regular table salt, like Morton Salt or other iodized salts, is probably the most common type used on popcorn. The fine grains stick well to the popcorn and distribute evenly throughout each bite. Table salt provides a familiar salty flavor that enhances the popcorn without overpowering it. The downside is that it lacks complexity and depth of flavor.
Kosher Salt
Kosher salt has larger crystals that provide a satisfying crunch with each bite of popcorn. The coarse texture of kosher salt means you’ll get bursts of salty flavor compared to a fine powder. Kosher salt adheres well to the popcorn, but the bigger crystals may drop off easier compared to finer salts. Brands like Diamond Crystal are common kosher salt options.
Sea Salt
Sea salt lends a more complex, robust flavor to popcorn thanks to naturally occurring trace minerals. The large crystals of sea salt give a nice crunch but don’t necessarily stick as well to the popcorn. Sea salt packs an intense salty punch that should be used sparingly on popcorn. Fleur de sel and smoked sea salt are gourmet varieties worth trying.
Flavored Salts
For a twist on traditional popcorn salt, look for flavored salts. Options include:
- Garlic salt – Provides a zesty kick of garlic
- Onion salt – Salty onion flavor
- Seasoned salt – Robust spices added like celery, black pepper, etc.
- Truffle salt – Earthy, umami truffle flavor
- Chipotle salt – Smoky heat
The flavors come through prominently, so use a light hand unless you want an intense taste.
Popcorn Salt
Some companies make specialty salts intended for popcorn. Popcorn salt has extra fine grains that stick tightly to the popcorn for even coverage. The dissolves quickly and packs a strong salty punch. Brands like Pop It Popcorn Salt and Flavacol Seasoning Salt are examples.
Nutritional Comparison
In terms of nutrition, most plain salts are similar. However, some key differences exist, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
| Salt Type | Sodium per 1 tsp | Calories per 1 tsp |
|---|---|---|
| Table salt | 2,325 mg | 0 |
| Kosher salt | 1,980 mg | 0 |
| Sea salt | 2,195 mg | 0 |
As you can see, table salt and sea salt have the highest amount of sodium per teaspoon. Kosher salt has slightly less since the flakes are lighter.
Flavored salts tend to have between 2,000-3,000 mg sodium per serving depending on the blend.
Popcorn Salt Taste Test
To determine which salt is best for popcorn, I conducted a taste test with different types of salt on homemade popcorn. I tried common table salt, kosher salt, sea salt, garlic salt, truffle salt, and popcorn salt.
In terms of flavor, the kosher salt and truffle salt won for having the most complex tastes that elevated the popcorn. The garlic salt was also delicious and added a nice zing. Table salt, sea salt, and popcorn salt all tasted fine but didn’t stand out.
For adherence, the popcorn salt was the winner – the tiny grains coated each piece nicely. The table and kosher salts also stuck well. Sea salt didn’t adhere as evenly due to the large crystal size.
Based on the taste test, my favorites were the kosher salt for flavor and popcorn salt for optimum coating. The flavored salts were also excellent for adding more punch.
Factors to Consider
Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing a popcorn salt:
Desired Flavor
Do you want a simple salty taste or something more robust? Flavored salts will provide more complexity.
Adherence
Finer grains like table and popcorn salts will stick the best to the popcorn.
Crunch Factor
Larger crystals from sea salt or kosher salt provide a more textured crunch.
Sodium Content
Those limiting sodium may want to use less of salts high in sodium (sea and table salt).
Budget
Gourmet salts can be pricier than standard salts. Consider how much you want to spend.
Conclusion
While traditional table salt is fine, for best results, go with a kosher salt or salt made specifically for popcorn. The coarser grains of kosher salt provide great flavor, and popcorn salt’s tiny size sticks perfectly to each piece. Flavored salts are also an excellent way to add extra dimension.
Experiment with different types of salts and flavors to find your perfect popcorn complement. The salt you choose can take your popcorn from a plain snack to a truly crave-worthy treat.