What Is Flaky Salt?

With so many different types of salt on the market, it can be hard to keep track of how to get your daily sodium. (It’s why we previously explored the difference between kosher salt and sea salt.) And as you’re wandering through your local grocery’s salt aisle, you’ve probably seen packages of something labeled “flake salt” or “flaky salt” and wondered “what the heck is this stuff?” So, here’s some salty answers to all your salty questions. 

What is flaky salt? 

Flaky salt, also known as “flake salt,” is a type of salt that’s grown into big, flat crystals. Because of its thinner shape and wide surface area, it dissolves quicker on the tongue, giving a quick burst of saltness and a satisfying crunchiness when bitten. It’s often used as a “finishing salt” on top of dishes and desserts like cookies, rather than mixed into a recipe like other kinds of salt. 

Is flaky salt different from coarse salt? 

Chemically? Not really. It’s all the same basic salt, just in a different form. That said, many flaky salts pride themselves on their particular recipes, infusing their salts with extra ingredients like rosemary or garlic. So, you should always check the ingredients before buying, to make sure you’re getting the exact flavor you want. 

How is flaky salt made? 

Flake salt is produced when salt water is heated, allowing the water to evaporate and leaving behind larger crystals than you find in typical rock salt. Some varieties, like the French fleur de sel, are made by leaving sea water in the sun, which results in very thin salt crystals. 

But other commercially made flake salts are created by heating rock salt dissolved in water in what’s called the “Alberger process.” This method creates larger, often pyramid-shaped salt flakes.

Can I make flaky salt myself? 

Sure! All you have to do is dissolve the salt you want to use (you can even use regular iodized table salt), then heat the water until it evaporates. One low-tech way is just to heat a pan of salt water in the oven, but more recent recipes use either a slow cooker or instant pot to achieve the same effect. It’s also easy to add other ingredients like liquid smoke or chili flakes to make your own flavored salt. 

(Here’s one guide we particularly like.) 

How do I store flaky salt? 

It’s best to use an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry location. That will prevent the flakes from clumping together. And while some people suggest adding some dry rice to your salt container to absorb moisture, who wants to accidentally spoon some old rice onto your food with your special, bespoke flake salt? Doesn’t seem worth it to me. I’d just keep your salt jar sealed tight on its own.