For us culinary adventurers, we’re always looking for new and interesting ways to enhance our foodie tendencies. One of the most basic ingredients, salt, has had a bit of a renaissance of late with the likes of Himalayan salt, flaked salt, and others coming into the mainstream.
One other player that has piqued the interest of more and more people is smoked salt. I’ve already written a few articles about How To Make Your Own Smoked Salt, as well as Different Woods Used and Their Flavor Profiles, but perhaps you’d rather skip the DIY and just purchase the stuff.
In this blog post, I wanted to cover the cost of smoked salt in comparison to regular salt and other types of specialty salts. I’m going to look at what affects the price of smoked salt, such as location, types of wood used, and other aspects.
Is Smoked Salt More Expensive Than Other Types Of Salt?
Smoked salt is more expensive than table salt and kosher or rock salt however, it shares the similar, higher price of specialty salts such as Himalayan salt. Things like type of wood used, source of the salt, and place of purchase will affect the price.
Compared to table salt, which can be purchased for a few dollars per pound, smoked salt is vastly more expensive coming in at around 10 times or more than that. In fact, it is usually sold in much smaller quantities – to keep the package price reasonable – and because a little goes a long way.
It’s worth noting that smoked salt is typically used in smaller quantities due to its strong flavor, which can make it more cost-effective in the long run. Additionally, there are many other types of specialty salts available on the market, such as fleur de sel and black lava salt, which can also be more expensive than regular salt.
What Types Of Smoked Salt Are There?
There are many different types of smoked salt available on the market, each with its own unique flavor profile. Here are some of the most common types:
- Mesquite Smoked Salt – This type of salt is smoked using mesquite wood, which imparts a strong, smoky flavor with hints of sweetness.
- Oak Smoked Salt – Oak smoked salt is infused with the flavors of oak wood, which gives it a more subtle and nuanced smoky flavor.
- Hickory Smoked Salt – Hickory smoked salt is smoked using hickory wood, which has a bold, smoky flavor that is perfect for adding depth to meats and vegetables.
- Alder Smoked Salt – Alder smoked salt is smoked using alder wood, which has a mild, sweet flavor that is perfect for adding depth to seafood and vegetables.
What Factors Can Make Smoked Salt Expensive?
There are several factors that can affect the price of smoked salt. Some of the main ones include:
- Type of Wood Used
- Source of the Salt
- Place of Purchase
- Brand
- Packaging
Type of Wood Used
The type of wood used to smoke the salt can impart different flavors to the salt, and some types of wood may be more expensive to source than others. Wood like mesquite is known for its strong, smoky flavor, but it can be more expensive than a wood like oak or alder. For more about the types of wood used for smoking salt, see our article: Types Of Wood Used To Smoke Salt And Their Flavor Profiles.
Source of the Salt
Many smoked salts are made using sea salt, which are harvested from ocean water through evaporative processes. There are also smoked salts made using Himalayan pink salt, which may increase the cost of producing the smoked salt.
Finishing salts like Maldon are available in a smoked variety. The smoked sea salt costs approximately twice per ounce (or gram) than what the natural (unflavored) type does.
Place of Purchase
Smoked salt tends to be somewhat of a specialty item, so if you buy it from a specialty store or gourmet market, you may pay more than online or if you can find it at a grocery store.
Brand
The brand of the smoked salt can also affect the price. Some brands may be more well-known or have a reputation for producing high-quality smoked salt, which can drive up the price.
Packaging
The packaging of the smoked salt can also influence the price. For example, a small jar of smoked salt may be more expensive per ounce than a larger bag of the same product. You’ll pay more for salt packaged in a convenient salt grinder than you will for a plastic bag, but of course you may get years of use from the grinder once the original salt is used up (be sure to check whether it is refillable).
Overall, the price of smoked salt can be influenced by a combination of these factors. It’s important to consider these factors when deciding whether to purchase smoked salt and how much to pay for it.
Are There Any Types Of Smoked Salt That Are Particularly Expensive?
Generally speaking, the use of rare woods or salt from particularly hard to source locations can create smoked salt that is more expensive than smoked salt made with standard rock salt and easily sourced woods
There are a few types of smoked salt that may be considered particularly expensive. These include:
- Rare or Hard-to-Source Woods – Some types of wood used to smoke salt may be more expensive to obtain due to their rarity or limited availability. For example, juniper wood is a relatively rare type of wood that is prized for its strong, pine-like aroma and is often used to smoke salt. As a result, juniper smoked salt may be more expensive than other types of smoked salt.
- Specialty Blends – Some smoked salt products may be considered particularly expensive due to the inclusion of special or rare ingredients. For example, a blend of smoked salt with truffles or other high-end ingredients may be more expensive than a simple smoked salt made with a single type of wood.
- Exotic Locations – Some smoked salts may be made using salt that is sourced from exotic locations, such as the Maldives or the Pacific Ocean. These salts may be considered more expensive due to the cost of sourcing and importing the salt.
- Labor Intensive – A few smoked salts go through lots of steps and processing to create the smoky flavor – and may be combined with spices. The cost to make them may increase the price.
One unusual smoked salt that ticks most of the expense ‘boxes’ above is Korean Bamboo salt. To learn more about this unusual salt and the labor intensive process of making it see Exploring The Fascinating World Of Korean Bamboo Salt.
While there are certainly types of smoked salt that may be considered particularly expensive, there are a wide variety of choices that can fit within your budget.
Is Smoked Salt Worth The Money?
This is going to come down to personal preference, but smoked salt is a trendy and innovative way to add a smoky element to your foods without going through the trouble of smoking them.
It’s also a way to let you dishes or signature cocktails standout from others. Instead of salt and pepper on your Bloody Mary, why not rim the glass with smoked salt. Instead of flaked or rock salt on your steak, add a pinch of smoked salt. A little sprinkle of smoked salt can also dress up a salad! The sky really is the limit and it’s an experimental chef’s dream, unlocking all sorts of flavor possibilities. Just keep these things in mind:
- Flavor – Smoked salt has a unique, smoky flavor that can add depth and complexity to dishes. If you enjoy smoky flavors and think that smoked salt would enhance your cooking, it may be worth trying. Many smoked salts have a fairly pronounced smoky flavor, so it’s best to start with a little to avoid overpowering your dish.
- Cost – As mentioned previously, smoked salt is generally more expensive than regular salt. While it can be a flavorful and versatile ingredient, it may not be worth the extra cost if it doesn’t fit within your budget.
- Usage – Smoked salt is typically used in smaller quantities due to its strong flavor, so a small jar can last a long time. This can make it more cost-effective in the long run.
- Availability – Smoked salt is widely available at specialty stores, gourmet markets, and online retailers.
Ultimately, whether or not smoked salt is worth it is a matter of personal preference and will depend on your individual taste preferences and budget. If you enjoy smoky flavors and are willing to pay a premium for a high-quality product, smoked salt may be a worthwhile addition to your pantry.
Another option is to make homemade smoked salt – this can be done using an outdoor grill and doesn’t require having a smoker (although smokers work great for making smoked salt). If you are curious about how to do that, see our article: From Sea To Smoker: Your Guide To Homemade Smoked Salt.
