Black Salt vs. Pink Salt

Black Salt vs. Pink Salt has always been a topic of curiosity among foodies who love to explore new food ingredients.

Both these salts are a part of Indian cuisine and are also used in many western dishes.

That said, you should know when and how to use these salts in different cuisines.

So, if you are interested in knowing more about them, do check out the guide below.

In this guide, I’ve tried to share some distinct differences between Black Salt and Pink Salt.

What Is Black Salt?

Black Salt is a type of processed salt that is obtained from natural halite.

This raw ingredient is generally found in the northern Himalayan regions of India and Pakistan.

Black Salt mostly contains Sodium Chloride and some additional ingredients that give it a peculiar taste and smell.

The salt is also known as Kala Namak, Kala Loon, and Sulemani Namak in different communities across the world.

What Is Pink Salt?

Pink Salt is another type of rock salt that is found in the Himalayan regions.

Its name comes from the Pink color of its crystals, which is derived from trace elements found in this salt.

This salt is generally used as an alternative to table salt.

Apart from that, you can also use this salt for preservation, lamps creation, baking stones, glass preparation, etc.

Pink Salt is often marketed for its beneficial properties, though there is no real scientific evidence to such claims as yet.

Black Salt vs. Pink Salt – The Differences 

Now that we have seen the differences between these two salts, let’s quickly take a look at the following section.

In this section, you should be able to find ways to use these two salts more effectively in your regular dishes.

1. Name

This is the most basic difference between these two salts.

Black Salt has more black and dark pink crystals; therefore, it appears slightly black in color.

On the other hand, Pink Salt has red-pink crystals that bring a pinkish tone to this salt.

Hence, the names of these salts are derived from their respective appearances.

2. Color

As mentioned earlier, color is the most distinctive factor that plays a role in finding the difference between these two salts.

Black Salt gets its peculiar color from Greigite, whereas Pink Salt or Himalayan Salt attains its color due to other trace elements present in its crystals.

So, that’s one major difference between Black Salt and Pink Salt.

3. Taste

The taste is another factor that makes this comparison even more interesting.

Black Salt has an earthy taste, which comes from the minerals present in its crystals as well as the post-processing techniques.

It also tastes a bit pungent and sharp than table salt.

Talking about Pink Salt, it is nothing but rock salt.

Hence, it tastes saltier than table salt, and you should be using it in limited quantity only.

Moreover, Pink Salt tastes quite similar to regular salt.

So, it can be used in standard dishes.

4. Smell

Do salts have a smell?

Well, generally, they don’t, but the Black Salt does have a bit of smell.

It has a quite distinctive smell, which comes from the presence of hydrogen sulfide. 

As you know, Sulfur always produces a typical odor, and it is easily noticeable as well.

However, if you compare it with Pink Salt, it doesn’t have any smell.

It’s pretty much an odorless salt and seems similar to table salt.

This is also another reason why we can use Pink Salt for regular use.

5. Uses 

Black Salt is mostly used as an additional ingredient for its unique taste.

It’s rarely used to make common dishes like curries and dals, as the taste and smell of this salt are pretty different from table salt.

Black Salt complements many savory dishes, which just adds a different dimension to such dishes.

You will also find it being used in the dishes that we serve for vrats and fasts. 

But what about Pink Salt?

Can we use this salt for any other preparations?

Well, that’s the most interesting thing about this salt!

This salt can surely be used as an alternative to table salt.

Apart from its pinkish color, there isn’t much difference in its taste.

So, you can surely use it for making curries or any other preparations as you like.

However, as I’ve mentioned earlier, you should always use it sparingly in your preparations. 

It’s saltier than the table salt.

If you use it like regular salt, you will end up making your dishes saltier.

Quick Tip: If your dishes do turn salty, you can add boiled potatoes to them.

The potatoes are quite amazing at soaking the excess flavors and salt in curries and other such preparations.

6. Price

Price is another important differentiating factor between these two salts.

Since Black Salt is not as uncommon as Pink Salt or Himalayan Salt, it’s cheaper and reasonably priced in India.

As for Pink Salt, it’s not as common as most other salts available in the country.

It is mostly sold as a premium product.

Hence, the price of this salt is slightly high as compared to other available salts.

7. Availability

Black Salt is easily available in most parts of the country and many Indian stores across the globe.

But the same can’t be said for Pink Salt.

It is a luxurious product of sorts, so you will only find it in select grocery shops and online stores.

This is also because the common salt is quite efficient in giving the right taste to your food.

Pinks Salt may have some benefits, but they are not too significant to replace the regular salt for the preparation of Indian dishes.

Overall, these are some of the main differences between Black Salt and Pink Salt.

I hope you got to learn something new in this guide.

In the following section, I have shared FAQs related to this guide.

Do check them out if you have any more questions.

FAQs

Over To You

Black Salt and Pink Salt are two distinct salts, and their uses differ a lot too.

So, do check for how you can use them for making different dishes.

Meanwhile, if you have any more doubts or feedback, please let me know in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this guide, do share it with your friends and family.