Quick answer
Epsom Salt and Pickling Salt differ in origin (Originally from Epsom, Surrey, England; now manufactured worldwide vs Manufactured worldwide), taste, and best uses. Use the comparison table to choose for your recipe or retail line.
Key takeaways
- Epsom Salt and Pickling Salt differ in origin (Originally from Epsom, Surrey, England; now manufactured worldwide vs Manufactured worldwide), taste, and best uses. Use the comparison table to choose for your recipe or retail line.
- Pickling salt is ultra-pure sodium chloride for clear brines and fermentation.
Choosing between Epsom Salt and Pickling Salt depends on your cooking style, flavor preferences, and intended use. This comparison breaks down every difference so you can make an informed decision.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Epsom Salt | Pickling Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Originally from Epsom, Surrey, England; now manufactured worldwide | Manufactured worldwide |
| Color | White, translucent crystals | Pure white |
| Type | Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (not sodium chloride) | Ultra-pure fine-grain sodium chloride |
| Harvest Method | Synthesized from magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen or mined from natural deposits | Refined from rock salt or sea salt, with all additives removed |
| Taste | Extremely bitter. Not used as a food seasoning. | Pure, clean salt flavor with no mineral notes or aftertaste. |
| Grain Sizes | Fine, Medium crystals, Coarse crystals | Very fine, uniform granules |
| Price Range | $1-5 per pound | $1-3 per pound |
| Best For | Bath soaks for muscle relief, Garden fertilizer, Foot soaks, Beauty treatments, Constipation relief (medical grade only) | Pickling cucumbers, Canning vegetables, Fermenting sauerkraut, Making brines |
| Trace Minerals | 3+ | 0+ |
| Sodium (g/100g) | N/A | 39.7 |
Key Differences
Origin & harvesting
Epsom Salt comes from Originally from Epsom, Surrey, England; now manufactured worldwide and is synthesized from magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen or mined from natural deposits. Pickling Salt originates from Manufactured worldwide and is refined from rock salt or sea salt, with all additives removed.
Taste profile
Pickling salt tastes pure and salty. Epsom salt tastes extremely bitter and is unsafe as food seasoning.
Price comparison
Epsom Salt typically costs $1-5 per pound, while Pickling Salt ranges $1-3 per pound.
Our Verdict
These are not interchangeable. Pickling salt preserves and seasons food. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate for baths and gardens. Never use Epsom salt in recipes.
Best Flavor
Pickling Salt
Most Minerals
Epsom Salt
Most Versatile
Pickling Salt
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About Epsom Salt
In 1618, a farmer in Epsom, England discovered that his cows refused to drink from a certain mineral spring. The bitter water was found to have healing properties and Epsom became a spa town. The mineral was identified as magnesium sulfate and named after the town.
Best for: Bath soaks for muscle relief, Garden fertilizer, Foot soaks, Beauty treatments, Constipation relief (medical grade only).
Read full Epsom Salt guide →About Pickling Salt
Pickling salt was developed specifically for the home canning industry in the late 19th century when food preservation became important for American households. The purity standard ensures consistent results in preservation.
Best for: Pickling cucumbers, Canning vegetables, Fermenting sauerkraut, Making brines.
Read full Pickling Salt guide →Which Should You Buy?
Choose Epsom Salt if
- You need it for bath soaks for muscle relief
- You need it for garden fertilizer
- You need it for foot soaks
Choose Pickling Salt if
- You need it for pickling cucumbers
- You need it for canning vegetables
- You need it for fermenting sauerkraut