Epsom Salt vs Volcanic Salt: Which Salt Is Better?
Choosing between Epsom Salt and Volcanic Salt depends on your cooking style, flavor preferences, and intended use. This comparison breaks down every difference so you can make an informed decision. We analyze origin, mineral content, taste profile, grain options, price, and best applications for each salt.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Epsom Salt | Volcanic Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Originally from Epsom, Surrey, England; now manufactured worldwide | Various volcanic regions (Hawaii, Iceland, Mediterranean) |
| Color | White, translucent crystals | Black to dark grey |
| Type | Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (not sodium chloride) | Sea salt infused with volcanic minerals or activated volcanic charcoal |
| Harvest Method | Synthesized from magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen or mined from natural deposits | Sea salt combined with volcanic charcoal or harvested from volcanic regions |
| Taste | Extremely bitter. Not used as a food seasoning. | Mild salt with subtle earthy, mineral notes from volcanic origin. Slightly smoky undertones. |
| Grain Sizes | Fine, Medium crystals, Coarse crystals | Coarse, Medium |
| Price Range | $1-5 per pound | $8-18 per pound |
| Best For | Bath soaks for muscle relief, Garden fertilizer, Foot soaks, Beauty treatments, Constipation relief (medical grade only) | Finishing grilled meats, Dramatic presentation, BBQ, Tropical dishes |
| Trace Minerals | 3+ | 40+ |
| Sodium (g/100g) | N/A | 37 |
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. Volcanic Salt originates from Various volcanic regions (Hawaii, Iceland, Mediterranean) and is sea salt combined with volcanic charcoal or harvested from volcanic regions.
Taste Profile
Epsom Salt: Extremely bitter. Not used as a food seasoning. Volcanic Salt: Mild salt with subtle earthy, mineral notes from volcanic origin. Slightly smoky undertones.
Price Comparison
Epsom Salt typically costs $1-5 per pound, while Volcanic Salt ranges $8-18 per pound.
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 Volcanic Salt
Volcanic salts have emerged from regions where volcanism and ocean meet. In Hawaii, the tradition of incorporating volcanic elements into salt dates back centuries with alaea clay. Modern volcanic salts extend this concept with activated charcoal from volcanic coconut shells, Icelandic lava salt from geothermal brine, and Mediterranean varieties from volcanic islands like Sicily and Santorini.
Best for: Finishing grilled meats, Dramatic presentation, BBQ, Tropical dishes.
Read full Volcanic 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
- +You prefer extremely bitter
Choose Volcanic Salt if:
- +You need it for finishing grilled meats
- +You need it for dramatic presentation
- +You need it for bbq
- +You prefer mild salt with subtle earthy, mineral notes from volcanic origin