Table Salt vs Epsom Salt: Which Salt Is Better?
Choosing between Table Salt and Epsom 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 | Table Salt | Epsom Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Manufactured worldwide from rock salt or sea salt deposits | Originally from Epsom, Surrey, England; now manufactured worldwide |
| Color | Pure white | White, translucent crystals |
| Type | Refined, processed salt | Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (not sodium chloride) |
| Harvest Method | Mined or evaporated, then purified to 99.5%+ sodium chloride | Synthesized from magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen or mined from natural deposits |
| Taste | Sharp, one-dimensional saltiness. Can have a slight chemical or metallic aftertaste from anti-caking agents. | Extremely bitter. Not used as a food seasoning. |
| Grain Sizes | Fine uniform granules | Fine, Medium crystals, Coarse crystals |
| Price Range | $0.50-2 per pound | $1-5 per pound |
| Best For | Baking (precise measurements), Canning, Pickling, Iodine supplementation | Bath soaks for muscle relief, Garden fertilizer, Foot soaks, Beauty treatments, Constipation relief (medical grade only) |
| Trace Minerals | 2+ | 3+ |
| Sodium (g/100g) | 39.3 | N/A |
Key Differences
Origin & Harvesting
Table Salt comes from Manufactured worldwide from rock salt or sea salt deposits and is mined or evaporated, then purified to 99.5%+ sodium chloride. Epsom Salt originates from Originally from Epsom, Surrey, England; now manufactured worldwide and is synthesized from magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen or mined from natural deposits.
Taste Profile
Table Salt: Sharp, one-dimensional saltiness. Can have a slight chemical or metallic aftertaste from anti-caking agents. Epsom Salt: Extremely bitter. Not used as a food seasoning.
Price Comparison
Table Salt typically costs $0.50-2 per pound, while Epsom Salt ranges $1-5 per pound.
About Table Salt
Salt refining became industrialized in the 19th century. Iodization of table salt began in the United States in 1924 to address widespread goiter caused by iodine deficiency. Today, iodized table salt remains the most consumed salt globally and is one of the most successful public health interventions in history.
Best for: Baking (precise measurements), Canning, Pickling, Iodine supplementation.
Read full Table Salt guide →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 →Which Should You Buy?
Choose Table Salt if:
- +You need it for baking (precise measurements)
- +You need it for canning
- +You need it for pickling
- +You prefer sharp, one-dimensional saltiness
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