Best Himalayan pink salt for a gourmet twist to your cooking

Millions consider salt to be an everyday thing, but a blush-coloured relative newcomer to the British culinary scene has been shaking things up. 

Himalayan pink salt is mined mainly from the enormous Khewra Salt Mine in the Pakistani-Punjab foothills of the mountain range, believed to have been deposited from ancient oceans that once swirled there. The distinctive rose-coloured salt contains mineral deposits, which some wellness advocates believe have health benefits.

It's important to note that the mineral content is quite low and in blind taste tests, you can hardly tell Himalayan apart from regular salt. Still, there's no denying those pretty pink crystals are visually appealing, especially if you're looking for a way to add cheffy flair to a special meal. 

Those aesthetics come at a price. Himalayan pink salt costs more than its plain white counterpart, making it out as a gourmet ingredient for keen home cooks or anyone trying to jazz up a Deliveroo.

The good news is that if you've fallen for its colour and the romantic vision of it being chiselled off Everest itself, Himalayan pink salt has broken free of specialist shops and is now available in practically every supermarket aisle up and down the country.

From coarse crystals to GIY (that's grind it yourself) at home to options that already come with a salt-crushing top and wholesale sacks to ensure your supply won’t run out in a hurry, we've rounded up the best Himalayan pink salt to get your hands on below.

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Maldon Himalayan Pink Salt

When it comes to posh salt, Maldon is a name that's on the tip of anyone's tongue. The salt specialists have been doing their thing since 1882 and have branched out into speciality varieties like this Himalayan pink salt. Part of the Selected By range, the course crystals have been mined from Himalayan foothills and come in boxes as well as catering tubs.

Buy now £2.65, Amazon

Waitrose Cooks' Ingredients Blush Himalayan Salt

Trust Waitrose to put a gourmet salt in its own brand Cooks' Ingredients range. The seasoning, which takes rock salt crystal from the southern Himalayas, comes in a grinder-topped bottle so there's no need to decant if you don't have a suitable vessel. Use sparingly on finished plates for a delicate floral flavour.

Buy now £3.00, Waitrose

Silk Route Spice Company Himalayan Pink Salt Giant Spice Grinder 

Using pink salt harvested from salt mines, these crystals offered by the Silk Route Spice Company are full of minerals including potassium, iron and magnesium, all needed for healthy bodies. Salt is presented in a grinder bottle, making it easy to transform into a palatable texture on demand.

Buy now £7.99, Amazon

Profusion Himalayan Rose Pink Crystal Salt 140g

Mined from the foothills of the mighty mountain range in Pakistan, this pink salt can be used for cooking and relaxing - just sprinkle some into your next bath for a relaxing soak.

Buy now £2.99, Holland & Barrett

Fortnums Himalayan Pink Rock Salt, 100g Tin

The prized rock salt dressed up in Fortnums' fine packaging, this tin is made to delight whether you're treating yourself or buying for someone else. Prise off the lid to find 100g of rose pink crystals, ready for the pestle and mortar or a grinder.

Buy now £4.95, Fortnums

M&S Collection Himalayan Pink Rock Salt

It's posh salt, so of course, Marks & Sparks has a hand in the game. It presents its Himalayan pink rock salt simply - but that's no bad thing. It makes it much easier to spot in crowded cupboards.

Buy now £2.50, Ocado

Organic Wonders Pure Pink Himalayan Salt (Coarse) 1kg

If you’re in a position to bulk buy, this 1kg bag of pink Himalayan salt will last for ages. The pouch comes with a bottle top to facilitate decanting into your preferred vessel, grinder or salt pig. The crystals are quite large so use them in moderation if you’re throwing them into dishes.

Buy now £7.99, Amazon

Pak Salt Mines Pure Himalayan Pink Salt (Fine) 1kg

You'll get months of pink salt with this bumper 1kg bag which comes with a nozzle for easy decanting into your favourite salt shaker. The pure product is brimming with minerals like potassium, iron and magnesium and can be used in the bath as well as the kitchen, adding to its versatility.

Buy now £6.95, Amazon