Few fragments of knowledge signify one’s foray into adulthood better than knowing exactly what a salt pig is used for. The next marker of significant maturity is the desire to own one.
Whether it be posh Maldon, classic kosher or bog-standard table salt, there’s nothing more sophisticated than housing the culinary essential in a chic earthenware vessel complete with a matching spoon.
The porcine salt jars don’t have much to do with actual pigs, so your kosher salt will certainly remain kosher should you choose to purchase one. Though some have suggested it is the snout-like opening of salt pigs which resulted in their charming name, etymologists have traced the noun ‘pig’ as a common reference to earthenware pots and jars within old Scottish dialects.
Jar, tower, cellar, pig or pot, the purpose of these salty vessels remains the same: to prevent moisture-ridden salt from clumps that would render it unusable. Though particularly useful for humid kitchens thanks to the temperature-regulating earthenware, salt pigs additionally serve as a stylish culinary accessory which makes quick seasoning and salting to taste easier than ever in fast-paced kitchens.
From the infamous and highly coveted 1980s Lenox Spice Village which has captured the hearts of vintage collectors over in the USA to ostentatiously large and opulent pepper grinders which are popular over in Italy, the vessels which house our frequently used, quotidian spices are surprisingly significant accessories in design-led households.
Yet salt pigs seem to have flown under the radar within the world of culinary accessories. This is likely since they are rendered most useful in kitchens which bear the brunt of significantly more sticky and humid environments than those in the UK. That is, unless Gordon Ramsay is present.
We’ve curated a selection of the best salt pigs to elevate your kitchen set-up below. Keep scrolling to stay salty.
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Le Creuset Stoneware Salt Pig
No one does stoneware quite like Le Creuset. Ultra-strong, chip and scratch-resistant, the homeware manufacturers are known for producing incredibly chic, French-inspired kitchen accessories for contemporary cooks. Though the range is often available in a wide variety of signature colours, you simply can’t go wrong with the classic volcanic orange hue for your brand-new salt pig.
Buy now £35.50, Amazon
Cornish Sea Salt Company Large Salt Pig
One of the chicest salt pigs we’ve ever come across, this ceramic vessel by Cornish Sea Salt Co. has a distinctly luxurious, Bulgari-inspired aesthetic. Featuring a shiny, ocean-blue finish on the inside, this salt pig is handmade in Cornwall just a stone’s throw away from the company’s Salt House.
Buy now £59.00, Cornish Sea Salt Company
Handmade Ceramic Salt Pig Monster
We challenge you to glance momentarily at this charming salt pig monster without cracking a smile. That’s right, it’s an impossible task. This ceramic vessel has been handcrafted by US-based small business Muddy Heart. Available in a myriad of colours for you to choose from, this salt pig monster holds approximately a quarter cup of salt and his silly tongue serves as the matching spoon.
Buy now £119.15, Etsy
Italian Salt Jar
Though this salt jar may be pricey, it’s because each vessel in the collection has been handmade in Deruta, Italy by a skilled artisan. The central Italian town is known for its unique ceramics featuring delightfully colourful hand-painted designs, and this salt pig is an exemplary representation of the age-old Maiolica pottery which first became popular throughout the Renaissance.
Buy now £142.73, Etsy
Handmade Ceramic Salt Pig
Handmade in a small factory in Stoke-on-Trent, this ethereal salt pig is suited to delicate sensibilities. Unglazed on the outside to preserve the all-natural texture and aesthetic, the inside of the vessel is nevertheless glazed to make pinching and scattering salt a breeze. Available in both compact and larger sizes, the latter is equipped to hold approximately one box of Maldon salt.
Buy now £30.00, Etsy
Rick Stein Coves of Cornwall Stoneware Salt Pig Blue
Inspired by the Coves of Cornwall, this rather hungry whale provides a highly useful and accessible opening for grabbing your favourite seasoning. With its generous capacity, this salt pig is fit for any at-home chef who isn’t too keen on frequent refills.
Buy now £27.00, Debenhams
Emile Henry Salt Pig
Founded in 1850, Emile Henry is a beloved French ceramic kitchenware manufacturer hailing from Burgundy, France. Despite the brand’s storied history, this salt pig is realised in a decidedly contemporary design – one which we can’t help but think resembles the tunnels in Super Mario.
Strangely, unlike the UK-made option featured earlier, Emile Henry opts for an unglazed interior and glazed exterior. The brand says that this is to prevent salt from settling and forming a crust. For fear of reigniting ancient feuds, we’ll leave it up to you to decide which maker to trust.
Buy now £35.21, Amazon
Turquoise Salt Pot
This salt pot rather resembles an anthropomorphic droplet of ocean water, so much so that we can imagine Disney animators would find it easy to bring this piece of kitchenware to life in true Beauty and the Beast fashion. Hand-thrown in Scotland and complete with a ceramic spoon, the vessel is complete with a captivating turquoise green and blue glaze.
Buy now £25.00, Etsy
Handcrafted Wall Mountable Ceramic Salt Container
Designed to be mounted onto the kitchen wall for easier access to your precious sea salt than ever, this ceramic container is complete with a vintage-inspired wooden lid. We’re particularly fond of the salty sardine and royal blue border.
Buy now £98.30, Etsy
Green & Pink Marble Salt Pig
For a space-age chic salt pig, look no further than the unique swirling designs of Henry Holland Studio. Crafted using a 100 per cent earthenware clay slab-building technique, this piece is finished with an ultra-glossy glaze.
Buy now £135.00, Henry Holland Studio
