When it comes to Himalayan salt, you must know that there’s way more than it’s striking appearance or delicate taste. While its soft pink glow and mineral-rich profile are widely admired, many people don’t realise that Himalayan salt comes in different grades, and not all grades are used for same purpose each of them are suited to a particular purpose.
Whether you’re a gourmet chef, a wellness enthusiast, or a wholesaler looking to stock the best products, knowing how to choose the right grade is abdsolutely essential. Let’s explore what sets these salt grades apart—and help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
What Exactly Are Salt Grades?
Let us first understand what we mean by grades. In simple terms, “grade” refers to the quality and intended use of the salt. That is, which grade is used for which purpose. Himalayan salt is generally classified into three main grades:
- Edible (Food) Grade
- Industrial Grade
- Therapeutic/Cosmetic Grade
Each serves a different purpose, and each has variations in processing, cleanliness, and application. So let’s break it down, shall we?
1. Edible (Food) Grade Himalayan Salt:
This is the salt that is used most and when we talk about salt the first thing that comes in our mind is that it would be edible. You’ll find this salt in gourmet kitchens, health food shops, and premium grinders. And of course, as we told earlier that each grade has different processing, so this edible-grade Himalayan salt is thoroughly washed, sorted, and processed under strict hygiene standards. This type of processing helps in retaining natural trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which give it that signature pink hue and subtle earthy flavour.
Best For:
Edible grade of Himalayan salt is best for following purposes:
- Cooking and seasoning
- Table salt replacement
- Preserving food (e.g., curing meats or fermenting)
Look For:
You need to look for following things while purchasing edible Himalayan salt
- Certification for food safety (e.g., ISO, HACCP)
- Fine, coarse, or rock chunks based on your use
- No additives or anti-caking agents
Interactive Tip:
Do you prefer a strong mineral flavour or something more subtle? Coarser crystals tend to have a punchier presence, while finely ground salt blends in smoothly.
2. Industrial Grade Himalayan Salt:
As the name shows that this grade is not for consumption. Industrial Himalayan salt is typically used in bulk applications. We are less concerned about it’s purity as it is not used for eating purposes. It’s ideal for industries that need salt for non-edible functions such as road de-icing, water softening, and livestock feed.
Best For:
- Water treatment plants
- Road gritting during winter
- Animal licks and feed supplements
Look For:
- Large quantities at lower cost
- Bulk packaging
- No need for refined appearance or purity
3. Therapeutic & Cosmetic Grade Himalayan Salt:
This type of salt is specifically selected and prepared for use in wellness products and personal care treatments. It’s still natural, but it’s processing requires extra care to avoid contaminants that could irritate skin or interfere with therapeutic effects.
Best For:
- Bath salts and scrubs
- Inhalers and salt therapy (halotherapy)
- Spa treatments and skin care
Look For:
- Medium to fine crystals (for dissolving in water)
- No synthetic additives or dyes
- Often labelled as “cosmetic” or “spa” grade
Try This At Home:
Mix 1 cup of therapeutic-grade Himalayan salt with coconut oil and lavender essential oil for a luxurious homemade body scrub.
How Can You Tell the Difference?
Here are a few simple ways to tell what you’re working with:
| Feature | Edible Grade | Industrial Grade | Cosmetic Grade |
| Purity | High | Low to moderate | High |
| Hygiene Standards | Food-safe certified | Not required | Cosmetic-safe standards |
| Colour | Light to deep pink | Dull or mixed colours | Soft, uniform pink |
| Texture | Ground or crystals | Large rough chunks | Fine to medium grain |
| Use | Food & culinary | Industrial processes | Skincare & wellness |
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Grade?
Let’s say you mistakenly use industrial-grade salt in your cooking (please don’t!). It may contain impurities not meant for ingestion.
On the flip side, using food-grade salt in an industrial setting can drive up costs unnecessarily. Choosing the correct grade ensures efficiency, safety, and the best experience for your end-users or customers.
Choosing the Right Grade When Buying in Bulk
If you’re purchasing Himalayan salt in large quantities—perhaps for a store, spa, or export—keep the following in mind:
- Check certifications for food or cosmetic use.
- Ask about particle size options to suit your packaging or application.
- Request lab reports or quality assurance documents from suppliers.
Need help sourcing? Many reputable exporters (like ours 😉) offer multiple grades and can tailor packaging and purity levels to suit your business needs.