Rock salt always seems to pop up in the most unexpected recipes, right? We’ve definitely had those moments where we’re reaching for it, only to find we’re completely out.
It’s frustrating, but luckily, there are great alternatives that work just as well. We’ve tried swapping it out plenty of times, and guess what—it’s a lifesaver.
Whether we’re making ice cream or seasoning something just right, substitutes have saved us more than once. Here’s a short list to keep things simple and stress-free next time you’re stuck without rock salt.
4 Easy Substitutes for Rock Salt
Here are 4 simple, everyday alternatives to rock salt that you’ll probably have on hand:
1 – Kosher Salt
You’ll never believe how easy it is to swap rock salt with kosher salt. Kosher salt has a similar coarse texture, making it an ideal substitute for many dishes. You just need to use it differently. Since kosher salt is less dense, you’ll need more of it—use about 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt for every teaspoon of rock salt.
It’s great for seasoning or even making brines. The larger grains dissolve slower, which can work in your favor for curing or slow-cooking recipes. Kosher salt is widely available and super versatile, too. Feel free to keep a box handy for moments like these.
If this catches your interest, check out our kosher salt substitutes guide for even more ideas and options.
2 – Table Salt
For most recipes, table salt can do the job instead of rock salt. It’s denser than kosher or sea salt, so use about half the amount your recipe calls for.
Other than that, it works almost just the same as rock salt—especially in cooking situations where you just need a little bit to round out flavors.
Just remember that because it’s more condensed, table salt has a stronger taste and might affect your dish if used excessively.
3 – Sea Salt
If you’re looking for a more natural alternative, sea salt makes a great substitute for rock salt. It has a similar texture and flavor profile, so it can easily be used in recipes that call for rock salt. Sea salt is harvested from evaporated seawater, which often gives it a more nuanced flavor due to its trace minerals, such as magnesium and potassium. This can add a subtle complexity to your dishes that rock salt may lack.
Just remember to use it sparingly, as sea salt is slightly more potent than rock salt. Depending on the type of sea salt you have—such as fine, coarse, or flaky—you may need to adjust the amount used in your recipe. For example, fine sea salt dissolves quickly and is more concentrated, while coarse or flaky varieties may require slightly more to achieve the same level of seasoning. Always taste and adjust as needed!
4 – Himalayan Pink Salt
This one substitute will save your recipe. Himalayan pink salt feels fancy, but it’s basically salt with a makeover. It’s mined from ancient salt deposits and gets its pink color from trace minerals like iron.
It’s less salty than regular table salt, so you might need to use a bit more. The general rule? Use 1 ½ teaspoons of Himalayan pink salt for every teaspoon of rock salt. Its texture varies—fine to coarse—so be sure to adjust based on what you’re making.
It works well for curing, seasoning, or even as a finishing touch. The subtle mineral taste adds a mild twist to your dish, but nothing overpowering. Like sea salt, it dissolves slower, so it’s great for rubs and marinades.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.