Diet Ratings
Zero carbs, zero calories. Essential electrolyte for keto, especially important during adaptation phase to prevent deficiency.
Mineral product from evaporated seawater with no animal ingredients or derivatives. Fully vegan-compliant.
Salt is debated in paleo. Cordain's original protocol excluded added salt, arguing Paleolithic humans consumed minimal sodium. However, modern paleo practitioners widely accept sea salt in moderation, viewing it as a natural mineral source.
Strict Cordain-school paleo excludes added salt entirely, arguing Paleolithic diets were naturally low-sodium. Mark Sisson and most modern paleo practitioners accept sea salt as a natural mineral source in reasonable quantities.
Minimally processed salt acceptable for seasoning, but sodium intake should be moderated. Mediterranean diet emphasizes herbs and spices for flavor over salt. Use sparingly.
Mineral-derived seasoning from evaporated seawater. Universally approved across all carnivore protocols including the strictest 'Lion Diet' (ruminant meat, salt, water). Essential for electrolyte balance and flavor. Minimally processed mineral product.
Sea salt is an approved seasoning on Whole30. Salt, including iodized salt with dextrose, is explicitly permitted as a compliant ingredient.
Sea salt is pure sodium chloride with no carbohydrates or FODMAPs. It is a safe seasoning at any quantity during the elimination phase. Monash rates all salt varieties as low-FODMAP. Sea salt is chemically identical to table salt and contains no fructans, GOS, lactose, or polyols.
Pure sodium chloride. DASH limits sodium to <2,300mg/day (standard) or <1,500mg/day (low-sodium). Sea salt has identical sodium content to table salt (~2,300mg per teaspoon). No nutritional advantage.
Sea salt is essentially pure sodium chloride with zero macronutrients. Does not affect Zone ratios. Useful for flavoring without caloric impact. No portion restriction from a Zone perspective (though general health guidelines suggest moderation for sodium intake).
Sea salt is sodium chloride with trace minerals. While it contains no inflammatory compounds, excessive sodium intake is associated with increased blood pressure and inflammatory markers. Anti-inflammatory frameworks do not restrict salt per se, but recommend moderation. Sea salt is neutral when used in appropriate amounts.
Zero calories, zero sugar, zero fat. Enhances flavor of lean proteins and vegetables without triggering GI distress. Supports electrolyte balance (important for GLP-1 patients with reduced thirst and increased fluid loss). No nutritional downside in normal culinary amounts.
Controversy Index
Score range: 1–10/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.