If you’ve been following us here at BHG or watching cooking shows hosted by experts like Ina Garten or Julia Child, you’ve likely heard advice on the importance of freshness when it comes to dried herbs and spices. It’s recommended to replace these seasonings annually for optimal flavor and aroma. But what about salt, a staple in every spice cabinet? Besides being a key seasoning ingredient, salt also has numerous other uses such as balancing flavors, preserving food, tenderizing meat, aiding in browning, and more. So, does salt go bad? Keep reading to explore the shelf life of salt, the best storage practices, and signs indicating when it’s time to replenish your supply.
Expert Insights:
Sarah Brekke, M.S., Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen brand manager
Donald Schaffner, Ph.D., professor of food microbiology and extension specialist at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey
Does Salt Have an Expiry Date?
Salt, composed of sodium chloride (NaCl), essentially remains sodium chloride and doesn’t spoil, according to Donald Schaffner, Ph.D. However, pure salt may clump or harden over time, and salt with added ingredients can deteriorate in quality, as noted by Sarah Brekke. Different types of salts may have a “best by” date due to factors like anti-caking agents losing effectiveness, iodine dissipating, or flavor alterations occurring over time. While there’s no specific safety-related expiration date for salt, the indicated “best by” date serves as a guideline.
Storage Recommendations:
To maintain the freshness of salt, store it in a cool, dry, dark place away from heat and moisture. Placing it in a kitchen cabinet or pantry will help prevent clumping and preserve any additives in the salt.
Identifying Spoilage:
Unlike perishable foods that display obvious signs of spoilage, salt aging is more subtle. Even if you use “expired” salt, it won’t harm you, but it might become clumpy and challenging to measure or sprinkle. If your salt appears clumped or loses flavor, it may be time to consider replacing it.
Remember to label the date when you open a salt container for easy tracking of its age. By following these tips, you can ensure your salt remains fresh and effective for its intended uses.
“Iodine can degrade, like Brekke mentions. But don’t worry, you don’t have to throw it away just yet. If it still tastes fine, simply shake or tap the package to break up any clumps you see. And perhaps think about restocking your salt soon. Interested in learning more about kosher salt and when to use it? Check out the full article on Better Homes & Gardens.”
