Sel de mer

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Sel de mer healthy?

Sel de mer scores 68/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This sea salt product contains beneficial minerals and is minimally processed, which is positive for health.

How processed is Sel de mer?

Sel de mer is NOVA Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients.

Which ingredients drive Sel de mer's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sea salt, Magnesium carbonate count in its favor; E535 is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Sel de mer

La Baleine
68 Fair

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Salins
Category Condiments
Summary

This sea salt product contains beneficial minerals and is minimally processed, which is positive for health. However, the inclusion of E535 as an anti-caking agent introduces a synthetic additive, which slightly detracts from its overall purity and quality. Despite this, the product remains a relatively clean option within its category.

Key ingredients 5

Sea salt
Good

Sea salt is a minimally processed, natural source of sodium and trace minerals. It is harvested from evaporated seawater and retains beneficial minerals like magnesium and potassium. Compared to refined table salt, it offers a more complex flavor and potential health benefits.

Risks

Excessive consumption of sodium can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Provides essential minerals and electrolytes that support hydration and nerve function.

See more about Sea salt →
Magnesium carbonate
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Helps maintain the free-flowing nature of salt, ensuring ease of use.

See more about Magnesium carbonate →
Potassium fluoride
Neutral

Potassium fluoride is used to provide fluoride, which can help in dental health by preventing tooth decay. It is a compound that combines potassium and fluoride ions. While beneficial for dental health, it must be consumed in appropriate amounts to avoid toxicity.

Risks

Excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis.

Benefits

Helps in the prevention of dental cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.

Sodium iodide
Neutral

Sodium iodide is added to provide iodine, an essential nutrient for thyroid function. It is a salt of sodium and iodine, commonly used to prevent iodine deficiency. Adequate iodine intake is crucial for the production of thyroid hormones.

Risks

Excessive iodine intake can disrupt thyroid function and lead to health issues.

Benefits

Supports thyroid health and helps prevent iodine deficiency disorders.

E535
Bad

E535, or sodium ferrocyanide, is used as an anti-caking agent in salt. It is a synthetic additive that prevents clumping but does not provide nutritional benefits. Concerns exist about its safety at high levels, although it is generally considered safe in regulated amounts.

Risks

Potential health concerns arise if consumed in large quantities, though typical usage levels are considered safe.

Processing

Group 2 · Culinary ingredients

Processed Culinary Ingredients

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