Are table salt and sea salt really all that different? We'll break down each salt's distinct characteristics and explain whether one is healthier than the other.

Sea salt tends to be more expensive than table salt because of how it is harvested, and some varieties (like Maldon, see below) are mostly reserved for finishing both sweet and savory dishes.

Before you start seasoning, though, you’d be wise to understand the difference between a couple of the most commonly used types of salt.

Then you can decide which type best suits your cooking needs by comparing kosher salt, sea salt and regular table salt. What is Table Salt? Table salt is a staple in kitchens around the world.

What Is Sea Salt? Sea salt is created by evaporating saltwater. It's minimally processed, which means it contains small amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron.