Get Free Standard Shipping on orders of $30 or more (details here).

Best Unrefined Salts for Fermenting and Pickling

Best Salts Suitable for Fermenting

When it comes to fermenting, choosing the right salt is essential. The salt should be unrefined, free from chemical treatments, and contain natural trace minerals to support the fermentation process without introducing unwanted additives. Below are carefully selected Real Salt products that meet these criteria and are ideal for fermenting, pickling, and other culinary uses.

Real Salt Kosher Pouch

This unrefined kosher sea salt is prized for its medium-sized grains, which are slightly larger than fine salt. It contains over 60 naturally-occurring trace minerals and is never chemically treated, making it a natural choice for fermenting. Its grain size is perfect for pinching and tossing, which is why chefs favor it for seasoning meat and vegetables alike. Beyond fermenting, it enhances the flavor of edamame and margaritas.
  • Unrefined with 60+ trace minerals
  • Medium grain size ideal for fermenting and pickling
  • Helps draw out proteins for better caramelization in meats
  • Comes in a convenient 16 oz refill pouch

Real Salt® Fine Bulk (25 lb.)

For those who want a versatile, everyday salt that also excels in fermenting, this fine-grain salt is an excellent option. It is unrefined and packed with natural minerals, just as nature intended. Its fine grains dissolve easily, making it suitable for boiling water, baking, and seasoning, as well as fermenting and pickling.
  • Large 25 lb. bulk bag for long-term use
  • Fine grains perfect for even seasoning and dissolving
  • Contains 60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals
  • Never processed or chemically treated
  • Ideal for fermenting, pickling, and baking

Real Salt Kosher 25 lb Bag

If you prefer kosher salt for fermenting in bulk, this 25 lb. bag offers medium-sized grains that are perfect for drawing out moisture and enhancing flavors during fermentation. Like all Real Salt products, it is unrefined and rich in natural minerals, ensuring purity and quality.
  • Bulk 25 lb. bag for extended kitchen use
  • Medium grain size suited for fermenting and seasoning
  • Contains 60+ trace minerals, unprocessed and chemical-free
  • Great for canning, pickling, and fermenting
  • Natural clumping may occur; storage tips recommended

Real Salt Kosher Shaker

This 10 oz. refillable shaker contains the same unrefined kosher salt with medium grains, making it a handy option for everyday use and fermenting small batches. Its portability and ease of use make it convenient for seasoning and fermenting on the go or in smaller quantities.
  • Refillable 10 oz. shaker for convenience
  • Medium grain kosher salt, unrefined and mineral-rich
  • Perfect for pinching, tossing, and fermenting
  • Great for seasoning meat, veggies, and pickling

Real Salt® Fine Bulk Bag-Bucket Bundle (10 lb. Bag + Empty 1 Gallon Bucket)

This bundle is ideal for those who want to store their fine Real Salt properly while enjoying the benefits of unrefined salt for fermenting. The 10 lb. fine salt bag is complemented by a food-grade, BPA-free plastic bucket with a lid, perfect for keeping salt fresh and dry.
  • 10 lb. fine grain salt, unrefined and mineral-rich
  • Includes a reusable, food-grade, BPA-free 1-gallon bucket with lid
  • Great for fermenting, baking, and everyday seasoning
  • Comes with three Real Salt stickers for personalization

Real Salt Popcorn Salt Pouch

For superfine salt needs, especially in pickling and fermenting delicate recipes, this popcorn salt offers the smallest grain size. It clings well to foods and dissolves quickly, making it excellent for sauces, dips, and pickling solutions.
  • Superfine salt powder, unrefined with 60+ trace minerals
  • Perfect for pickling, sauces, dips, and personal care uses
  • Highly concentrated; a little salt goes a long way
  • Comes in a 10 oz. pouch for easy storage

Why Choose Real Salt for Fermenting?

Real Salt products are all unrefined and contain a rich blend of over 60 naturally-occurring trace minerals. This natural mineral content supports fermentation by providing essential nutrients without the interference of additives or chemical treatments. Whether you prefer fine, kosher, or superfine grains, Real Salt offers options tailored to your fermenting and culinary needs.
Using unrefined salt like Real Salt ensures your fermented foods develop authentic flavors and maintain their natural health benefits.

Enhance your fermenting experience with Real Salt’s natural, mineral-rich salts designed for purity and flavor.
Feature / ProductReal Salt Kosher Pouch (16 oz)Real Salt® Fine Bulk (25 lb.)Real Salt Kosher 25 lb BagReal Salt Kosher Shaker (10 oz)Real Salt® Fine Bulk Bag-Bucket Bundle (10 lb + Bucket)Real Salt Popcorn Salt Pouch (10 oz)
TypeKosher SaltFine SaltKosher SaltKosher SaltFine SaltSalt Powder
Grain SizeMediumSmallMediumMediumSmallSuperfine powder
Weight / Size16 oz25 lb25 lb10 oz10 lb bag + 1 gallon bucket10 oz
Price (USD)9.99114.99114.997.2962.998.69
Description HighlightsUnrefined, 60+ trace minerals, best for seasoning meat, veggies, edamame, margaritas, refill pouch, great for canning, pickling, fermentingUnrefined, 60+ trace minerals, most popular grain size, everyday table salt, great for boiling, seasoning, baking, canning, pickling, fermentingUnrefined, 60+ trace minerals, best for seasoning meat, veggies, edamame, margaritas, large 25 lb bag, great for canning, pickling, fermentingUnrefined, 60+ trace minerals, best for seasoning meat, veggies, edamame, margaritas, refillable shaker, great for canning, pickling, fermenting10 lb fine salt bag plus empty food-grade BPA-free 1 gallon bucket with lid, reusable storage, includes stickersUnrefined, 60+ trace minerals, superfine powder sticks to popcorn, great for sauces, dips, pickling, very concentrated
Best UsesSeasoning meat, veggies, edamame, margaritas, canning, pickling, fermentingEveryday seasoning, boiling water, baking, canning, pickling, fermentingSeasoning meat, veggies, edamame, margaritas, canning, pickling, fermentingSeasoning meat, veggies, edamame, margaritas, canning, pickling, fermentingEveryday seasoning, baking, storage bucket for saltPopcorn seasoning, sauces, dips, pickling, personal care products
ProcessingUnrefined, never processed or chemically treatedUnrefined, never processed or chemically treatedUnrefined, never processed or chemically treatedUnrefined, never processed or chemically treatedUnrefined, never processed or chemically treatedUnrefined, never processed or chemically treated
Mineral Content60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals
Packaging TypeRefill pouch25 lb bag25 lb bagRefillable shaker (10 oz)10 lb bag + empty plastic gallon bucket with lid10 oz pouch
Additional FeaturesMedium grains, helps cook meat to perfection, perfect for pinching and tossingSmall grains, natural clumping may occur, salt never expiresMedium grains, natural clumping may occur, salt never expiresMedium grains, refillable containerFood-grade, BPA-free bucket, reusable storageVery concentrated, smallest grain size, sticks well to popcorn
Customer Rating (Stars / Reviews)4.9 / 2254.9 / 2594.5 / 474.9 / 624.8 / 2014.8 / 89
What are the benefits of using unrefined salt for fermenting?Can you explain the difference between kosher salt and fine salt for fermenting?Do you have any discounts available for bulk purchases?