Chilean Salt
What is Chilean Salt?
Chilean salt, also known as Chilean nitrate or sodium nitrate, is a naturally occurring mineral salt found in arid regions, particularly in Chile. It is extracted from caliche ore deposits and refined for use in various applications, including food preservation.
Is Chilean Salt vegan?
Chilean Salt is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Chilean Salt gluten-free?
It is not a source of gluten.
Is Chilean Salt a major allergen?
Chilean salt is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Chilean Salt used for?
In processed meats, Chilean salt acts as a preservative and colour fixative, helping to maintain the pinkish-red hue and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum.
Is Chilean Salt safe?
Sodium nitrate is authorised as a food additive in the UK and European Union.
Why it's used
In processed meats, Chilean salt acts as a preservative and colour fixative, helping to maintain the pinkish-red hue and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum. It is also used to impart a characteristic cured flavour.
Health notes
Sodium nitrate is authorised as a food additive in the UK and European Union. Concerns have been raised about the potential formation of nitrosamines, which are classified by the WHO/IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans, when nitrates are heated or consumed in large quantities. However, regulatory bodies consider the levels typically found in cured meats to be safe.
Allergen info
Chilean salt is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not a source of gluten.
Foods that contain Chilean Salt
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