Saltbush vs Sea Salt: What’s the Difference?
Saltbush has become one of Australia’s most versatile native seasonings, but many people still wonder how it compares to everyday sea salt. Both bring flavour to food, yet they work very differently in the kitchen. Understanding those differences helps you choose the right seasoning for simple, everyday meals.
Grab your jar by clicking the link here: Dried Saltbush (Atriplex Nummularia)
Understanding Saltbush
Saltbush comes from the leaves of Atriplex nummularia, a hardy Australian plant known for thriving in dry, salty soils. When dried and ground, the leaves create a soft, earthy seasoning with a gentle, savoury saltiness. It’s flavourful without being sharp or overpowering, which makes it ideal for adding depth to meats, veggies, roasts, chips, and BBQ cooking.
Saltbush works as a natural low-sodium alternative because it delivers a salty taste with far less actual salt content. This makes it a good option for people wanting to reduce sodium without losing flavour.
Understanding Sea Salt
Sea salt is produced by evaporating seawater. It’s clean, sharp, mineral-rich, and noticeably stronger than Saltbush. Sea salt seasons instantly — a small amount can change a dish fast — and it’s the standard seasoning for almost all cooking. The texture ranges from flaky to fine, depending on how it’s processed.
Sea salt doesn’t provide any herb or savoury note. Its role is simple: enhance flavour and increase salinity.
Flavour Differences
Saltbush: Mild, savoury, earthy, slightly salty, soft on the palate.
Sea Salt: Strong, clean, sharp, high in salinity.
Saltbush adds flavour and seasoning. Sea salt provides only saltiness.
When to Use Each
Use Saltbush when you want:
A savoury flavour boost
A softer, more rounded saltiness
A seasoning that won’t overpower veggies or meats
Low-sodium cooking
A distinctly Australian native profile
Use Sea Salt when you want:
Clean, strong salinity
Quick seasoning for frying, boiling, or baking
A reliable, everyday base for cooking
Many people now blend Saltbush with sea salt to get the best of both — the flavour complexity of native herbs and the reliability of sea salt.
Check out our blend by clicking the link here: Bush Salt (with Saltbush)
Everyday Cooking Examples
Steak & BBQ meats: Saltbush gives a fuller, savoury coating. Sea salt adds crispness.
Chips & wedges: Saltbush adds flavour; sea salt adds punch.
Veggies & roasts: Saltbush works particularly well on potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, and greens.
Seafood: Sea salt is classic, but Saltbush brings a gentle herb note that pairs well with white fish.
Learn what Does Saltbush Taste Like? by clicking here!
A Native Alternative Worth Using
Saltbush isn’t meant to replace sea salt entirely — it simply brings something different to the table. Sea salt gives you strong salinity. Saltbush gives you flavour, depth, and a unique Australian touch. Together or alone, each has a place in everyday home cooking.
