Using garlic salt can be one of those things we all do every day, especially because it adds flavor easily. However, not everyone likes garlic flavors, or perhaps, can’t consume as much salt. The trick, though, is knowing what to use in its place for equal results.
Garlic salt is a seasoned salt that contains dry and ground garlic, an anti-caking agent, and salt. While it is often used as a seasoning agent and a replacement for salt, it still contains sodium.
Garlic salt has been around for many years and makes a part of various dishes, including garlic chicken, onion dip, meatloaf, and more.
Like garlic, this seasoning is pungent, slightly acidic, and a bit acidic. However, the flavor of the salt also comes through.
Garlic Salt vs. Garlic Powder Difference
While both these foods contain garlic as one of the main ingredients, the difference between the two is in the rest of the things they contain.
On one hand, garlic powder is made of dry garlic that has been ground into a fine powder. However, this powder may also contain other ingredients to stabilize it and add more flavor, but salt is not always the main ingredient.
Garlic salt, on the other hand, contains dry garlic and salt in a 1:3 ratio. This means that the purpose of this seasoning is to provide the flavor of garlic while also adding salt.
Why Replace Garlic Salt, Anyway?
There are various reasons why someone may need to use another ingredient. Here are some of the most common:
Garlic Allergy: While not too common, some people suffer from an allergy to garlic. Using any product that contains traces of garlic will result in an allergic reaction, which could be severe.
Low-Sodium Diet: Since this seasoning contains salt, then it may not be appropriate for them to eat or use garlic salt.
Flavor: Not everyone likes the taste of garlic, which means that garlic salt is also not going to be appropriate.
What Can I Replace Garlic Salt With?
If you want a healthier choice or want to change the flavors in your recipe, then these options are great for you:
Best For Baking, Bread, and Cooking
#1. Minced Garlic and Salt
If you are looking to replace garlic salt but you want the flavor of garlic to remain, then using minced garlic and salt is a good idea.
You should try to use ½ teaspoon of minced garlic and ¼ teaspoon of salt in place for ½ teaspoon of garlic salt. Use this mix when you bake things like bread or bagels, and in cooking anything you want.
Keep in mind that using minced garlic means that the aroma will also be stronger, and that can change the way your end product smells. Also, some people find minced garlic to be too pungent, so try not to add too much.
Since garlic powder contains dry and ground garlic as the main ingredient, it makes sense to use it as a substitution for garlic salt.
Use the same amount as you would garlic salt, but then add a pinch of salt to whatever you are preparing and mix well. This choice will work every time in cooking and baking anything you want.
Make sure to check the label of your garlic powder seasoning, as some manufacturers add salt to it, and you don’t want to overdo it. This choice is slightly darker in color, but it shouldn’t change your final dish.
While not an ideal substitute, you can use garlic juice and salt to replace garlic salt. Garlic juice is not very common but you can sometimes find it in grocery stores or use the remaining juice from your minced garlic.
To substitute for one teaspoon of garlic salt, use two teaspoons of garlic juice and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Garlic juice is not as pungent and strong as regular garlic is, so you may want to add more as you taste. You should also remember that garlic juice has a stronger aroma as well.
Best For High Blood Pressure, Diabetics, and Kidney Disease
#4. Onion Powder
If you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease, then garlic salt may not be a choice for you. Instead, you can try using onion powder, which is just dry and ground onion. While some onion powder seasonings have salt, the amount shouldn’t be too high.
You can use onion powder in cooking stews, sauces, dips, and baking bread, pretzels, and bagels. Use the same amount of onion powder as you would garlic salt.
Using mustard powder can be a great choice when you need to reduce your sodium consumption. This seasoning is a bit spicy, slightly pungent, and a bit earthy, which can work well in place of garlic.
Use mustard powder if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease.
To substitute one teaspoon of garlic salt, use ½ teaspoon of mustard powder. Mustard is yellow in color, and mustard powder has a light yellow color as well, so it may change the final color of your dish.
#6. Garlic Flakes
Though garlic flakes don’t have a strong flavor, they can be a good addition when you can’t use salt. You can find these flakes in most produce sections or organic markets. If you prefer, you can mix some of the garlic flakes with onion powder for more pungency.
We suggest you use about double the amount of garlic flakes since the flavor won’t be the same. Keep in mind too that this choice will add a bit of crunch to your meal.
FAQs
How do you make garlic salt from scratch?
To prepare homemade garlic salt, all you need is three parts salt and one part garlic. You can use powdered garlic and Kosher salt. Mix well to make sure the ingredients are blended and store in an airtight container.
How much garlic salt equals a clove?
One clove of garlic is about ½ teaspoon of garlic salt. However, the flavor in garlic salt is more salty and concentrated than fresh garlic.
Is garlic salt better than regular salt?
While you may use a bit less salt if you use garlic salt instead of table salt, you are still adding sodium to your meal. It is best to always measure the amount you use, especially when you are on a sodium-restricted diet. If you need to avoid salt, use garlic powder instead.
Conclusion
When you can’t find fresh garlic or need something quick, using garlic salt can solve the problem. Still, not everyone likes the flavor or wants the extra sodium. Whatever is the reason, these six alternatives work wonders in your meals.
Juliana has a BA in Journalism and Creative Writing as well as a M.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences. She loves traveling, trying new foods, and cooking. When she isn’t busy working, you can find her running with her dog Milo or reading a book in the sun.
