Types of Himalayan Salt: The Complete Guide to All 8 Varieties and Their Uses

If you have ever wondered how many types of Himalayan salt exist and which one is right for you, you are in the right place. At Himalayan Foods, we have been mining, manufacturing, and supplying Himalayan Pink Rock Salt since 1983. In over 40 years, we have worked with food manufacturers, wellness brands, spa companies, livestock farms, and industrial buyers across 80+ countries.

This guide covers every type of Himalayan salt we produce — what it is, what it is used for, who buys it, and why it matters. Whether you are a wholesale buyer, a curious consumer, or a business looking for a reliable supplier, this is the most complete salt types guide you will find.

How Many Types of Himalayan Salt Are There?

Himalayan Pink Rock Salt is one mineral — sodium chloride with 84 trace minerals — but it comes in many forms depending on how it is processed, shaped, and graded.

There are 8 main types of Himalayan salt:

1. Edible Salt (food grade)
2. Animal Lick Salt (livestock mineral blocks)
3. Salt Lamps (decorative and wellness)
4. Industrial Salt (commercial applications)
5. Bath Salt (wellness and spa)
6. Salt Candle Holders (décor and ambiance)
7. Salt Tiles (cooking surfaces and sauna walls)
8. Kitchen Salt (cooking accessories and slabs)

All types come from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, formed over 250 million years ago.

1. Edible Salt — The Most Common Type of Himalayan Salt

Edible Himalayan salt is food-grade pink salt processed for direct human consumption. It is the type most people think of when they hear “Himalayan salt.”

What are the different types of edible Himalayan salt?

• Fine grain (50–100 mesh) — ideal for baking and table use
• Medium grain (20–50 mesh) — best for everyday cooking
• Coarse grain (2–5mm crystals) — used in grinders and mills
• Crystal chunks (2–5cm) — for industrial food production
• Extra fine powder — used in processed food manufacturing

All grades are FSMS, HACCP, Halal, and Kosher certified.

Who uses edible Himalayan salt?

• Food manufacturers and processors
• Restaurants and hotels
• Retail brands and private labels
• Health food companies

2. Animal Lick Salt — The Type of Salt Livestock Need Most

Animal lick salt provides essential trace minerals for livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, and sheep.

Why is Himalayan animal lick salt better than regular salt blocks?

It is completely natural, unrefined, and free from additives. Animals naturally regulate how much they consume, preventing overuse.

Available sizes include:

• Small blocks (1–2 kg)
• Medium blocks (3–5 kg)
• Large blocks (10–25 kg)
• Loose granular salt

3. Salt Lamps — The Type of Himalayan Salt That Purifies Your Space

Himalayan salt lamps are carved salt crystals fitted with a light source, creating a warm, relaxing glow.

Types of Himalayan salt lamps

• Natural chunk lamps
• Sphere lamps
• Pyramid lamps
• Bowl lamps
• USB mini lamps
• Custom shapes

Are salt lamps effective?

While scientific evidence is still developing, they are widely used for ambiance, relaxation, and decorative purposes.

4. Industrial Salt — The Type of Salt That Powers Commerce

Industrial salt is used in large-scale commercial applications.

What is industrial salt used for?

• De-icing roads
• Water softening systems
• Chemical manufacturing
• Textile processing
• Oil and gas drilling
• Agriculture

It is typically supplied in bulk and contains 97–99% sodium chloride.

5. Bath Salt — The Type of Salt Your Skin Will Thank You For

Himalayan bath salt is used in bathing, scrubs, and spa treatments.

Benefits of Himalayan bath salt

• Helps draw out toxins
• Softens and hydrates skin
• Relieves muscle pain
• Promotes relaxation
• Balances skin pH

What type of salt is best for bath soaking?

• Coarse or medium grain for soaking
• Fine grain for scrubs

6. Salt Candle Holders — The Type of Himalayan Salt That Sets the Mood

Salt candle holders create a warm glow when used with tea lights.

Types of Himalayan salt candle holders

• Round bowl holders
• Square or rectangular designs
• Cylinder holders
• Natural shapes
• Custom carved designs

7. Salt Tiles — The Type of Himalayan Salt Built for Performance

Salt tiles are flat slabs used for cooking and interior applications.

What are Himalayan salt tiles used for?

• Cooking surfaces
• Sauna and spa walls
• Decorative wall panels

Is cooking on salt tiles healthy?

Yes, they enhance flavor while adding only a small amount of sodium.

8. Kitchen Salt — The Type of Salt for Gourmet Experiences

Kitchen salt includes salt-based cooking tools and accessories.

What is included in the Himalayan salt kitchenette range?

• Salt grinders
• Salt shot glasses
• Cooking slabs
• Salt plates
• Salt bowls

Which Type of Himalayan Salt Is Best for You?

• Cooking and eating → Edible Salt
• Bath and wellness → Bath Salt
• Livestock → Animal Lick Salt
• Décor → Salt Lamps & Candle Holders
• Sauna and cooking surfaces → Salt Tiles
• Gourmet kitchen → Kitchen Salt
• Industrial use → Industrial Salt

What Type of Salt Is the Healthiest?

Himalayan Pink Salt is considered one of the purest salts, containing natural trace minerals. However, all salt should be consumed in moderation. The recommended intake is less than 5 grams per day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Salt

What type of salt is best for you?

The best type of salt depends on your specific use. For everyday cooking and eating, Himalayan edible salt (medium or fine grain) is ideal because it is natural and minimally processed. For wellness purposes like bathing, coarse Himalayan bath salt works best. For livestock, animal lick salt blocks are recommended, while industrial salt is best suited for commercial applications. Overall, Himalayan Pink Salt is a versatile and natural option for most uses.

How many types of salt are there?

There are many types of salt available globally, including sea salt, table salt, kosher salt, and Himalayan salt. Specifically, Himalayan salt is available in 8 main types: edible salt, animal lick salt, salt lamps, industrial salt, bath salt, salt candle holders, salt tiles, and kitchen salt products.

What type of mixture is salt water?

Salt water is a homogeneous mixture, meaning the salt is completely dissolved and evenly distributed throughout the water. This type of mixture is also called a solution, where salt (solute) dissolves in water (solvent).

What type of salt goes in a grinder?

The best salt for grinders is coarse grain Himalayan salt (2–5mm crystals). These larger crystals allow the grinder mechanism to work properly and give you freshly ground salt with better texture and flavor.

How many different types of salt are there?

Globally, there are dozens of different salt types based on their source and processing method. These include sea salt, rock salt, kosher salt, table salt, and specialty salts. Within Himalayan salt alone, there are 8 distinct product categories, each designed for a specific use.

How many types of salt is there?

In general terms, there are many types of salt worldwide. However, when referring specifically to Himalayan Pink Salt, there are 8 main types, each used for food, wellness, industrial, decorative, and agricultural purposes.

What type of mixture is salt and water?

Salt and water form a homogeneous mixture (solution). Once the salt dissolves, it cannot be seen separately, and the composition remains uniform throughout the liquid.

What type of rock is rock salt?

Rock salt, including Himalayan Pink Salt, is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sodium chloride. It was formed millions of years ago through the evaporation of ancient seas, leaving behind mineral-rich salt deposits.

What type of salt for water softener?

For water softening systems, industrial-grade salt is used. This typically comes in the form of salt crystals, pellets, or blocks. Himalayan industrial salt can also be used if it meets the required purity levels (usually 97–99% sodium chloride).

Where does Himalayan salt come from?

It comes from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan.

Why Source Your Himalayan Salt from Himalayan Foods?

Himalayan Foods has been mining and exporting Himalayan Pink Rock Salt since 1983.

• ISO 9001 Certified
• FSMS Certified
• HACCP Certified
• Halal Certified
• Kosher Certified

We supply 400+ businesses across 80+ countries with private labeling, custom packaging, and bulk options.