You might not think about it when you reach for the salt shaker. But inside that tiny crystal lies something essential—iodine, a trace element your body can’t live without.
Iodine begins in the ground, where it’s unevenly spread across the planet. Over time, much of it has been washed from inland soil into the sea, leaving some regions naturally low in this vital nutrient. The ocean gives a little back through fish, shellfish, and seaweed. Dairy products also contain iodine, thanks in part to enriched animal feed.
But for most of us, iodized salt is the simplest and most reliable source. An ingenious public health idea—adding iodine to something everyone uses—once helped eliminate goitre, a disease caused by deficiency that was common across the world.
Inside the body, iodine plays a quiet but vital role. It enables the thyroid to produce hormones that control metabolism, growth, and development. Without enough iodine, the body slows down. And during pregnancy, the need increases sharply, as the foetus’ developing brain and nervous system depend on it.
Today, iodine deficiency is rare in many parts of the world—but still affects millions of people globally. Which means that every time you choose iodized salt, you’re doing more than seasoning your food. You’re helping your body stay in balance, one small grain at a time.
You’re not alone. Most people don’t actually know the reason.
In fact, many of us reach for iodized salt out of habit, without realizing how important that small choice really is.
Because iodine isn’t just another additive. It’s essential for life.
Iodine is a naturally occurring element found in bedrock, but the levels vary greatly depending on where you live. It plays a key role in your thyroid hormones, which control your metabolism.
That means your body needs a steady supply of iodine from food to function properly.
Too little iodine can lead to goitre—an enlarged thyroid gland that disrupts metabolism.
Even more serious, iodine deficiency during pregnancy can affect the baby’s nervous system and physical development, and in severe cases lead to mental impairment.
To prevent this, many countries began adding iodine to table salt in the early 20th century—a simple but powerful public health measure. Since salt is something nearly everyone uses, fortifying it was an effective way to ensure people got the iodine they needed.
Iodine occurs naturally in seafood, fish, and dairy products (partly because animal feed is often enriched with iodine). Still, iodized salt remains one of the most reliable and accessible sources—an easy way to get the iodine your body needs every day.
Recommended daily intakes vary depending on age, and whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
In our range, you’ll find several iodized salts to choose from.
Of course, we also offer salts without added iodine.
Why? Because certain recipes—like pickling vegetables or curing salmon—traditionally avoid iodized salt due to the idea that iodine may cause discoloration during the process.
And some people are advised, for medical reasons, to limit their iodine intake.
If you’re unsure whether a salt contains iodine, look for the word iodized on the packaging—or check the ingredient list. It will always be clearly stated.
