What is the difference between garlic salt and garlic powder?

In this brief guide, we will address the search query: “ what is the difference between garlic salt and garlic powder?” Also, we will explore how garlic salt is made, how garlic powder is made, what the nutritional value of each one is, and what are the health benefits of eating garlic. 

What is the difference between garlic salt and garlic powder?

The difference between garlic salt and garlic powder is denoted in its name; garlic salt is made by mixing crushed garlic with salt, while garlic powder is made purely from ground garlic.

While the former may have a more savory taste, it is important to note that it contains a high amount of sodium, and using it in place of garlic powder can easily increase the added sodium of a dish or recipe. 

Therefore, garlic salt and garlic powder are not interchangeable, and we encourage our readers to make this distinction when reviewing the necessary ingredients for any recipe. 

How is garlic salt made?

Garlic salt is made by mixing crushed, dried garlic with sodium chloride (table salt). Most commonly, the mixture is prepared by combining one-quarter of garlic, with three-quarters of salt. 

Commercially available presentations may also contain anti-caking agents, which are added so that the particles don’t clump together while in storage. In this case, calcium silicate is a commonly used agent. 

Recipes for homemade garlic salt may also include other ingredients such as oregano and/or parsley flakes for added flavor, though these can be dispensed with. 

How is garlic powder made?

Garlic powder is made by processing garlic, in this case, by baking it or drying it out until most of the water content has been removed. 

Once the garlic has reached its dry weight, it can be pulverized. This involved finely grinding garlic cloves into a meal-like texture. From here it can be sprinkled directly on a dish, or bottled and stored with a humidity absorbing agent. 

Garlic powder can be both homemade and commercially purchased from consignments made in bulk. It can be used not only to add flavor to a dish, but also to make other condiments such as salt mixtures, and signature condiments. 

Stored in a pantry with low humidity, powdered garlic can be preserved for up to four years, and used as needed to prepare dishes and mixtures.  

What is the nutritional value of garlic salt?

On average, one teaspoon (1.4 grams) of garlic salt will supply: 

• 1.2 calories
  
• 0.1 grams of protein
  
• 0 grams of fat
  
• 0.3 grams of carbohydrates
  
• 397 milligrams of sodium (17% of the recommended daily intake)
  
• 4.6 milligrams of potassium 

Additionally, the same serving can provide 0.1% of the RDI of iron, in other words, trace amounts. 

*Recommended daily intake values are based on a 2000 calories per day diet. 

What is the nutritional value of garlic powder?

One teaspoon of garlic powder (3.1 grams) will supply: 

• 10 calories – of which 0.2 are sourced from fat
  
• 0.5 grams of protein
  
• 0 grams of fat
  
• 2.3 grams of carbohydrates (1% of the RDI) – of which 0.3 grams are dietary fiber (1% of the RDI), and 0.1 grams are sugars
  
• 1.9 milligrams of sodium
  
• 37 milligrams of potassium (1% of the recommended daily intake) 

Additionally, the same portion of garlic powder will supply 0.1% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, 0.2% of the RDI of calcium, and 1% of iron.

*Recommended daily intake values are calculated on a basis of 2000 calories per day. 

What are the health benefits of eating garlic?

Health benefits associated with eating garlic include it having anti-inflammatory properties, lowering the risk of some forms of cancer, promoting heart health, having exfoliating properties, and some antimicrobial properties when used topically. 

However, many of these health benefits are best reaped from raw garlic, as some of the compounds that provide them may break down when garlic has been processed. 

Garlic salt may not provide these benefits so readily, due to the added sodium in the mixture, and the relatively low concentration of garlic. As such, it should be used sparingly in cooking, due to the many conditions associated with excessive sodium consumption. 

Powdered garlic, on the other hand, contains very little salt and packs more potassium which is essential for heart, muscle, and nerve health. 

We encourage our readers to be mindful of the presentation in which they use garlic and bear in mind their nutritional needs. 

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have addressed the search query: “ what is the difference between garlic salt and garlic powder?” Also, we have explored how garlic salt is made, how garlic powder is made, what the nutritional value of each one is, and what are the health benefits of eating garlic. 

References

https://www.nutritionix.com/food/garlic-salt

https://www.nutritionix.com/food/garlic-powder

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-happens-if-you-eat-too-much-salt

https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-make-garlic-salt-4155682