Trader Joe’s, the popular grocery store chain known for its unique, specialty products at affordable prices, has become a go-to destination for many shoppers looking to discover new and interesting food items. With a constantly rotating selection of goods sourced from all over the world, Trader Joe’s is always coming out with innovative products to delight their loyal customers. One such product that has generated a lot of interest lately is pink salt, also known as Himalayan salt. But does Trader Joe’s carry this trendy seasoning?
What is Pink Himalayan Salt?
Pink Himalayan salt is a type of rock salt that gets its distinctive pink color from trace minerals found in the ancient sea bed deposits where the salt is mined. The salt comes from the Punjab region of Pakistan, found on the western edge of the Himalayan mountain range. Himalayan salt is known for containing up to 84 different minerals and trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron. This gives the salt a slightly different mineral profile than regular table salt.
The popularity of pink Himalayan salt has risen in recent years, both for cooking and for other uses like Himalayan salt lamps. Enthusiasts claim it has various health benefits compared to more processed salts, though the evidence is still limited. Nonetheless, many people are drawn to its light pink color and appreciate it for the texture, flavor, and mineral content it adds to dishes.
Availability of Pink Salt at Trader Joe’s
So does Trader Joe’s carry this trendy pink salt that so many people are seeking out? The answer is yes! While Trader Joe’s selection varies by location and season, most stores carry at least one or two varieties of Himalayan pink salt.
One option frequently found at Trader Joe’s is their Himalayan Pink Salt Crystals. These coarse, crystallized salt rocks are sourced from the Punjab region and add a nice crunch and salty hit to finished dishes. The crystals come in an inexpensive glass jar, making it easy to sprinkle them on foods or grind some up fresh with a mortar and pestle. A 4.5 oz jar retails for $2.99.
For those who prefer a finer ground Himalayan salt, Trader Joe’s also often carries their Himalayan Pink Salt Grinder. This product provides pre-ground pink salt in a convenient grinder, allowing you to season foods to taste. As with the salt crystals, this salt is mined from ancient seabeds in Pakistan. The grinder is made of sleek acrylic with a stainless steel lid and base. It retails for $3.99.
Other Types of Salt at Trader Joe’s
In addition to pink Himalayan salt, Trader Joe’s stocks a variety of other salt options:
- Sea Salt – Trader Joe’s Sea Salt comes in coarse and fine varieties and is sourced from salt evaporating seawater ponds. It provides a clean salty flavor without additives.
- Kosher Salt – Trader Joe’s carries inexpensive kosher salt flakes, ideal for seasoning meat or sprinkling on foods before serving.
- Fleur de Sel – This upscale hand-harvested sea salt from France has a light texture and mild salty taste.
- Smoked Sea Salt – With a smoky and briny flavor, this salt is perfect for seasoning meats, vegetables, popcorn and more.
- Garlic Salt – This seasoning blend combines salt and garlic powder for an easy way to add extra flavor to dishes.
- Truffle Salt – Infused with bits of black truffle, this specialty salt adds an earthy, umami kick.
The availability of these salt varieties can vary by location and season. Check with your local Trader Joe’s store for their current salt selection.
Benefits of Pink Himalayan Salt
Why buy pink Himalayan salt instead of regular table salt? Here are some of the touted benefits of Himalayan pink salt:
- More Minerals – Himalayan salt contains up to 84 trace minerals and elements, while table salt has just sodium and chloride.
- Less Processing – Table salt is heavily processed and stripped of minerals. Pink salt is more natural with fewer additives.
- Flavor – The mineral content adds subtle flavor nuances and complexity.
- Texture – Coarse Himalayan salt provides a satisfying crunch.
- Color – The light pink hue brightens up dishes.
While evidence on specific health claims is lacking, many people simply enjoy the different color, flavor, and texture of Himalayan pink salt.
Uses for Pink Himalayan Salt
There are endless ways to use pink Himalayan salt to add flavor, texture, and visual appeal to foods:
- Sprinkle it on finished dishes like eggs, avocado toast, sweets, etc.
- Use it in place of regular salt in recipes for cooking and baking.
- Mix it with olive oil and herbs or spices to make an infused dipping oil.
- Use the salt crystals to rim cocktail glasses.
- Grind it up to make brines and rubs for meat.
- Add it to homemade facial scrubs, bath soaks, body exfoliators.
- Decorate dishes with a few pretty pink crystals.
The possibilities are endless with this versatile salt.
Cost Savings of Buying at Trader Joe’s
One of the best things about shopping at Trader Joe’s is the savings. Products are typically priced much lower than comparable items at traditional supermarkets or specialty food stores.
For example, a 16 oz jar of pink Himalayan salt crystals may cost $8-$12 at some gourmet and health food stores. But at Trader Joe’s, you can get a 4.5 oz jar of the same high-quality salt for just $2.99. That’s a huge cost savings!
Even the more premium Himalayan pink salt grinder option at Trader Joe’s rings up at just $3.99 – much less than the $10-$15 fancy salt grinders you’ll see elsewhere. For the quality, Trader Joe’s pink salt prices can’t be beat.
Availability of Pink Salt at Competing Chains
While many stores now carry it, pink Himalayan salt is still harder to find at some competing grocery chains compared to Trader Joe’s.
Of the major national chains, Costco, Whole Foods, and Aldi are the most likely to have Himalayan pink salt options based on product searches. But availability varies greatly by location.
Regional chains like Publix or Wegmans may offer it at some stores. But Himalayan pink salt frequently sells out quickly at these retailers.
Trader Joe’s has more consistent availability and lower prices on pink salt than competitors.
How to Check for Pink Salt at Your Trader Joe’s
Call ahead – Give your local TJ’s store a quick call and ask if they have any pink Himalayan salt in stock.
Ask staff – When you get to the store, a team member should be able to point you towards the latest salt selection.
Check endcaps – Pink salt is sometimes displayed on special endcaps in the seasoning section.
Look in the spice aisle – You’ll typically find the salt among the other spice jars and grinders.
Check member magazines – Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer magazines often highlight new salt offerings.
Search online – You can enter your zip code on TraderJoes.com to see available store products.
Call another store – If one location is out, check if nearby TJ’s have it in stock.
Conclusion
In summary, yes – Trader Joe’s does carry pink Himalayan salt! They offer it at affordable prices in both coarse crystals and convenient grinders. TJ’s has better availability and cheaper costs compared to many competing chains. And their pink salt comes directly from Pakistan, ensuring you get the real deal. Check with your local store by calling ahead or stopping in to get your hands on this trendy pink salt.