Can tea be salty? I know the idea might sound weird but, trust me, this will only intrigue you as you dwell further. So, read my 27 reckoning factors and be amazed.
I am an Indian tea blogger, a lover of the beverage, and also run my own cafe in Kolkata city. Apart from these, I plan to open my own label that will further emphasize Tea.
Can Tea Be Salty: 27 Aspects Worth A Consideration Along With 16 Chosen Brews To Tickle The Taste-Buds
Salt is a seasoning that lends food its taste and if added in excess can ruin the dish. Now, what if I tell you that salt can be added to your cup of tea? Sounds absurd right? Read on and discover 27 amazing brews that can be made with salt to add the desired sweetness.
1. How Did The Concept Of Adding Salt To Tea Arise?
The concept of adding salt to tea can be traced to The Kashmir Valley, Leh-Ladakh, or the hilly regions of the Indian sub-continent. Apart from India, Tibet is another country that uses salt at large to spice their drink.
With the addition of salt, the tea adorns new flavors with a mild sweetness(depending on the type of salt used and which will be covered later on in the blog). The combination is a tea that is a must-try and is considered a major source of energy that is needed in these harsh climatic regions.
2. What Happens When Salt Is Added To Tea?
This is a very interesting read and hence, I thought of including it in my blog. You might have drunk a salty tea or maybe heard about it from your Asian friends. The internet is flooded with recipes that tell you how to make the tea in detail. However, some will focus on telling you the importance of adding salt to tea. So, let me help you with the answers.
Salt has a zesty and a mildly sweet flavor profile to it. This when added to tea will balance the bitter taste or astringency level of the tea. So, if you want your tea to be less bitter, try adding salt the next time. I will also be covering some amazing varieties of tea that will taste awesome when tweaked with salt later in the blog.
3. What Are The Advantages Of Adding Salt To Tea?
Everything has its own advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered & salt is one such element. So, let us get to know some benefits when we add salt to tea.
I have earlier mentioned that salt will cut down the bitter taste of the tea. Apart from this, some other benefits like a cure for headaches, a shield against seasonal ailments like cold and cough, relieves sore throat, etc. So, now you know a natural way to cure a sore throat or bid adieu to a cold and cough.
4. Want To Know Some Disadvantages Of Adding Salt To Tea?
Adding salt to tea or salty tea has its own disadvantages too and this is what we will learn in this section.
High blood pressure, dehydration which might be a result of loss of essential fluids found in the body, nausea, etc are some downsides that shouldn’t be ignored. I suggest adding salt in moderation to your cup so you can just concentrate on enjoying that cup of tea.
5. Can You Specify A Quantity Or Amount Of Salt That Can Be Added To Tea Without Making It Too Salty?
No one wants a tea that’s high on salt and so, moderation is prime here. Allow me to answer the question for you.
I accidentally added a teaspoon of salt instead of sugar at my shop. Now, you may wonder how this happened or you might wonder that I cannot tell both apart. Well, the fact is many of us love powdered sugar and this looks the same as salt. This is what happened that day. However, the customer loved this new tea and I couldn’t be happier. Thus, I recommend adding a pinch of salt and you can increase it as it suits your taste.
6. Can A Diabetic Drink Salty Tea?
The life of diabetics isn’t easy especially when it comes to food or drinks. So, let us examine the fact that salty tea can be drunk by a sugar patient?
Being a diabetic myself, I will say that sweet foods or drinks are my enemy, and resisting them becomes difficult. As a milk tea lover who relies on Sugar-Free heavily decided to add salt to my tea and see what happens. I was surprised by the taste and when the craving for something sweet is on the rise, adding a pinch of salt to my cup of tea works wonders. The tea becomes a little sweet, so you won’t miss sugar, and that is why I highly recommend you try it too.
7. Considering The Caffeine Level When Salt Is Added To Tea
Let us now check the caffeine or Theine level in tea when salt is added.
When you add salt to tea, it will not influence the caffeine level at all. On the contrary, the only significant change that you will get to witness is in its taste which will now be on the sweeter side. The tea leaves play a pivotal role and is a major contributor to the caffeine in tea. This again varies from one tea to the other. So, you see how the addition of salt in tea will not have any significant results.
8. Considering The Texture & Consistency Of The Tea With The Addition Of Salt
Let us consider the texture and the consistency of the tea when salt is added.
I have tried salt tea and though it was an accidental discovery for me, I can say that the taste stayed with me. Now, if I am to talk about the texture or the consistency, I would describe it as a smooth tea with a slightly sweet texture. Overall, this is a winning situation and one that needs to be tried to be believed.
9. What Is The Nutritional Value Of Tea When Salt Is Added?
Let us understand the nutritional value of tea when one adds salt to it.
Tea and salt are both known to have zero calories and when you pair them together, there won’t be any change in the calorie count. Sadly, this isn’t the case with all varieties. Milk tea, Bubble Tea, Thai tea, etc are high in calories, and adding some salt to them will balance the sweetness level by adding some required saltiness. This will help you with reduced-calorie levels.
10. Some Amazing Salt Varieties That Are A Perfect Bet With Tea
In this section, I would like to highlight a few varieties of salt that will only enhance the taste of the beverage further.
Himalayan black salt (called Kaala Namak in India and Pakistan), Himalayan pink salt, Kosher, Table salt, Rock salt(called Sendha Namak in India), etc, are some varieties of salt that I highly suggest. The mentioned varieties when added to your tea will only enhance its taste. Do try them out and share your favorite variety in the comments section below.
I hope the above-mentioned questions will help you gain some insights into why salt should be added to tea, how much salt is appropriate, etc. Now, let us take 16 drooly varieties of tea that will taste so much better with the addition of salt.
11. Can Milk Tea Be Salty?
Milk tea has the largest number of takers in the world and there is no fixed way to make it. Have you ever thought of adding salt to milk tea? If you haven’t, do read my personal experience below and discover why you should include salt in your tea.
Being a diabetic, I cannot take sugar in my tea every day, and to add that sweet factor, I use Sugar-Free. God knows where my mind was that I added salt to my tea instead of the pellets. I was surely expecting a bad tea but, my folly proved to be beneficial. I fell in love with the mild sweet taste of the milk tea and adding a pinch to a teaspoon of salt to your tea is suggested.
12. Will Salt Help In Balancing The Bitter Taste Of Black Tea?
Black tea is a bitter tea owing to the high level of oxidation it has to undergo. Moreover, it is preferred to be drunk without any milk and sugar. This adds to the astringency levels and accounts for the bitter taste.
I am an occasional black tea drinker and the times when I have it, I add a pinch of salt and some lemon juice to my tea. The addition of salt tones the bitter taste and lemon adds the required zest to the tea. Did I love it? Yes, and as a matter of fact, I think I am falling for black tea that’s made by adding salt. I suggest trying black tea tweaked with salt and am sure it will have you coming back for more each time.
13. Can Iced Tea Be Salty?
Iced tea, a drink that was discovered in America has gained popularity across the world. This is a no-fuss drink and keeps you hydrated during the scorching summer months. I prefer making my own tea at home with pantry staples. Want to know how to brew ice tea? Read my blog How long to steep ice tea and learn about 17 knock-out brews(Interlinking to be done
During the summer months, our body loses water quite quickly and once we start feeling dehydrated, water is the first thing that comes to mind. How about adding some twist to plain water? Turn it into an iced tea. I would surely suggest adding Himalayan black salt(table salt can be added too), The salt is known for its sweet, zesty, and salty notes that will increase the taste quotient of the tea. Do try and share your experience in the comments section below.
14. What Is Senna Tea & Can It Be Salty?
Senna tea is a herbal tea that is derived from the Cassia Senna plant. The tea is used as a medicine to cure digestion problems, aids in weight loss, helps relieve constipation, etc. Want to know how tisane differs from tea? Read my blog tea v/s tisane and find out the differences through 31 comparable aspects.
If I am to describe its taste, I would say that it has a sweet taste with a strong and bitter tone to it. However, this shouldn’t stop you from tasting the tea. Also, this is a popular detox tea(another tea variety that I love to make). I reckon adding a pinch of table salt to uplift the taste of my drink. This would further help in balancing the sweet & spicy flavor of the tea.
15. Want To Know The Secret Behind A Good Cup Of Chamomile Tea?
Chamomile tea is a delicate herbal tea. The tea has notes that are similar to apples, with a mild honey-like sweetness. Overall, this is a soothing tea that offers a silky sip. Having said this, the tea can be quite sweet, especially in the case of a Chamomile Latte. So, then how does one strike a balance of sweetness and zest?
The answer lies in a common household ingredient that is often taken for granted. Wondering what I am talking about? I am hinting at salt. Yes, you read it right. Adding a pinch of salt will balance the sweet, juicy, and nutty flavors of the tea. I reckon Rock Salt(called Sendha Namak in Hindi). The salt is known for its slight salt and savory taste. This is a reason why it is the preferred salt used in my country, India during fasts or auspicious days.
16. Can Green Tea Be Salty?
Green tea is an ideal tea to lose weight & is considered a great after-workout drink. The tea has a bitter and spicy taste & if you are drinking it for the first time, it might be a while for your taste buds to get adjusted to its taste. Many people add honey to it which ruins the whole purpose of the tea.
I suggest adding Kosher salt. The salt is used in curing meat and literally translated Kosher means “Clean”. When compared with normal salt, this is cleaner, lighter, and tastes less salty making it the perfect choice to be used in foods and drinks. Commonly it is referred to as Cooking Salt and I would suggest adding just about a teaspoon to your tea.
17. Can White Tea Be Dashed With Salt?
White tea is the most delicate tea as it is the minimally processed tea. I have written a blog about white tea too. Do read white tea v/s green tea and find all about them through 27 crucial differences.
Now, the question remains, “Can white tea be salty?” and I would advise against using any kind of salt to enhance its taste. Apart from being a delicate tea(plucked when the leaves still have white hairs growing on them), it also has a sweet honey-like taste, and adding salt would ruin its delicate taste. I hope I was able to explain why salt shouldn’t be added to tea.
18. Can Earl-Grey Tea Be Salty?
Earl-Grey is the way Brits drink their tea and is often called a tisane because the leaves are mixed with the rinds of Bergamot oil, which gives it its sweet and citrusy notes. But, then can it really be called a herbal or tisane? My blog Is Eal-Grey Tisane will answer this question for you through 13 gripping facts.
The tea is best enjoyed without milk or sugar though lemon juice is added at times. I would love to add just a pinch of salt or as per liking and check out how it tastes. I am having a hard time deciding the salt that best suits me. however, if you have made your decision, do share it in the comments section below, and also, let me know why I should be using it.
19. Can Tea-Based Cocktails Be Salty & How Do I Add Salt To The Drinks?
Cocktails are alcohol-based drinks and some common ingredients used are a spirit of your choice, fruit juices, tonic water, etc. The drink sees a rise in takers during the summer months when people love throwing beach and tiki parties or just hanging out with your friends. Want to know some great boozy options? Read my blog about alcohol and ice tea pairings and discover 37 drinkable options that I highly recommend.
Now, to answer your question, I reckon sprinkling some salt over the cocktail to add a finishing touch and if you want a salty flavor in each sip, then Salty Rims(coating the rim of the glass with salt)are what you should be doing. This will take the texture and flavor of the drink to the next level.
20. Find Thai Tea Too Sweet But Unsure How To Control The Sweetness? Read My Simple Trick Below To Find Out
Thai tea is a bright orange color drink that is made by adding food coloring, spices, sweeteners, a strong tea as the base, and milk. The tea is enjoyed as a hot and cold versions. Owing to the ingredients used it is only natural for the tea to be overly sweet and this is the time to apply my trick.
The solution lies in a common household ingredient without which any kitchen is incomplete and food tastes bland. Many add spice to balance the sweetness and this ruins the whole drink. So, avoid spoiling the tea by replacing the need to add more spices with salt. By adding salt to your tea you get a mild sweetness along with a savory taste. I highly recommend Himalayan black salt.
21. Can Cheese Tea Be Salty?
Cheese tea is a combination of black or green tea, milk, salt, and cream cheese. In other words, the tea is topped with a foam that is made from salty or sweet cream cheese, milk, and whipped cream. Now, since the tea can be salty, do we need to add more salt to it?
In all fairness, I would not add salt to my cheese tea unless, of course, I find it too sweet. In this case, I would add Rock salt as it will add some zestiness and when we compare it to other varieties is less salty too. This makes it an ideal choice to be used when you want to make the tea appealing to the taste buds and at the same time, have full control over your salt intake.
22. Can I Add Salt To Kashmiri Pink Tea?
Kashmiri pink tea, Gulabi chai, Sheer chai, or Noon tea are some names by which the tea is commonly called. The roots of the tea can be traced to the beautiful Kasmir Valley of India. Want to know why and how the tea got its name? I am soon going to write a blog on the different aspects of the tea. For now, let us focus on if we can add salt to the tea.
Kashmiri Pink Tea is a salty tea and thus, adding more salt is not advisable. If you are drinking it for the first time, you might not like its salty flavor and I would suggest adding brown sugar. You can garnish it with some pistachios for that required crunch and this way avoid the salty texture of the tea.
23. Can I Add Salt To Chai Tea To Balance The Sweetness?
Chai tea literally means a spiced tea mixture that is brewed by adding milk and a sweetener to it. The tea is a hot drink that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Want to know how Chai tea differs from That tea? Read my blog “Chai Tea v/s Thai Tea and be guided by 32 carefully steeped points to gulp down the tea.
Now, let us see if salt can be added to chai tea? This variety of tea is known for its sweet and spicy notes. Now, when we add salt as a condiment, the tea will be infused with some zestiness that will strike the right balance of sweetness, spicy, and zestiness. I would suggest a pinch of normal salt or you can also use any variety as I have mentioned in point number 10. Feel free to ask me any doubts that you have. Drop them in the comments section below.
24. Ever Tried Matcha Tea With Salt?
Matcha tea is a high-quality green tea powder that over the years has become very popular. I would also like to mention that if you are drinking the tea for the first time, the bitter taste will be a put-off and the same will be the case if you are trying to develop a taste for it. So, how do you then make it more enjoyable?
Now, there are certain snacks that will definitely help you drink the tea but, I highly recommend salt as a sure-shot catalyst that will be a great addition to the tea. What makes it more amazing is that a pinch to a teaspoon is all that’s needed. Now, the quantity would depend on the serving size. Want to know some mouth-watering snacks that will compliment the tea? Read my blog ” 51 food items that go extremely well with bubble tea” & take your pick.
25. Can Salt Be Added To Herbal Tea Like Lavender?
Lavender tea is a herbal drink that is made from the buds of the flower or at times other plants with similar taste profile is used to make the tea. The tea is known for its soothing and calming effect with a floral taste and offers a silky mouthfeel. Sip it hot and feel its effect in every cell of your body.
Now, the tea is high on spices like any herbal tea and for many, the spice might be too much to handle. In this case, salt is the solution you need. This underestimated household seasoning when added to the tea will add its mild sweetness and also offer some zinginess. I highly recommend rock salt for all the mentioned reasons.
26. Can Refreshing Mint Tea Be Salty?
Mint tea is a refreshing summer drink that’s made from fresh mint leaves, green tea, lemon, and a sweetener(optional). The tea keeps you hydrated during the harsh summer months. Let us see what happens when we add salt to the tea?
Mint tea is often made without sweeteners and tastes wonderful. However, if you like your tea to be on the sweeter side, then I suggest you skip the sugar or any sweeteners and opt for salt. This often taken for granted seasoning will uplift the taste by adding some savory notes along with a hint of sweetness. Do try this combination and let me know your feedback in the comments section below.
27. Can Salt Be Added To Lemon Tea?
The last tea variety that I would like to talk about in this blog is lemon tea and if we can add salt to it.
Lemon tea can be drunk both hot and cold and is garnished with mint leaves that gives it a refreshing taste. Don’t you think the tea needs a taste uplift? I would tweak it with normal table salt to make my tea piquant(add some savory texture to it). Now, all I have to do is sit back and relax.
This concludes my blog and I hope I was able to answer some questions regarding tea being salty. I have only mentioned some cool options that will taste more amazing when salt is added. You are free to try more varieties and if you discover some amazing brews do share them with me. Also, if you want to ask me questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below and I will gladly answer them. Now, before I end do sign up for my newsletter so never miss out on newly published blogs centered around Tea, of course.
Happy Sipping!
Hi. I’m Sneha. Each day, I brew, relish, study and sell tea in my Cafe based out of Kolkata, India. My current blog, ‘Sipper Sneha’ is an expansion of my real life love for tea into an online space for all dedicated Tea enthusiasts.