Canning salt is sold at most grocery stores, warehouse clubs, and online retailers, usually in the spice or canning section
Canning salt — also called pickling salt — is available at any major supermarket, often near the table salt or in the canning supplies aisle. You can also find it at warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club, at kitchen supply stores, and through online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.com. The salt itself is the same product across retailers; the difference is in price per pound, shipping cost if you order online, and whether you need it today or can wait a few days.
The key is that you need salt without anti-caking agents or iodine. Regular table salt contains both and will cloud your brine. Sea salt and kosher salt vary in density, so they measure differently and can throw off your recipe. Canning salt is pure sodium chloride with nothing added, which is why it works.
Key Takeaways
- Canning salt is stocked at most grocery stores in the spice aisle or canning section, usually for $2 to $4 per pound.
- Warehouse clubs sell larger quantities at lower per-pound cost, which saves money if you can or preserve food regularly.
- Online ordering works if you do not need the salt when ready, but shipping costs can add $5 to $10 to a small order.
- Do not substitute table salt, sea salt, or kosher salt — they contain additives or have different densities that affect the final product.
Grocery stores and supermarkets
Your local grocery chain — Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Publix, or a regional equivalent — carries canning salt year-round. Look in the spice aisle first, where it sits near table salt and pickling spices. If you do not find it there, ask at the customer service desk or check the canning supplies section, which some stores stock near baking goods or in a seasonal aisle.
Prices vary by store and region, but expect to pay $2 to $4 per pound for a 1-pound or 2-pound box. Larger containers (4 to 5 pounds) cost less per pound but take up shelf space. Most stores restock weekly, so if one location is out, another nearby usually has it in stock.
Warehouse clubs
Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale sell canning salt in bulk, usually in 3-pound to 5-pound containers. The per-pound price is lower than grocery stores — often $1 to $2 per pound — which adds up if you preserve food regularly or share the cost with a friend. You need a membership to shop at these retailers, but if you already have one, the savings justify a trip.
Warehouse stock changes by location and season, so call ahead or check the website to confirm they have it in stock. During peak canning season (summer and early fall), supplies can run low.
Online retailers
Amazon, Walmart.com, and other online grocers ship canning salt to your door, which is useful if you do not have a store nearby or prefer to order in bulk. Prices are competitive with grocery stores, but shipping costs can add $5 to $10 to a small order, making a single 1-pound box more expensive online than in person.
Shipping times vary: Amazon Prime members may get next-day or 2-day delivery, while standard shipping takes 5 to 7 business days. If you order a larger quantity (5 pounds or more), the per-pound savings and flat shipping cost make online ordering worthwhile. Read the product description to confirm the salt contains no additives.
Specialty and kitchen stores
Stores that focus on cooking, canning, or food preservation — such as Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, or local kitchen shops — stock canning salt year-round. Prices are typically higher than grocery stores, but staff can answer questions about salt types and canning methods. These stores are most useful if you are new to canning and want information alongside your purchase.
Some regions have dedicated canning supply shops or farmers market vendors who sell canning salt and other preservation supplies. These are worth seeking out if you preserve food regularly, because staff often have local knowledge about water hardness and recipe adjustments.
Comparing price and convenience
| Retailer | Typical Price per Pound | Container Size | When to Buy Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery store | $2–$4 | 1–2 lb | You need it today or in small quantities |
| Warehouse club | $1–$2 | 3–5 lb | You can or preserve regularly and have a membership |
| Online retailer | $2–$3 plus shipping | 1–5 lb | You want bulk delivery or live far from stores |
| Specialty store | $3–$5 | 1–2 lb | You want informed information or cannot find it elsewhere |
If you preserve food only once or twice a year, buy a 1-pound or 2-pound box at a grocery store. If you can regularly or preserve multiple batches in a season, a warehouse club membership pays for itself in salt savings alone. Online ordering makes sense for bulk orders or if you live in a rural area with limited store options.
What to check before you buy
Read the label to confirm the product is labeled "canning salt" or "pickling salt" and contains only sodium chloride. Avoid anything labeled "iodized", "anti-caking agent", "flow agent", or "with additives". Some brands sell "sea salt for canning", which is acceptable if the label says it is pure sodium chloride with no additives, but standard canning salt is cheaper and more reliable.
Check the expiration date if one is printed, though salt does not spoil. If the container has been open or damaged, choose another one. Store canning salt in a cool, dry place — it keeps indefinitely as long as it stays dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use table salt or kosher salt instead of canning salt?
No. Table salt contains iodine and anti-caking agents that cloud your brine and discolor vegetables. Kosher salt has a different crystal size, so it measures differently by weight and volume, which throws off your recipe. Canning salt is pure sodium chloride and is the only reliable choice.
How much canning salt do I need?
Most pickle and brine recipes call for 5 to 10 percent salt by weight of the vegetables. A typical quart jar of pickles uses 2 to 4 tablespoons of salt. If you are canning one batch, 1 pound is enough. If you plan multiple batches in a season, buy 3 to 5 pounds.
Is there a difference between canning salt brands?
No meaningful difference. All canning salt is pure sodium chloride. Brand does not matter — price and availability do. Buy whatever is in stock and cheapest at your local store.
Where should I store canning salt after I buy it?
Keep it in a cool, dry place in its original container or in an airtight jar. Salt absorbs moisture from humid air, so avoid storing it near the stove or sink. Properly stored, it lasts indefinitely.
What if my local store does not carry canning salt?
Call ahead to other grocery chains or warehouse clubs in your area. If none stock it, order online — shipping usually takes 5 to 7 business days. In a pinch, a specialty kitchen store or farmers market vendor may have it on hand.