Canning salt is sold at most grocery stores, big-box retailers, and online suppliers, usually in the canning aisle or near pickling supplies
You can find canning salt—also called pickling salt—at any major supermarket in the United States, typically shelved with canning jars and lids. The most common brands are Diamond Crystal and Morton, both widely stocked. If your local store does not carry it in the canning section, check the spice aisle or the salt section near cooking ingredients. Many stores keep smaller quantities there as backup stock.
Online retailers including Amazon, Walmart.com, and specialty canning suppliers ship canning salt to your door, often in bulk quantities that cost less per pound than small containers at retail stores. Shipping weight matters here—salt is heavy—so compare the per-pound price against local options before ordering.
Key Takeaways
- Grocery stores, Walmart, Target, and Costco all stock canning salt year-round, usually for $2 to $4 per pound depending on package size.
- Canning salt has no anti-caking agents or iodine, which is why table salt and kosher salt do not work as substitutes in pickling recipes.
- Online bulk suppliers and restaurant supply stores often offer lower per-pound prices if you preserve large batches or can multiple times per season.
- Local farm stands, farmers markets, and co-ops sometimes stock canning salt, and staff can recommend local brands or tell you when shipments arrive.
Grocery stores and supermarket chains
Your first stop should be the canning aisle of any grocery chain—Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Albertsons, and regional chains all carry canning salt year-round. Look for it near Ball and Kerr jars, lids, and pectin. If the shelf is empty, ask the produce or grocery department when the next delivery arrives; canning salt is a standard stock item that restocks weekly.
Prices at supermarkets typically run $2.50 to $4 per pound for a 1-pound or 2-pound box. Larger containers—4 or 5 pounds—cost less per pound but take up shelf space. Check the unit price on the shelf label to compare across brands and sizes. Diamond Crystal and Morton are the two brands you will see most often; both work identically in recipes.
Big-box retailers and warehouse clubs
Walmart and Target stock canning salt in their grocery sections, usually at prices matching or slightly below supermarkets. Both retailers also sell online with home delivery or in-store pickup options. Costco and Sam's Club sell canning salt in bulk—typically 4 to 5-pound containers—at lower per-pound costs if you have a membership and preserve regularly.
Warehouse clubs are worth the trip if you can multiple batches in a season or preserve with a group. A 5-pound container at Costco often costs less than two 2-pound boxes at a supermarket, even after accounting for membership fees if you use the club for other shopping.
Online retailers and bulk suppliers
Amazon, Walmart.com, and Vitacost all ship canning salt with standard or expedited delivery. Specialty suppliers like The Canning Supply Store and Lehman's focus on preserving equipment and ingredients and often stock multiple brands and larger quantities. Prices online range from $2 to $5 per pound depending on brand, quantity, and shipping.
Calculate total cost including shipping before you order, since salt is heavy and shipping can add $5 to $15 to your bill. Buying a 10-pound bag online may cost less per pound than a 2-pound box at the store, but only if you pay less than $1 per pound for shipping. Compare the final per-pound price—including delivery—against your local supermarket before clicking purchase.
Farm stands, farmers markets, and co-ops
Local farm stands and farmers markets often stock canning salt, especially during peak canning season (July through September). Staff at these venues usually know which brands they carry and can tell you when shipments arrive if the shelf is empty. Prices are often competitive with supermarkets, and you support local businesses.
Food co-ops and natural food stores like Whole Foods sometimes carry canning salt in bulk bins, where you bring your own container and pay by weight. This option works well if you preserve small batches or want to buy exactly the amount you need without waste. Call ahead to confirm they stock it; smaller co-ops may order it only during canning season.
What to look for when you buy
Buy only canning salt or pickling salt—the label will say one of these names. Do not substitute table salt, kosher salt, or sea salt. Table salt contains anti-caking agents that cloud your brine; kosher salt has larger crystals and inconsistent density, which throws off recipe measurements; sea salt contains minerals that can darken pickles and affect flavor.
Check the ingredient list: canning salt should contain only sodium chloride, nothing else. The package should not say "iodized" or list additives like calcium silicate or sodium ferrocyanide. If you cannot read the label in the store, take a photo and check it at home before opening the package.
Buy the size that matches your canning volume. A 1-pound box works for one or two batches of pickles. A 4 or 5-pound container is better if you preserve multiple times per season or make large batches. Canning salt does not expire and stores indefinitely in a cool, dry place, so buying larger quantities upfront saves money and trips to the store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use kosher salt instead of canning salt?
No. Kosher salt has larger, less-dense crystals than canning salt, so a teaspoon of kosher salt weighs less than a teaspoon of canning salt. This throws off salt concentration in your brine, which affects preservation. Some recipes specify kosher salt by weight rather than volume, but canning recipes assume canning salt. Stick to canning salt to follow the recipe as written.
Is there a difference between Diamond Crystal and Morton canning salt?
Both work identically in canning recipes. Diamond Crystal is slightly less dense, so a volume measurement (like a tablespoon) weighs a bit less than the same volume of Morton. If your recipe lists salt by weight, the brand does not matter. If it lists salt by volume, either brand works—recipes are tested with both.
What if my store is out of canning salt?
Call ahead to other nearby stores to confirm they have it in stock before driving around. Order online for delivery or in-store pickup if local stores are out. During peak canning season (July through September), some stores restock weekly, so ask when the next delivery arrives and check back in a few days.
How much canning salt do I need for a typical recipe?
Most pickle and brine recipes call for 1 to 2 tablespoons of canning salt per quart of brine. A 1-pound box contains roughly 16 tablespoons, so one box makes about 8 to 16 quarts of brine depending on the recipe. Check your specific recipe for the exact amount.
Can I buy canning salt in bulk and store it long-term?
Yes. Canning salt does not expire and stores indefinitely in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Buying a 5 or 10-pound bag saves money if you preserve regularly. Keep it away from moisture and humidity to prevent clumping.