No major shortage now (June 2024). Early 2023 saw some issues, but likely restocked. You might still see temporary gaps depending on location.
There were reports of a kosher salt shortage in the United States around early 2023. This was attributed to a combination of factors, including:
- Supply chain disruptions
- A labor strike at a major salt producer in Canada
Here’s some good news: the strike ended in early September 2023, and suppliers have likely been working on restocking inventory.
It’s possible you might still see some inconsistency in availability depending on your location. However, a widespread shortage is less likely at this point.
Introduction
Ever reach for your trusty box of kosher salt at the grocery store, only to find bare shelves? You’re not alone!
Kosher salt is a kitchen hero – its coarse flakes are perfect for everything from brining meat to sprinkling on vegetables. But lately, there have been whispers of a shortage. Let’s dig in and see what’s going on with this essential ingredient.
Is There A Kosher Salt Shortage?
There isn’t a widespread reported shortage of kosher salt as of today, June 25, 2024. However, there could still be localized availability issues depending on your area.
The good news is the situation with kosher salt has most likely resolved itself.
Strike Resolution
As we mentioned, the strike of kosher salt making with the major producer ended in September 2023. This means a significant chunk of supply has likely returned to the market.
Restocking
With the strike over, suppliers would naturally be restocking their inventories, which means stores should have kosher salt readily available again.
Location Matters
While things are generally back to normal, it’s always possible there could be isolated pockets where kosher salt availability might still be a bit inconsistent. This could be due to specific regional distribution patterns or lingering effects from the earlier shortage.
Overall, there’s no need to worry about a widespread kosher salt shortage. If you do run into trouble finding it at your usual store, checking another location or trying an online retailer should solve the problem.
What are the Alternative Kosher Salt Brands?
If you can’t find your preferred brand of kosher salt, you can try alternative brands or even use sea salt as a substitute (although sea salt has different sized flakes and may require slight adjustments in recipes).
While major brands might have dominated headlines during the shortage, there are many other kosher salt options available. Here are a few to consider:
- Diamond Crystal
- Morton Kosher Salt
- Cargill
These are just a few examples, and the selection will vary depending on your location. Don’t hesitate to explore what your local grocery store offers.
Sea Salt as a Substitute
If you can’t find kosher salt at all, don’t panic! Coarse sea salt can be a great substitute. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Texture: Sea salt flakes tend to be larger than kosher salt crystals. This can affect how the salt distributes itself in your dish.
- Measurement: Due to the larger flake size, you’ll need to use slightly less sea salt compared to kosher salt.
A good rule of thumb is to start with about ¾ teaspoon of sea salt for every 1 teaspoon of kosher salt called for in a recipe. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
While sea salt won’t be an exact replica of kosher salt, it will add a similar salty flavor to your food.
FAQs
Is there a salt shortage in the US?
No major salt shortage in the US currently (June 2024). Early 2023 saw some issues due to supply chain and a strike, but those have likely resolved. You might see temporary inconsistencies depending on your location.
What is up with kosher salt?
Early 2023 saw a shortage due to supply chain issues and a strike in Canada. It’s likely restocked now, but some stores might have temporary gaps. You can try other brands or sea salt as a substitute.
Why is there a shortage of salt in the supermarkets?
There likely isn’t a widespread salt shortage right now (June 2024). There were issues early 2023 due to supply chain problems and a strike, but those have probably been resolved.
Does Trader Joes sell kosher salt?
Yes, Trader Joe’s now sells Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt! They started carrying it in 2023.
Conclusion
Early 2023 saw a spotty kosher salt shortage due to supply chain issues and a labor strike at a major producer. The good news is, things are likely getting back to normal.
The strike has been resolved, and suppliers are restocking. While there might be some lingering inconsistency depending on your location, overall, kosher salt should be readily available again.
Keep checking your local stores, and you should be able to find your favorite kosher salt back on the shelf soon!
In a pinch, remember that other options exist. Sea salt can be a substitute, with some adjustments for texture and measurement.
And while not a perfect match, even table salt can be used in a recipe, if used sparingly and with taste testing to avoid over-salting. There’s a whole world of salts out there to explore, so happy cooking!