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What to Know About Non-Organic Spices
Non-organic spices can come with:
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Pesticides – Common in turmeric, pepper, and chili powder. They stick around even after drying.
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Radiation – Used to kill bacteria but may lower nutrients and flavor.
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Additives – Some blends add sugar, flour, MSG, or anti-clumping agents.
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Heavy Metals – Lead has been found in some spices like cinnamon and turmeric.
What’s the Difference Between Table Salt, Sea Salt, and Himalayan Salt?
While all contain sodium chloride, how they’re processed and what’s added makes a difference:
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Table Salt: Highly refined and bleached; stripped of minerals and often mixed with anti-caking agents and iodine. Effective for iodine intake but the most processed option.
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Sea Salt: Made by evaporating seawater, retaining small amounts of magnesium, calcium, and potassium for flavor. Can contain microplastics from ocean pollution.
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Himalayan Pink Salt: Mined from ancient Himalayan deposits; unrefined and free of additives. Naturally contains trace minerals (like iron) that give it a pink hue. Praised for purity and clean flavor.
Iodine supports thyroid and brain health. It’s found in seaweed, dairy, eggs, and seafood. If you’ve cut out iodized salt or eat little seafood, check your multivitamin or add iodine-rich foods.
Cracked Pepper: Common Risks & Clean Choices
Cracked pepper shares many of the same concerns as other spices and salts, including pesticide residues and irradiation—but also carries added risks of adulteration (like stems or fillers in low-quality products) and microplastic contamination from cheap plastic grinders.
Plastic vs. Glass Grinders: What to Know
Plastic grinders—especially disposable ones—can leach microplastics into your spices over time, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight. They’re also prone to breaking, hard to refill, and often end up in landfills.
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Glass grinders are non-toxic, reusable, and more durable. Paired with a ceramic or stainless steel grinding mechanism, they help preserve flavor without the risk of chemical contamination.
