Garlic Salt vs. Sub Garlic Salt: Which One Should Be Your Pantry Hero?

Hey spice lovers! If you’ve ever stood in front of the spice rack, squinting at tiny labels and wondering if garlic salt is really all that different from its mysterious cousin, sub garlic salt, then this post is for you.

Table of Contents

• What Exactly Is Garlic Salt Anyway?
• So, What's Sub Garlic Salt?
• Garlic Salt vs. Sub Garlic Salt: The Showdown
• When to Use Each (and Why It Matters)
• Buying Guide: How to Choose Like a Pro
• Final Thoughts

What Exactly Is Garlic Salt Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. Garlic salt is exactly what it sounds like — ground garlic mixed with regular table salt. The ratio can vary, but most brands stick to around 3 parts salt to 1 part garlic powder.

Why do people love it? Well, it’s super convenient. You get two flavors in one — the earthy pungency of garlic and the savory punch of salt. No chopping, no mincing, just sprinkle and savor.

Pros of Regular Garlic Salt

• Convenient flavor booster
• Lends itself well to rubs and marinades
• Shelf-stable and easy to store

Cons of Regular Garlic Salt

• Salty by nature (not ideal for low-sodium diets)
• Lacks fresh garlic texture
• May contain anti-caking agents

So, What's Sub Garlic Salt?

You might be scratching your head now. Sub garlic salt? That doesn’t show up on every spice rack. Let me break it down for you.

‘Sub’ here usually stands for “substitute,” meaning this is a version of garlic salt made for folks who want the flavor without the sodium overload. Think of it as the guilt-free twin.

Instead of mixing garlic powder with regular salt, sub garlic salt uses alternatives like potassium chloride, herb blends, or even dehydrated onion and celery powders to mimic that salty, garlicky zing — minus the salt content.

Pros of Sub Garlic Salt

• Lower sodium option
• Great for heart-healthy diets
• Versatile in seasoning blends

Cons of Sub Garlic Salt

• Can have a slightly bitter aftertaste
• Not always as potent in flavor
• More expensive than regular garlic salt

Garlic Salt vs. Sub Garlic Salt: The Showdown

Let’s put them head-to-head so you can see where each shines:

Feature	Garlic Salt	Sub Garlic Salt
Primary Ingredients	Garlic powder + Table salt	Garlic powder + Low-sodium substitutes (e.g., KCl, herbs)
Sodium Content	High	Low/Reduced
Flavor Intensity	Bold, salty, garlicky	Milder, less salty
Best For	Snacks, fries, meats	Heart-healthy dishes, soups, stews
Price	Affordable	Higher-end

When to Use Each (and Why It Matters)

Here’s the deal — using the right kind of garlic salt can make or break your dish. So let’s get into the nitty-gritty of when each should shine.

Use Garlic Salt When:

• You’re cooking meat. Whether it’s grilled steak, roasted chicken, or BBQ ribs, garlic salt brings out the savory goodness beautifully.
• You're making snacks. Pretzels, popcorn, or homemade potato chips? Garlic salt is your best friend.
• You don’t mind extra salt. Sometimes more salt = more flavor, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

Use Sub Garlic Salt When:

• You're watching your sodium. Heart health is important, and sometimes your doctor says no more salt bombs.
• You're building complex seasonings. Using sub garlic salt lets you layer flavor without overwhelming everything else.
• You're cooking for others. Not everyone can tolerate high sodium, so being thoughtful means better meals for all.

Buying Guide: How to Choose Like a Pro

If you’re ready to stock up (or swap out), here are some pro tips to help you choose the perfect product:

Top Garlic Salt Picks

1. McCormick Garlic Salt – Classic blend, great for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
2. Badia Garlic Salt – Made with sea salt and real garlic bits for a stronger flavor profile.
3. Rex Richards Garlic Salt – Budget-friendly and packed with flavor; perfect for everyday use.

Top Sub Garlic Salt Picks

1. NoSalt Original Garlic Blend – Zero sodium, full flavor. Ideal for those with dietary restrictions.
2. LoSalt Garlic Flavor Blend – Half the sodium, double the love. Great in soups and sauces.
3. Nature’s Way Garlic & Herb Salt Substitute – Packed with herbs, it gives depth without saltiness.

Things to Look For When Buying

• Natural ingredients – Avoid unnecessary additives if possible.
• Packaging size – Bigger isn’t always better unless you use a lot.
• Texture – Some prefer fine grinds, others chunkier bits for texture.

Final Thoughts

So, which should you keep in your kitchen? The truth is — both garlic salt and sub garlic salt have their place. It really depends on your taste, dietary needs, and what you’re cooking.

If you’re going for bold flavor and don’t mind a bit of salt, classic garlic salt is your go-to. But if you're trying to reduce sodium or cater to guests with special dietary needs, sub garlic salt is a smart and tasty alternative.

At the end of the day, the best spice is the one that makes your food sing. Happy seasoning!