Kosher Salt Substitutes — What to Use Instead

Also known as koshering salt, flake salt.

The best replacements and alternatives for kosher salt — 2 tested substitutions with exact ratios and the science behind each swap.

2 substitute optionsExact ratio guidanceRecipe-specific notes
Reviewed by the CupOrGram Editorial TeamSources: King Arthur Baking, USDA FoodData CentralMethodology
Best First Pick

Table Salt

Use Use half the volume (1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher = 1/2 tsp table salt) for the closest replacement in most recipes.

View adjustment notes →

Quick Ratio Cheat Sheet

Table SaltUse half the volume (1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher = 1/2 tsp table salt)
Sea Salt (fine)Use half the volume (1 tsp Diamond Crystal = 1/2 tsp fine sea salt)
Excellent: 1Good: 1Moderate: 0

Best by Recipe Type

Common Baking Questions

These are common questions bakers ask. Each links to a recipe-specific substitute page with direct ratios and adjustment notes.

What can I use instead of kosher salt for cake?

Table Salt at Use half the volume (1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher = 1/2 tsp table salt) is the closest match — Equal by weight, not by volume. If the recipe measured Morton kosher, use 3/4 the volume in table salt instead. If that is unavailable, Sea Salt (fine) (Use half the volume (1 tsp Diamond Crystal = 1/2 tsp fine sea salt)).

See recipe-specific answer →

Can I make cookies without kosher salt?

Yes. Start with Table Salt at Use half the volume (1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher = 1/2 tsp table salt). Equal by weight, not by volume. If the recipe measured Morton kosher, use 3/4 the volume in table salt instead.

See recipe-specific answer →

Best kosher salt substitute for muffins?

Table Salt, used at Use half the volume (1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher = 1/2 tsp table salt). Equal by weight, not by volume. If the recipe measured Morton kosher, use 3/4 the volume in table salt instead.

See recipe-specific answer →

How do I substitute kosher salt in pancake and waffle batter?

Use Table Salt at Use half the volume (1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher = 1/2 tsp table salt) — Equal by weight, not by volume. If the recipe measured Morton kosher, use 3/4 the volume in table salt instead. Mix as the original recipe directs, then taste and adjust liquid or bake time in small steps after a test batch.

See recipe-specific answer →

Will table salt work as a kosher salt substitute in yeasted dough?

Yes, at Use half the volume (1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher = 1/2 tsp table salt). Equal by weight, not by volume. If the recipe measured Morton kosher, use 3/4 the volume in table salt instead. Bake-test before scaling up.

See recipe-specific answer →

Worked Example

If a recipe calls for 1 cup kosher salt (128g), start with your selected substitute's ratio, then run a small test bake before scaling.

Expect up to 6% variation in cup-based measurements due to brand and handling differences. Weight-first measuring is more reliable for structure-sensitive recipes.

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Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Equal by weight, not by volume. If the recipe measured Morton kosher, use 3/4 the volume in table salt instead.
  • Fine sea salt measures like table salt, so the same halving rule applies.
  • Start with the listed ratio for kosher salt and test a half batch before scaling.
  • Adjust liquid and bake time gradually after the first test bake.

When to substitute vs when not to

Substitutions work best in forgiving recipes like muffins, quick breads, and cookies. They're riskier in precision-dependent recipes like macarons, choux pastry, or laminated doughs where the original ingredient's exact properties (fat content, water content, acidity) are critical to the chemistry.

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