I'm an Aldi lover through and through, but there's a certain kitchen staple that always justifies a trip to Waitrose. The cost of the weekly shop is creeping up, and like many others, I've turned to Aldi for most of my groceries. It offers great value and impressive quality, even compared to Lidl. However, some items are worth splashing out on, and for me, that's flaky sea salt—specifically Maldon brand.
The Appeal of Maldon Salt
Maldon salt is a gourmet sea salt harvested in Maldon, Essex. It's described as the 'ultimate finishing salt,' perfect for adding a savoury crunch to dishes. What sets it apart is its irregular pyramid-shaped crystals, which deliver a gentler, more impactful salty taste than standard table salt. The minimal processing preserves its natural flavour, and the crystals don't simply vanish on your tongue—they linger.
How It's Made
The water is extracted from the Blackwater Estuary during spring tides, filtered, and heated in large pans. As it evaporates, pyramid-shaped crystals form on the surface, unlike the cubes of regular salt. These crystals are satisfying to crush between your fingertips as you scatter them over food.
Why It's Worth the Extra Cost
While you can use Maldon for basic cooking, it truly shines as a finishing touch. Scattering flakes on scrambled eggs, salmon, salads, or even chocolate chip cookies adds flavour without any artificial aftertaste. The packaging also looks stunning on kitchen shelves. Unfortunately, Aldi hasn't released a budget alternative, so you'll need to buy it elsewhere. It's available at Waitrose for £3, Asda for £2.84, or Sainsbury's for £2.85.
Once you try Maldon, there's no going back to ordinary salt. Your cooking will reach a new level of flavour, making the extra pennies well worth it.
