British favourite Maldon Sea Salt uses German rock salt despite claims it’s 100pc from Essex

An investigation found that Maldon Salt uses rock salt mined in Germany as part of the process for making its Essex sea salt flakes. The finding has raised questions about how clearly the brand explains its production method, although the company says its flakes remain 100 per cent sea salt and that its labelling complies with the law.

The imported salt is used in a traditional “salt-on-salt” process to strengthen and mineralise seawater brine, reducing the energy needed to evaporate it; experts say the two salt sources cannot be separated once blended. Maldon Salt updated its website to describe the method after being contacted, while Essex Trading Standards previously found no regulatory failures. The company reported revenue of £39.2 million for the year to March 2025, up 16.5 per cent, and plans to expand production amid rising demand.