A bit of an Australian obsession, chicken salt is known to add a transformative umami zing to a scoop or two of humble hot chips. It’s been around since the ‘70s, and no one has ever really minded how generously it’s shaken over a fast-food order. Funnily enough, chicken salt remains largely unknown outside of Australia, even though it never fails to delight our visitors. 

Most brands’ versions of this tasty magical dust, which can be sprinkled on just about anything, also happen to be vegan and surprisingly suitable for many dietary requirements. But what exactly is it, who invented it, and what is chicken salt made of? Let’s explore what might just be Australia’s best-kept secret.

What is Chicken Salt?

While some versions of chicken salt do contain actual chicken, it was originally intended to season roast chicken and therefore just made with salt, garlic, spices, celery seeds, and the like. It was soon discovered that a little sprinkling of chicken salt goes a long way, and it’s since extended further than chicken and hot chips to all sorts of dishes. 

We’ve called our chicken salt ‘Chicken and Chips Salt’. While it works wonders on Homemade Seasoned Roast Chicken and potatoes cooked in various forms, it can also be a key ingredient in roasted vegetarian dishes such as Oven-Roasted Garlic and Beetroot and Broc and Cauli Cheese Bake. It can even add immense depth to family favourites like veggie fritters and hearty stews. Given its versatility and ability to bring out natural flavours in dishes, you might just find a use for chicken salt on everything.

How is Chicken Salt Made?

Like all of our Gourmet Flavoured Salts, we make our Chicken and Chips Salt with all natural ingredients. It’s vegan, gluten-free, MSG-free, and contains no additives. We blend Australian sea salt, onion, paprika, garlic, sumac, celery, and mustard flour to create a moreish healthy chicken salt alternative.

Who invented chicken salt?

We mentioned how chicken salt was invented as a savoury seasoning to enhance the natural flavours of roast chicken. Well, the genius inventor behind the original blend was a man named Peter Brinkworth, who in the early ‘70s made it for his chicken shop in South Australia. A few years later, the Mitani family bought the recipe to sell commercially, and many brands followed suit. It’s now not only the preferred sprinkle at the fish and chips counter; it’s used across kitchens all over Australia.

Wait, Chicken Salt Doesn’t Actually Have Chicken in it?

So, is chicken salt vegan after all? Yep, most chicken salts are in fact vegan. Chicken salt ingredients normally consist of salt and various herbs and spices, so there are no chicken or other animal products within the product. Not only that, but our Chicken and Chips Salt, along with all of our products, are halal-friendly and gluten-free.

Does Chicken Salt Contain MSG?

Some do, but ours does not. Chicken salt enhances flavours of components in the countless dishes it can be added to. There’s absolutely no need for MSG in the mix, as its purpose is to do exactly what the combined natural chicken salt ingredients already do. 

But Isn’t Chicken Salt Bad For You?

Sometimes chicken salt is given a bad wrap, and this may have something to do with it being ever-present on fast-food counters ready to liberally douse deep-fried golden chips. But despite this, chicken salt isn’t actually that bad for you, or at least ours is not. 

Some brands add nasties like flavour enhancers, yeast extracts, acidity regulators, preservatives, and anti-caking agents. But if the chicken salt ingredients list is just salt, onion, paprika, garlic, sumac, celery, and mustard flour, then it can be no worse for you than adding salt to a dish. Having said that, it should be consumed and used in moderation like everything else.

Where Can I Buy Chicken Salt?

Experiencing what chicken salt does to humble spuds, cheesy bakes, roast vegetables, rotisserie chicken, and even popcorn is completely life-changing. Once the secret’s out of Australia, chicken salt will be universally loved. 

Being made with 100% natural, plant-based ingredients, our immensely popular Chicken and Chips Salt is the best and healthiest option. Add to cart to try it out as soon as possible. It’s the seasoning you need in your kitchen.