Always take salt with you: portable salt shakers

Anyone who knows me knows I’m serious about salt. There’s nothing more disappointing than eating something that almost tastes great—but falls flat because it’s under-seasoned. It genuinely bothers me to pay for food I can’t fully enjoy. And while I’m particular about salt, it’s not always practical (or polite) to ask for it. Sometimes there simply isn’t any around—think food trucks, festivals, or conferences.

Back when I worked in an office, I kept a salt shaker in my desk drawer. I’d also stash salt packets in my wallet—and I still occasionally find them hiding in my purse or bag pockets. The problem? They break, they spill, and suddenly everything is coated in salt. So I went on a mission to find the smallest, most practical salt containers I could carry with me everywhere.

Here are the ones I actually use:

Container Store Pocket-size Salt & Pepper Shaker

 
 This compact shaker has two compartments—intended for salt and pepper—but I use mine for two different types of salt: fine sea salt on one side and flaky salt on the other. It lives in my everyday work bag, the one that carries everything. It’s lightweight, reusable, and easy to refill, which makes it incredibly practical.

Redmond Real Salt Mini Shakers

 
 These are the smallest option I’ve found—about the size of a chapstick. They’re perfect for smaller purses or even a jacket pocket. They usually come in packs, and despite their tiny size, they last surprisingly long. Bonus: they’re refillable, so you can keep them in rotation.

Sal de Ibiza Portable Shakers

 
 Sal de Ibiza is known for its fleur de sel—a delicate, hand-harvested salt with a subtle mineral complexity. These portable shakers are slightly larger than the Redmond ones but still very travel-friendly. I picked mine up in Spain, and while they might be harder to find in the U.S., they’re ideal for keeping in a car or travel bag.

Maldon Sea Salt Tin

 
 This one is a classic. The flat metal tin makes it perfect for slimmer bags or even a wallet-style purse. Maldon is my go-to when I want that signature crunchy, flaky finish. The tins can be a bit tricky to find depending on the version, but they’re durable, refillable, and absolutely worth it.

A portable salt shaker might sound a little extra—but once you have one, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. It’s one of those tiny, thoughtful things that makes a big difference. Honestly, it also makes a perfect gift for any food lover: small, practical, and unexpectedly delightful.