Garlic Salt vs. Garlic Powder: What’s the Difference?

Garlic powder, also known as ground garlic, is dehydrated garlic that has been pulverized and turned into a powder. Garlic cloves are sliced up and then placed into a dehydrator or oven until they are dry, then ground into a powder using a food processor or grinder. Granulated garlic is also a type of garlic powder, though the granules are bigger.

Garlic salt is a mixture of ground garlic and sea salt or kosher salt. The ratio of garlic powder to salt is one part garlic powder to three parts salt. Garlic salt may also contain an anti-caking agent, such as calcium silicate.

The main difference between garlic salt and garlic powder is the addition of salt in garlic salt. This means that you cannot use the two interchangeably. If you substitute garlic salt for garlic powder, you will end up with a dish high in saltiness.

There are some exceptions: You can use garlic powder in place of garlic salt if you are looking to limit your salt intake—using garlic powder in place of garlic salt will create a dish that is lower in sodium with a pronounced garlic flavor, and you can add salt to taste.

You can use garlic powder as a substitute for raw garlic, to make salad dressing, and as a seasoning. The mild flavor of garlic powder is less potent than a clove of garlic.

1. 1. Salad dressing: You can add garlic powder or garlic salt to homemade salad dressing. The garlic taste will be less potent with garlic powder, so use fresh garlic cloves if you want a stronger garlic taste.
2. 2. Seasoning: You can add garlic salt to dry rubs or marinades for meats. Mix it with black pepper, onion salt, oregano, and paprika for a seasoning mix for meat or other proteins. Add garlic salt, onion powder, dried oregano, dried rosemary, and dried thyme to make Italian seasoning.
3. 3. As a substitute: If a recipe calls for fresh minced garlic, you can use garlic powder, such as in sautéed veggies. You can use garlic salt instead of regular salt in certain recipes, such as when searing meat or stir-frying veggies.

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