Garlic Salt Recommendations?

March 30, 2020 7:40 AM

I used to enjoy adding Trader Joe's garlic salt to omelettes and the like, but it seems they've changed their recipe or supplier because I can now hardly taste it - what brand should I try next?
posted by my log does not judge to Food & Drink (16 answers total)

Garlic powder + salt will make you your own garlic salt, which you can tailor to your preferred level of garlic.
posted by terretu at 7:51 AM on March 30, 2020 [2 favorites]

Penzey's FTW!
posted by Rash at 7:55 AM on March 30, 2020 [8 favorites]

If you’re interested in rolling your own, you can break down larger-crystal or small rock salt with freeze dried garlic and a little bit of MSG (a pinch or two per cup of salt would be enough) into the mix, and process it in a spice mill or small food processor. This lets you control the garlic level, and the texture of the salt.

But yeah, penzys is a great source too.
posted by furnace.heart at 8:25 AM on March 30, 2020

Seconding garlic powder. I've lately enjoyed mixing it with TJ's Mushroom and Company Umami Seasoning, which is quite salty but also adds a nice smoky flavor. (But, I've always found garlic salt way too salty for my taste, so take my advice with a grain of salt.)
posted by eotvos at 8:43 AM on March 30, 2020

I just use McCormick's and it's plenty flavorful imho!
posted by brook horse at 8:44 AM on March 30, 2020

I buy McCormick/Lawry's (same company), "California style" with parsley, and it's excellent for its purposes (which are not the same as for garlic powder.)
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:50 AM on March 30, 2020

Flying Horse Fried Garlic is my go-to for a dry garlic product (it also helps me avoid oversalting in the quest for more garlic flavor). Not a 1:1 replacement for garlic salt, but after using it for a few years I find garlic salt somewhat stale-tasting.
posted by aspersioncast at 9:00 AM on March 30, 2020

This might be a batch control issue. If you're interested, you might look for contact information (it might be right on the bottle) to let them know you got a dud. In which case, they might offer to replace your bottle to avoid losing a customer.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 9:34 AM on March 30, 2020

not to be all "everything is virus now" but are you sure the taste is actually different/not as strong? bc one of the virus symptoms is loss of your senses of taste and smell. can you get someone else to try it and see?
posted by poffin boffin at 9:37 AM on March 30, 2020 [10 favorites]

Response by poster: Thanks everyone - I should have mentioned that this is the 2nd batch I've tried in the past few months.
posted by my log does not judge at 11:01 AM on March 30, 2020

You might be able to find garlic salt in your local grocery store's Bulk Food & Spices aisle.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:52 AM on March 30, 2020

Higher brow is Penzeys (all their stuff is really great) and it's worth it to sign up for their email list as they have incredible sales. Easy to find at the supermarket it Lawry's (this is also a staple in my kitchen despite me having fancy options).
posted by quince at 12:42 PM on March 30, 2020

TJ's Onion Salt is excellent! (And it has garlic in it.)
posted by wintersweet at 1:01 PM on March 30, 2020

Penzeys is amazing but they have currently stopped distribution and closed stores for a few weeks...
posted by purenitrous at 5:49 PM on March 30, 2020

I think Old Bay Seasonings (mostly salt, with a bunch of other flavorings) has a garlic version which might be of interest.
posted by XMLicious at 8:47 PM on March 30, 2020

You might be able to find garlic salt in your local grocery store's Bulk Food & Spices aisle.

I've been wondering if that aisle will survive these times. So many surfaces to keep clean!
posted by Rash at 8:30 AM on March 31, 2020