Your basket is empty
Already have an account? Log in to check out faster.
Already have an account? Log in to check out faster.
Few flavor combos hit the tongue quite like salt and vinegar. Tangy, punchy, and lip-smackingly bold, this iconic pairing isn’t just for chips anymore. Whether you’re seasoning roasted veggies, popcorn, or even making your own snack blends at home, salt and vinegar seasoning is a pantry essential—and yes, you can totally make it yourself.
In this post, we’re sharing how to make salt and vinegar seasoning from scratch, what kind of salt works best, and creative ways to use it in your kitchen. Spoiler alert: Syracuse Salt Co.'s handcrafted flake salt is about to become your new best friend.
Salt and vinegar seasoning is a dry blend made to replicate the sharp, tangy flavor you’d get from drizzling vinegar over salted foods. It's especially popular in snack foods—think salt & vinegar chips—but it has way more range than that. The goal is to capture that acidic zing in a shelf-stable, sprinkle-able form.
This is typically done by combining salt with a form of powdered vinegar (usually malt vinegar or white distilled vinegar in dehydrated form). The result? A savory-sour seasoning that brightens up just about anything it touches.
To make your own salt and vinegar seasoning, you’ll need just a few ingredients:
Start with high-quality vinegar powder—either malt for a classic chip flavor or white distilled for something more neutral. Pair that with Syracuse Salt Co.'s Local Flake Salt, which offers the perfect texture and flavor profile for homemade seasonings. If you want extra zing, a pinch of citric acid will give your blend an extra kick. Feeling creative? Garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of smoked paprika can turn your blend into something truly custom.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to mix. Combine 2 tablespoons of vinegar powder with 1 tablespoon of Local Flake Salt. Add 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid or try our Lime Salt if you like it extra tangy. Stir until the powders are evenly distributed, and then transfer your blend to an airtight spice jar. Store in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh.
If your flake salt is particularly coarse, pulse the mixture in a spice grinder for a more uniform texture. Just don’t overdo it—you still want to keep that lovely flake integrity.
Table salt might be the default for many, but it tends to be too fine and harsh for seasoning blends. Kosher salt can be uneven and hard to mix. That’s why a delicate, hand-harvested flake salt like our Local Flake Salt is the gold standard. It’s clean, bright, and light enough to cling to popcorn or roasted veggies without overpowering the dish.
Want a more gourmet vibe? Our Rosemary Flake Salt adds herbal and citrus notes that play surprisingly well with vinegar. It’s a flavor-packed twist on a classic combo.
Salt and vinegar seasoning isn’t just for snacking. Once you’ve got a jar on hand, the possibilities are endless. Shake it over homemade chips, toss it on roasted carrots, sprinkle it on avocado toast, or stir it into a salad for an unexpected zing. It’s especially dreamy on fresh popcorn—just make sure to add a little oil or butter so the seasoning sticks.
This blend is also a fun finishing touch for deviled eggs, chickpeas, or even grilled corn on the cob. Think beyond the bag of chips—it’s your new secret weapon for layering flavor.
Need help finding the goods? Pick up vinegar powder at Spiceology or Modernist Pantry. Local Flake Salt is just a click away, and citric acid is usually stocked near the canning supplies in most grocery stores or online.
Salt and vinegar seasoning isn’t just a nostalgic snack dust—it’s a secret weapon for bringing brightness and balance to your everyday dishes. Making your own means you control the flavor, quality, and creativity.
And when you start with small-batch, hand-harvested salt from Syracuse Salt Co., you’re not just seasoning your food—you’re seasoning it with local pride.
Looking for more kitchen inspo? Check out our blog, The Daily Pinch, or explore our full collection of gourmet salts. Stay salty, friends!
Be the first to know about new collections and exclusive offers, and get 15% off your next order! Get started now!