No, onion salt and onion powder are not the same, though they are closely related.
Understanding the Difference
Onion powder is simply dehydrated onion. Onion salt, however, is a mixture of onion powder and table salt. This key difference impacts both flavor and functionality.
- Onion Powder: Provides a pure onion flavor, but can clump easily.
- Onion Salt: Offers a combined onion and salty taste, and is less prone to clumping than onion powder. The added salt acts as an anti-caking agent.
The reference material explicitly states: "Just like garlic salt, onion salt is just onion powder conveniently mixed with table salt." This highlights the fundamental difference: onion salt contains onion powder, plus salt.
Practical Implications
The choice between onion salt and onion powder depends on your recipe and desired flavor profile.
- Use onion powder when you need a strong, pure onion flavor and are willing to address potential clumping.
- Use onion salt when you want a combined onion and salt flavor, and prefer a less-clumpy seasoning. It also simplifies seasoning as it combines two ingredients into one.
