Salt (chloride) content determination

Salt determination, primarily in the form of sodium chloride (NaCl) , is an essential analysis in many industrial sectors. Performed by ion-exchange chromatography or argentometric titration (Mohr's method) , this measurement allows for the determination of the total chloride content in food products, plant extracts, nutraceutical formulations, or environmental matrices.

This analysis is essential for quality control , regulatory compliance and nutritional labeling , particularly for products intended for human or animal consumption.

The role of salt and chlorides in formulations

Sodium chloride plays several roles depending on the type of product:

• Preservative : limits microbial growth in food.
• Nutritional element : regulates osmotic pressure and water balance in humans and animals.
• Flavor enhancer : improves the organoleptic profile of food or nutraceutical formulations.
• Technological parameter : influences the texture, fermentation or stability of certain products (cured meats, cheeses, fermented products, etc.).

In the food , salt content measurement ensures compliance with nutritional labeling regulations. In the nutraceutical and animal nutrition , it helps balance mineral intake and control the production of enriched or low-sodium formulations.

Objectives and importance of chloride measurement

The determination of salt (chlorides) addresses several analytical needs:

• Quality control and formulation : verification of NaCl content in foods, powders, drinks, extracts or supplements.
• Regulatory compliance : adherence to the limits set for products "with reduced salt content" or "no added salt".
• Industrial process monitoring : control of chloride concentrations in process water, brines or technical solutions.
• Assessment of preservation : correlation between salt content and microbiological stability of foodstuffs.

Commonly analyzed matrices include:

• Processed food products (cured meats, cheeses, sauces, canned goods)
• Plant products or dry extracts
• Dietary supplements in powder or tablet form
• Animal feed
• Technical process waters or saline solutions

Analytical methods used

Two main approaches are used depending on the precision and nature of the matrix:

• Argentometric titration (Mohr's method) : based on the precipitation of chloride ions by silver (AgNO₃), this method is simple and reliable for products with moderate salt content.
• Ion chromatography (IC) : a more advanced method for separating and quantifying chloride, sulfate, and nitrate ions. It is particularly well-suited to complex matrices (water, plant extracts, enriched products).

These techniques can be combined with complementary analyses such as sodium measurement for a complete assessment of the mineral profile, or potassium measurement for low-sodium products.

Industrial applications

The determination of salt and chloride levels has applications in:

• The agri-food sector : nutritional labeling, formulation of reduced salt products, control of brines and preserves.
• Nutraceuticals : mineral balancing of supplements or isotonic formulations.
• Animal nutrition : control of the salinity of feed and additives for livestock.
• The environment : monitoring of effluents, wastewater and industrial brines.
• Plant products : measurement of residual salt in concentrated extracts or natural formulations.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab works with a network of partner laboratories specializing in physico-chemical analyses, accredited according to the ISO 17025 standard. The methods applied (ion chromatography, argentometric titration) are chosen according to the type of sample and the client's requirements.

Each analysis report includes the measured concentration of NaCl or chloride ions, the method used, and an interpretation in relation to regulatory thresholds or technical specifications.

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers in the food, plant and nutraceutical sectors with their analytical needs, centralizing requests via its digital platform for simple, fast and quality-compliant monitoring.