Rice in a salt shaker
A few grains of raw rice take up moisture so salt pours freely.
Evidence: Food publication explanationProfessional review not claimed
What the sources say
Taste of Home explains restaurants add a few grains of uncooked rice because it absorbs moisture faster than salt, helping prevent clumping.
Evidence assessment: Food publication explanation. This describes the scope of the guidance we checked, not proof that the remedy works for you.
Cautions
- Use a shaker with holes small enough that rice grains cannot fall out onto food.
How it is usually done
- Add a few grains of uncooked rice to the shaker before filling with salt.
Ingredients & category
Sources
- Taste of Home: Why do restaurants put rice in salt shakers? — link and wording checked 30 September 2026
Source-checking is not clinical or veterinary review. Specific historical origin not established from the source reviewed.