Salty vs. Savory: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 10, 2023
"Salty" refers to a taste resembling salt, while "Savory" denotes a flavorful taste that's not sweet.
Key Differences
"Salty" and "Savory" are terms frequently employed in culinary contexts to describe distinct taste profiles. "Salty" is straightforward and pertains to the taste that closely resembles or is attributed to salt. For instance, ocean water is salty because of its high salt content. On the other hand, "Savory" describes a taste that is rich, flavorful, and predominantly not sweet. It's one of the basic tastes and is often equated with "umami," a taste profile common in broths and cooked meats.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Both "Salty" and "Savory" play pivotal roles in enriching the flavor of dishes. Salty flavors, derived mainly from the addition of salt, can enhance other flavors in a dish, making them more pronounced. Conversely, savory flavors, often stemming from proteins, amino acids, or certain vegetables, add depth and complexity, making a dish more satisfying and appetizing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
In the English language, both terms have extended meanings beyond the realm of taste. "Salty" can colloquially describe someone who is irritable or bitter, often due to a specific circumstance. For instance, a person might be "salty" after losing a game. "Savory," however, can be used to describe a morally wholesome situation, as opposed to something that's not "savory."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Culturally, the appreciation for both salty and savory tastes varies. Some cuisines may have a pronounced salty dimension, using salted preserves or condiments. Meanwhile, other culinary traditions may prize the savory umami flavor, employing ingredients like mushrooms, soy sauce, or seaweed to impart that rich taste. Both tastes, while different, complement each other and are foundational in many dishes around the world.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Taste resembling or attributed to salt.
Flavorful taste that's not sweet.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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Origin of Taste
Mainly from salt.
From proteins, amino acids, or certain vegetables.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Association with Umami
Not directly associated.
Closely related to the umami taste.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Salty and Savory Definitions
Salty
Having a taste of, or containing, salt.
The popcorn was too salty for my liking.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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Savory
Having a spicy or salty flavor without sweetness.
The savory stew warmed us up in winter.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Salty
Experienced, especially in terms of naval life.
The salty sailor recounted tales of his adventures.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Savory
Morally wholesome or acceptable.
The details of the scandal were not savory.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Savory
Appetizing to the taste or smell.
The kitchen was filled with a savory aroma.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
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Salty
Resembling the sea or things related to the sea.
He had a salty air about him after years at sea.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Savory
An aromatic plant used in cooking.
She added some savory to the soup for extra flavor.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Salty
Coarse or risqué in language.
His salty jokes made a few people uncomfortable.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Savory
Having a rich or zesty taste.
The savory sauce complemented the steak perfectly.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Savory
A dish of pungent taste, such as anchovies on toast or pickled fruit, sometimes served in Great Britain as an hors d'oeuvre or instead of a sweet dessert.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Savory
An annual Mediterranean aromatic herb (Satureja hortensis) of the mint family, having pale lavender to white flowers. Also called summer savory.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Savory
A related Mediterranean aromatic perennial herb (Satureja montana), having white or pink flowers. Also called winter savory.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Salty
(figuratively) Experienced, especially used to indicate a veteran of the naval services; salty dog (from salt of the sea).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Savory
Tasty, attractive to the palate.
The fine restaurant presented an array of savory dishes; each was delicious.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Salty
(linguistics) Pertaining to the Sardinian language and those dialects of Catalan, spoken in the Balearic Islands and along the coast of Catalonia, that use definitive articles descended from the Latin self instead of the Latin that.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Savory
Salty and/or spicy, but not sweet.
The mushrooms, meat, bread, rice, peanuts and potatoes were all good savory foods.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Savory
Umami, modern
The savory rabbit soup contrasted well with the sweet cucumber sandwiches with jam.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Savory
(figuratively) Morally or ethically acceptable.
Readers are to be warned that quotations in this chapter contain some not so savory language.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Savory
Any of several Mediterranean herbs, of the genus Satureja, grown as culinary flavourings.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Savory
Pleasing to the organs of taste or smell.
The chewing flocksHad ta'en their supper on the savory herb.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Savory
An aromatic labiate plant (Satureia hortensis), much used in cooking; - also called summer savory.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Savory
Any of several aromatic herbs or subshrubs of the genus Satureja having spikes of flowers attractive to bees
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Savory
An aromatic or spicy dish served at the end of dinner or as an hors d'oeuvre
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
FAQs
Can "Savory" be synonymous with "umami"?
Yes, "Savory" is often equated with the umami taste.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Does "Salty" only pertain to food?
No, it can describe someone's demeanor as irritable or bitter.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Do "Salty" and "Savory" refer to the same taste?
No, "Salty" relates to salt while "Savory" is a rich, non-sweet flavor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Is "Savory" always about food?
Mostly, but it can also describe a morally acceptable situation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Why might someone be described as "salty"?
It can refer to being irritable, bitter, or experienced.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
How is "savory" different from "spicy"?
"Savory" is rich and flavorful; "spicy" denotes heat.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
What's a common savory ingredient?
Mushrooms are often used for their savory quality.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Can a dish be both salty and savory?
Yes, many dishes blend both tastes for depth and flavor.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
How can I reduce a dish's salty taste?
Add more ingredients, water, or unsalted broth.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Can savory foods contain sweet elements?
Yes, many dishes blend sweet and savory for complexity.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Why is the sea salty?
Due to mineral content and continuous salt deposit from rivers.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Are there savory drinks?
Yes, some cocktails or broths might be described as savory.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Are there unsavory smells?
Yes, "unsavory" can describe unpleasant tastes or smells.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Is sea air described as "salty" or "savory"?
Sea air is often described as "salty."
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
If a joke is "salty," what does that mean?
It might be coarse, risqué, or slightly off-color.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
What foods are considered savory?
Meats, broths, and certain vegetables like mushrooms.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
How does salt enhance flavor?
Salt can amplify other flavors and reduce bitterness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can desserts be savory?
Typically, desserts are sweet, but there are exceptions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
