Salty vs. Savory: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on December 30, 2023
"Salty" describes a taste reminiscent of salt, while "savory" denotes a flavor that is meaty or spicy, not sweet.
Difference Between Salty and Savory
"Salty" is a straightforward descriptor in the realm of taste. When a food item is referred to as salty, it predominantly contains or tastes like salt. This could be due to the addition of salt in cooking or naturally occurring salts within the food. Chips, cured meats, and pickles are examples of foods that might be described as salty. Conversely, "savory" is a broader term. It encompasses flavors that are neither sweet nor salty, but rather meaty, spicy, or rich.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 30, 2023
Moving to "savory," this term covers a wide spectrum of flavors. In essence, savory foods possess a hearty, rich taste often associated with proteins or umami flavors. It's the taste you'd associate with roasted meats, mushrooms, or certain cheeses. While salty foods are typically seasoned with salt, savory foods might not necessarily be salty. They can be, but they might also have other dominant flavors.
Muazma Batool
Dec 30, 2023
In the Western culinary world, sweet and savory are often posed as opposites. This dichotomy emerges in dishes like chicken and waffles, where the meat's savory flavor contrasts with the sweetness of syrup. However, it's essential to understand that while all salty foods can be considered savory due to their non-sweet profile, not all savory foods are salty.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 30, 2023
Interestingly, while the term "salty" has expanded into slang, implying that someone is irritated or bitter about something, "savory" has largely retained its culinary connotations. In discussions about food, knowing the difference between these terms can enhance both cooking and tasting experiences.
Olivia
Dec 30, 2023
Salty vs. Savory Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
Tastes like salt
Flavors that are neither sweet nor salty
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 30, 2023
Flavor Scope
Narrow, specific to salt
Broad, can include meaty, spicy, or rich tastes
Muazma Batool
Dec 30, 2023
Examples
Chips, pickles, cured meats
Roasted meats, mushrooms, certain cheeses
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 30, 2023
Opposite Flavor
Not directly opposed to any specific taste
Often opposed to sweet in culinary contexts
Muazma Batool
Dec 30, 2023
Slang Usage
Can mean irritated or bitter
Largely retains its culinary meaning
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 30, 2023
Salty vs. Savory Definitions
◉Salty
Resembling the taste of salt.
Some people find certain mineral waters to have a slightly salty taste.
Henry
Sep 14, 2023
◉Savory
Relating to a taste that is neither sweet nor salty.
The savory flavors of the stew were comforting.
Muazma Batool
Sep 14, 2023
◉Savory
An aromatic plant used in cooking.
She added some savory to the dish for extra flavor.
Muazma Batool
Sep 14, 2023
◉Salty
Irritated or agitated.
She was salty because she wasn't invited to the party.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
◉Savory
Having a spicy or slightly salty flavor.
The savory pie was filled with vegetables and meat.
Levi
Sep 14, 2023
◉Savory
Morally wholesome or acceptable.
His past wasn't as savory as he claimed.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Savory
An annual Mediterranean aromatic herb (Satureja hortensis) of the mint family, having pale lavender to white flowers. Also called summer savory.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Salty
(figuratively) Experienced, especially used to indicate a veteran of the naval services; salty dog (from salt of the sea).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Savory
A related Mediterranean aromatic perennial herb (Satureja montana), having white or pink flowers. Also called winter savory.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Savory
Tasty, attractive to the palate.
The fine restaurant presented an array of savory dishes; each was delicious.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Savory
Salty and/or spicy, but not sweet.
The mushrooms, meat, bread, rice, peanuts and potatoes were all good savory foods.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Savory
umami, modern
The savory rabbit soup contrasted well with the sweet cucumber sandwiches with jam.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Savory
(figuratively) Morally or ethically acceptable.
Readers are to be warned that quotations in this chapter contain some not so savory language.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Salty
(slang) Experienced, especially in terms of being tough or hardened.
He was a salty old sailor.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
◉Savory
Any of several Mediterranean herbs, of the genus Satureja, grown as culinary flavourings.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Savory
Pleasing to the organs of taste or smell.
The chewing flocksHad ta'en their supper on the savory herb.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Savory
An aromatic labiate plant (Satureia hortensis), much used in cooking; - also called summer savory.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Savory
any of several aromatic herbs or subshrubs of the genus Satureja having spikes of flowers attractive to bees
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Savory
an aromatic or spicy dish served at the end of dinner or as an hors d'oeuvre
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Salty vs. Savory Frequently Asked Questions
Are sweet and savory opposites?
In many culinary contexts, they are considered contrasting flavor profiles.
Lucas
Dec 30, 2023
What is the primary taste of something salty?
It predominantly tastes like salt.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 30, 2023
Can a dish be both salty and savory?
Yes, a dish can have both a salt-forward taste and other hearty or spicy flavors.
Muazma Batool
Dec 30, 2023
Is umami the same as savory?
Umami is a type of savory taste, often described as meaty or broth-like.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 30, 2023
Does savory mean it contains herbs and spices?
Not necessarily, savory describes a flavor profile, but herbs and spices can contribute to it.
Jonathan
Dec 30, 2023
Is "savory" used in contexts outside of food?
Yes, it can describe something morally acceptable or wholesome.
Olivia
Dec 30, 2023
Why do people use the term "salty" in slang?
It's a colloquial way of describing someone as bitter or irritated.
Lucas
Dec 30, 2023
Is it common for dishes to be overly salty but not savory?
Yes, overseasoning can lead to a dish being too salty without enhancing its savory qualities.
Muazma Batool
Dec 30, 2023
How do chefs balance salty and savory flavors?
By using seasonings, herbs, spices, and various cooking techniques to achieve a desired taste profile.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 30, 2023
Can desserts ever be savory?
Yes, some cultures have desserts that lean more savory than sweet.
Jonathan
Dec 30, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
