Salt and pepper shakers

Lore & Background

Salt and pepper shakers can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, glass, metal, and ceramic. Early cruet-stands included three shakers: one each for salt and pepper, and a third whose exact purpose is debated and not definitively established. Over time this third shaker declined from prominence.

Reader's Guide

Salt and pepper shakers became increasingly common after anti-caking agents were introduced by the Morton Salt company in 1911. The Great Depression of the 1930s boosted their popularity as global ceramics producers concentrated on inexpensive items. Except in the most casual dining establishments, they are usually provided as a matched set, sometimes distinguishable only by the number of holes on the top.

Designs range from small, plain glass screw cap containers to more ornate works of art. Sometimes the design refers to a pair of related objects, such as a West Highland White Terrier containing salt and a Scottish Terrier containing pepper. Designs may also relate to specific occasions or holidays.

As a result of this diversity, collecting salt and pepper shakers is a hobby. Design has also been used to transmit cultural perspectives about race and other cultural values. Two Museums of Salt and Pepper Shakers in the US and Spain are dedicated to showing their variety and history. Żupny Castle in Poland also contains a collection of salt shakers.

Did You Know?

• An 1872 newspaper quote about a 'pepper-box for salt' is unverified and may be misattributed.
• The number of holes in salt and pepper shakers varies by design and personal preference; there is no universal rule about which holds salt.