I don't know why I have always resisted buying this for so many years, I don't know if the term flake put me off or what but it is SO good. You crush it between your fingers and sprinkle over food. I think this goes great whole on top of sweets like chocolates or cupcakes for the salted caramel flavor - you get a flaky salty crunch that is awesome. I think its great for cooking with as long as you break it down with your fingers, we keep it in a salt box on the counter and it is all we use now.