If you’re trying to cut back on sodium, you may wonder what all the different claims on food labels mean. You might see claims like “reduced sodium” on a can of soup, or “lightly salted” on microwave popcorn. Is one better than the other?
Ultimately, if you want to cut back on sodium, the best way is by limiting processed and packaged foods. These foods often have lots of sodium to help with flavor and shelf life. Instead, choose fresh, minimally processed foods as much as possible.
References
Agócs, R., et al. (2019). Is too much salt harmful? Yes. Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany).
American Heart Association. (2021). How much sodium should I eat per day?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21.
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Written by:
Sophia KellerSophia Keller was an editorial intern on the GoodRx Health team. She has a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from Arizona State University.
Reviewed by:
Sanjai Sinha, MDSanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.
