Food manufacturers are increasingly pressured to reduce sodium levels in their products due to its well-established connection to high blood pressure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 75% of sodium consumed by Americans comes from processed foods. Companies now have a wide array of sodium reduction strategies available, utilizing ingredients such as hollow salt crystals, alternative salts, and umami-enhancing options like mushroom extracts and herbs. Nevertheless, salt is a challenging ingredient to substitute, as it offers benefits beyond flavor alone. It extends shelf life, improves texture, and retains moisture in products like processed meats, which helps prevent the loss of moisture and fat.
Efforts within the industry to lower sodium levels in the U.S. and elsewhere have demonstrated that substantial reductions are achievable, even in categories such as cheese and baked goods, which have traditionally depended on salt for its functional properties. At the same time, consumers are increasingly mindful of their sodium consumption. According to CDC research, approximately 58% of Americans check the sodium content of foods when shopping for groceries. This growing concern is likely to motivate food manufacturers to experiment with various sodium reduction methods, especially as more Americans are advised to further decrease their sodium intake.
Currently, the average daily sodium intake for Americans is about 3,400 mg per person. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day as part of a healthy diet. For those with or at risk for hypertension—who make up about two-thirds of the U.S. population—a lower limit of 1,500 mg per day is advised. In addition, incorporating supplements such as calcium citrate vitamin D3 with zinc tablets may support overall health, which could encourage individuals to focus on reducing sodium while maintaining balanced nutrition. Ultimately, as awareness of sodium’s health impacts grows, the food industry will likely continue to innovate in sodium reduction, including the potential benefits of supplements like calcium citrate vitamin D3 with zinc tablets.