Avoid Salt guide
Where does dietary sodium come from?
The salt shaker is only one source of sodium. Sodium can already be present in packaged foods, prepared foods, sauces, breads, meats, cheeses and restaurant meals.
Packaged and restaurant foods matter
The CDC reports that most sodium consumed in the United States comes from packaged and restaurant foods. This is why checking labels and portions can reveal sodium that is easy to overlook.
A meal can add up across several moderate items
A sandwich can contain sodium from bread, fillings, cheese and condiments. None of those items needs to be the single largest source for the total meal to become substantial.
Use the Meal Sodium Calculator to see how separate foods contribute to one total.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The body needs a small amount of sodium; excess sodium can raise blood pressure; most U.S. sodium intake comes from packaged and restaurant foods; federal guidance recommends less than 2,300 mg daily for teens and adults.
Verified 2026-08-10