Small amounts of food containing salt
We all need a tiny amount of salt in our diets - adults should have no more than 6 grams of salt a day (about a teaspoonful).
"Hidden salt" is contained in lots of processed foods and bread. Many people add salt to food when they are cooking, and some people then go on to add more salt at the dinner table also.
All this means that most of us eat much more salt than we need. This can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease and strokes.
How to cut down on salt
- add less salt when you are cooking - try flavouring foods with lemon juice, herbs, or spices instead of salt
- try not to add extra salt at the dinner table - always taste food before you add salt
- if you buy ready-meals, look for ones with less added salt
- if you buy canned vegetables, choose the ones marked "no added salt"
- eat less salty snacks, such as peanuts and crisps
- don't use too many stock cubes - they contain a lot of salt
- cut down on salted meats such as bacon and gammon.
What else?
- Lots of fruit & vegetables
- Plenty of foods rich in starch and fibre
- Moderate quantities of milk and dairy foods
- Moderate amounts of meat, fish or meat-alternatives
- Small amounts of foods which are high in fat
- Small amounts of foods which contain added sugar
- Small amounts of food containing salt
- A word about alcohol
Contacts
The contacts database contains details of organisations that may be able to offer information or assistance on this issue.
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