Dietary sources of sodium in the American diet
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Major Dietary Sources of Sodium in the American Diet
Research consistently shows that the majority of sodium in the American diet comes from processed and commercially prepared foods, rather than from salt added at the table or during home cooking 269. More than 70% of sodium intake is from foods prepared outside the home, such as restaurant meals and prepackaged foods 26. Only a small portion comes from salt added during home food preparation (about 5-6%) or at the table (about 5%) 26.
Top Food Categories Contributing to Sodium Intake
Several studies using national survey data have identified the leading food sources of sodium for Americans. The top contributors include:
- Pizza
- Breads, rolls, and buns
- Cold cuts and cured meats
- Soups
- Burritos and tacos
- Savory snacks
- Poultry
- Cheese
- Pasta mixed dishes
- Burgers
- Meat mixed dishes
- Cookies, brownies, and cakes
- Bacon, frankfurters, and sausages
- Vegetables (often canned or processed)
- Chicken nuggets
These 15 categories alone account for over half of the sodium consumed by the US population, and the pattern is consistent across different age, sex, income, and racial/ethnic groups 1358.
Processed and Restaurant Foods as Primary Sodium Sources
Most sodium comes from foods purchased at stores (such as grocery or convenience stores), but restaurant foods—especially from quick-service and full-service restaurants—also contribute significantly, providing up to 32% of sodium intake depending on age group . Foods from restaurants tend to have a higher sodium density (mg per 1,000 kcal) than foods from stores 34.
Mixed Dishes and Specific Food Items
Mixed dishes, such as sandwiches, pizza, and Mexican-style dishes, are among the top sources of sodium for both children and adults . For children, sandwiches and pizza are especially significant, while for adults, sandwiches, cured meats, and Mexican mixed dishes are leading contributors . Cheese, while not always a top source on its own, is a key ingredient in many of these mixed dishes .
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Sodium Sources
While the main sources of sodium are similar across racial and ethnic groups, there are some unique contributors. For example, Asian Americans have higher sodium intake from soy-based condiments, and there are differences in salt use during food preparation and at the table among different groups . Pizza, soup, and chicken are common top sources across all groups .
Minimal Impact of Discretionary Salt
Salt added at the table or during home cooking makes up a small fraction of total sodium intake. Efforts to reduce sodium by avoiding table salt have limited impact compared to reducing sodium in processed and restaurant foods 269.
Conclusion
The primary sources of sodium in the American diet are processed and commercially prepared foods, especially mixed dishes like pizza, sandwiches, and Mexican-style foods, as well as breads, cured meats, and soups. Most sodium is consumed from foods purchased at stores and restaurants, with only a small amount coming from salt added at home. Reducing sodium intake in the US will require changes in the food supply, particularly in processed and restaurant foods, rather than focusing solely on individual behaviors like avoiding table salt 1234+4 MORE.
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