Surprisingly Salty Foods That Could Be Wrecking Your Health

7. Snacks – Sodium in the Crunchy Culprits

Packaged snack foods like chips, pretzels, and popcorn are often surprisingly high in sodium. For example, a single serving of potato chips can contain more than 200 milligrams of sodium, while a serving of pretzels can have upwards of 400 milligrams. Even microwave popcorn often contains significant amounts of sodium, with some brands packing over 300 milligrams per serving. These snacks are typically consumed in large quantities or in a mindless fashion, making it easy to overlook the sodium content. To reduce your sodium intake from snacks, opt for unsalted nuts, air-popped popcorn, or fresh fruits and vegetables.

8. Canned Goods – The Salted Shelf-Stable Solutions

Canned goods are another convenient but often sodium-laden option. Canned soups, like Progresso or Campbell’s, can contain over 1,000 milligrams of sodium per serving. Canned vegetables and beans often come with added salt for preservation, making them significant contributors to daily sodium intake. For instance, a single serving of canned green beans can contain up to 400 milligrams of sodium. Choosing no-salt-added or low-sodium versions of canned goods can help reduce sodium consumption. Another option is to rinse canned beans under cold water before using them to wash away some of the excess salt.