Surprisingly High-Sodium Foods You're Eating Without Realizing

Lisette Marie

23. Bottled Salad Dressings: The Flavorful Sodium Boost

Woman pouring dressing onto healthy vegetable salad in bowl. Photo Credit: Envato @prathanchorruangsak

Many people add store-bought dressings to salads thinking they’re making a healthy choice, but these dressings often contain 250–500 mg of sodium per two-tablespoon serving. Creamy dressings like ranch, Caesar, and blue cheese tend to be the worst offenders, while vinaigrettes and fat-free dressings also pack hidden sodium. To cut back, make homemade dressings using olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.

24. Pancake and Waffle Mixes: The Breakfast Salt Bomb

Preparation of dough for home pancakes for Breakfast or for Maslenitsa. Ingredients on the table - w. Photo Credit: Envato @kasia2003

Pancakes and waffles may taste sweet, but boxed mixes contain surprising amounts of sodium from added baking agents and preservatives. Some mixes contain over 400 mg of sodium per serving, and that’s before adding butter, syrup, or toppings. To keep your breakfast lower in sodium, consider making homemade pancakes using whole wheat flour, baking powder, and fresh ingredients.

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23. Bottled Salad Dressings: The Flavorful Sodium Boost

24. Pancake and Waffle Mixes: The Breakfast Salt Bomb

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