Surprisingly High-Sodium Foods You're Eating Without Realizing

41. Instant Pudding Mixes

That quick, creamy dessert mix often relies on more than just sugar for its appeal. Instant pudding mixes frequently use sodium phosphate compounds as thickening agents and stabilizers, significantly boosting the sodium content. A single serving prepared from a standard mix can easily pack 300-400 mg of sodium, even before considering the milk used. It's a surprising salty hit for a sweet treat. Making pudding from scratch using cornstarch gives you full control over the sodium level.

42. Taco Seasoning Packets

Those convenient pre-blended taco seasoning packets are sodium bombs. Salt is often the primary ingredient, and a single packet designed for a pound of ground meat can contain a staggering 1500-2500 mg of sodium or more. This easily turns lean protein or beans into a high-sodium meal component, often exceeding an entire day's recommended intake just from the seasoning. Mixing your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and onion powder lets you control the salt entirely.