Surprisingly High-Sodium Foods You're Eating Without Realizing

11. Instant Noodles: The Quick Sodium Fix

Instant noodles are a popular convenience food, especially among students and busy professionals, but they are also high in sodium. The flavor packets that accompany instant noodles often contain more than 1,000 milligrams of sodium, which is a substantial portion of the daily recommended intake. The ease of preparation and low cost make instant noodles a tempting choice, but their high sodium content poses a health risk. To reduce sodium intake from instant noodles, consider using only a portion of the flavor packet or adding your own low-sodium seasonings. Alternatively, opt for whole grain noodles and prepare your own broth to control the sodium content.

12. Canned Vegetables: The Unexpected Sodium Addition

Canned vegetables are a convenient and affordable way to add nutrients to your diet, but they often come with added sodium. The salt in canned vegetables is used as a preservative to extend shelf life and enhance flavor. A single serving of canned vegetables can contain over 300 milligrams of sodium, making it easy to exceed the daily recommended intake if consumed regularly. To reduce sodium intake from canned vegetables, consider rinsing them under water before use to remove some of the sodium. Alternatively, choose fresh or frozen vegetables, which typically have no added sodium.