Low-Sodium Tips for Home Cooking

How to cook with less salt?

Substituting Salt in Cooking

No-Salt Preservation

Vinegar or Citrus Juice to inhibit bacterial growth, often used in pickling.

No-Salt Moisture Retention Coooking

Brining Solutions, mixture of water and herbs/spices can be used to brine meats and vegetables, helping retain moisture.

No-Salt Fermentation Control

Miso Paste or Yogurt can regulate fermentation in pickling or bread-making, providing flavor and improving texture.

Substituting Salt for Appeal and Flavor

Salt is important in roasting or grilling foods as it helps develop desirable colors through the Maillard reaction. However, good appeal can still be achieved with the following tips:

Herbs and Spices for Flavor Enhancement

Use fresh or dried herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.

Color Development

Smoked Paprika or Turmeric can enhance color in roasted or grilled foods, contributing to the visual appeal.

How to snack for low-sodium diets?

Avoid Salty Snacks

  • Snack Foods: Chips, pretzels, and salted nuts contribute substantial sodium.
  • Pickled Foods: Pickles, olives, and relishes are often brined in salt.

Substitutes for Salty Cravings

  • Air-Popped Popcorn seasonned with herbs for a savory flavor.
  • Rice Cakes topped with avocado, hummus, or a light spread of nut butter for flavor.
  • Combine unsalted nuts, seeds, and a small amount of dried fruit for a balanced snack.
  • Veggie Sticks dipped in low salt home-made sauce.

Ingredients that add Salt when cooking

Are you experiencing a dry sensation in your mouth after taking a small bite of your meal? If so, it's probably too salty.

Cured Meats

Bacon, ham, deli meats, and sausages often contain high sodium levels.

Processed Ingredients

Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and other condiments high in sodium. Many cheeses are high in sodium, specially processed cheese products.

Canned Foods

Often packed in brine or salt which includes vegetables, beans, and soups.

Reading Lables Low-Sodium Cooking

Always read labels carefully and opt for products labeled as (low sodium) or (no added salt).

Sodium Compounds to Avoid

Sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium nitrite, and sodium benzoate.

Guide on Low-Sodium Cooking: Tips, Recipes and Expert Advice

What are the Essentials on Low-Sodium Cooking?

What are the recommendations on salt intake?

According to Mayo Clinic publication How to tame your salt habit . Nutrition experts in the U.S. recommend a daily salt limit of 2,300 milligrams for those ages 14 and older, while the World Health Organization advises a lower limit of 2,000 milligrams per day.

Low-Sodium Recipes

While Hiverecipes.com offers substitutions and alternatives in their recipes for low-sodium intake, here are other valuable resources with recipes that are low-sodium oriented:

Low-Sodium Meals and Healthy Aging

As we age, maintaining heart health becomes increasingly important, and one effective way to support this is by embracing 30 Low-Sodium Dinners That Support Healthy Aging by reducing the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Key Insights on Sodium Reduction from the World Health Organization

Discover WHO vital efforts in Sodium Reduction and their impact on global health.

Recent studies indicate that approximately 29% of adults in the U.S. are actively reducing their sodium intake due to health concerns like hypertension and heart disease. Recognizing the importance of accessible and enjoyable cooking, we strive to support this community by sharing tips and resources that make low-sodium cooking more approachable and delicious.

Low-Sodium Frequently Asked Questions


According to the World Health Organization, the global mean intake of adults is 4,310 mg/day of sodium, which is equivalent to 10.78 g/day of salt (World Health Organization, 2023).

Lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, improved kidney function, and better overall health.

Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, swelling, high blood pressure, and headaches.

  • Request dishes to be prepared without added salt or sauces, or ask for sauces on the side.
  • Opt for meals that include fresh vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains, which are often lower in sodium.
  • Instead of ordering soda or other beverages, choose water to help flush out sodium and stay hydrated.
  • Consider sharing entrees to control portion sizes and reduce overall sodium intake.

Mediterranean, Japanese, and Indian cuisines often emphasize fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices with less reliance on salt.

Processed and fast food, as well as some Chinese and American cuisines, tend to have higher salt levels.

Foods like processed meats, pickled products, certain sauces, and packaged snacks are typically high in salt.