Food Labels, Decoded: What “Low-Sodium” Really Means

What It Means: Contains 140 milligrams or less per serving. The Health Implications: Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and stroke. Most adults should consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, but Americans average 3,000 to 5,000 milligrams daily. Keep in Mind: Bread products and other grain-based foods, including some breakfast cereals, are hidden sources of sodium. One slice of some breads has two to three times the salt in a typical serving of potato chips. Bottom Line: Choose foods with fewer milligrams of sodium than calories. If a product contains 200 calories per serving, for instance, it should contain 200 milligrams or less of sodium.