Learning About Low-Sodium Foods

What foods are low in sodium?

The foods you eat contain nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Sodium is a nutrient. Your body needs the right amount to stay healthy and work as it should. You can use the list below to help you make choices about which foods to eat.

Fruits

• Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruit

Vegetables

• Fresh or frozen vegetables, with no added salt
• Canned vegetables, low-sodium or with no added salt

Grains

• Bagels without salted tops
• Cereal with no added salt
• Corn tortillas
• Crackers with no added salt
• Oatmeal, cooked without salt
• Popcorn with no salt
• Pasta and noodles, cooked without salt
• Rice, cooked without salt
• Unsalted pretzels

Dairy and dairy alternatives

• Butter, unsalted
• Cream cheese
• Ice cream
• Milk
• Soy milk

Meats and other protein foods

• Beans and peas, canned with no salt
• Eggs
• Fresh fish (not smoked)
• Fresh meats (not smoked or cured)
• Nuts and nut butter, prepared without salt
• Poultry, not packaged with sodium solution
• Tofu, unseasoned
• Tuna, canned without salt

Seasonings

• Garlic
• Herbs and spices
• Lemon juice
• Mustard
• Olive oil
• Salt-free seasoning mixes
• Vinegar

Work with your doctor to find out how much of this nutrient you need. Depending on your health, you may need more or less of it in your diet.