What is sodium in food?
Sodium is a mineral, mostly from salt, that restaurant food tends to have a lot of. Canadian labels base the % Daily Value for sodium on 2,300 mg.
Quick facts
| Daily Value on labels | 2,300 mg |
|---|---|
| Main source | Salt (sodium chloride) |
| Where it hides | Sauces, breading, cured meats, soups |
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What does it mean?
Salt is about 40% sodium. Sauces and seasonings often carry more sodium than the food itself.
Sodium matters most for people watching their blood pressure. A doctor can tell you what target fits you.
How does it show up when you order food?
One fast food meal can pass the whole Daily Value. Popeyes' Signature Hot Boneless Wings have 5,320 mg of sodium.
Sauces add up too: a 4 oz Swiss Chalet Chalet Sauce has 740 mg.