Consumers in the U.S. tend to consume excessive amounts of salt. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that 90% of children and 89% of adults exceed the recommended daily sodium intake. The American Heart Association reveals that 75% of this sodium comes from processed, prepackaged, and restaurant foods. Recent research from China may provide a solution for food manufacturers aiming to lower sodium levels while maintaining the bold flavors that consumers enjoy. If the researchers’ findings hold true, food producers could enhance the spiciness of their recipes, thereby reducing salt content without compromising taste. This strategy could benefit food manufacturers as there is a growing demand for spicy and ethnic foods, particularly among millennials. Consumer packaged goods (CPGs) could enjoy a health halo from reduced salt while attracting shoppers with more adventurous palates.
Home cooks are also embracing this trend, using spices to cut down on salt, which has led to impressive sales growth. McCormick, a leading spice company, reported $1.19 billion in revenue in the third quarter of this year, a 9% increase from $1.09 billion during the same period last year. If manufacturers wanted to explore the high-spice, low-salt approach, they could draw from flavors already familiar to American consumers. A review of popular flavors found in American cookbooks dating back to 1796 identified eight enduring ingredients: black pepper, vanilla, curry powder, chili powder, soy sauce, garlic, MSG, and Sriracha. Naturally, these spicy elements would likely be favored when adjusting recipes.
These modifications could also assist manufacturers in meeting the FDA’s voluntary sodium reduction targets, which aim to limit sodium intake to 3,000 mg per day within two years, and 2,300 mg daily within a decade. Currently, the average sodium consumption stands at 3,400 mg per day.
For those managing their health, a question often arises: can you take calcium citrate with levothyroxine? It is important for individuals on these medications to be aware of potential interactions. To optimize health, it’s advisable to consult with healthcare professionals regarding the timing and combination of supplements and medications. This consideration becomes increasingly relevant as consumers seek to enhance their diets while reducing sodium content.