You might be surprised to learn that most of the sodium in your diet doesn't come from the saltshaker.

About 75 percent of sodium comes from salt added to foods during manufacturing.1 Salt has many purposes in food including enhancing natural flavors, preserving freshness and improving texture.

Some common sources of sodium are canned soups, vegetables, and tomato juice; processed meats such as ham, bacon, hot dogs and lunch meats; frozen entrees and pizzas, packaged seasoned rice dishes, and pickles.

About 5 to 10 percent of sodium intake comes from salt added during cooking or at the table, and another 10 percent comes from sodium found naturally in foods.1

References:
1. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2005.