Chicago—Americans love sodium and most of us consume considerably more than we should on a daily basis. Recent data from Mintel shows consumers are starting to pay more attention to their intake as more than half (52%) are monitoring the amount of sodium in their diets.
Meanwhile, food product introductions containing a low, no or reduced sodium claim have increased by nearly 115% from 2005 to 2008, according to Mintel’s Global New Products Database. Consumer awareness and the continued push from public health organizations and consumer advocacy groups suggest that the low-sodium change is gaining steam. The data shows that:
• 22% of consumers are restricting the amount of salt that they add to food, but don't watch the much greater amount of sodium that is in foods and beverages.
• 18% say that “food and beverages low in sodium are one of the three most important components of a healthy diet.”
• 26% read labels for sodium, and may make some decisions based on this info, but they are not following a regimen to control sodium in their diet
• 34% do not pay attention to sodium.
The craving for salt can be lowered over time, a finding which Mintel’s research supports, as three out of four respondents who say they are on a sodium-restricted diet also say that they “do not miss the salt.” Being able to cut back is critical, given that 70% of over-75 women and 80% of over-75 men are currently on medication for hypertension.
Read the full story at Mintel.