Morton Salt

Every five years, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services jointly release updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The dietary recommendations are meant to help consumers improve their food choices and dietary patterns. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines were released on January 31, 2011.

In the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the recommendation was for Americans to consume no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day. For many Americans, the recommendation remains the same; Americans should consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. However, for those who are 51 and older or those of any age that are African American or have hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease, the recommendation is 1,500 mg sodium per day.

As these are general guidelines, each food manufacturer will then make its own decision about the right level of sodium for their products. For consumers, we respect the goal of these guidelines, but recommend they consult with their personal physician if they are concerned about their sodium intake.

Sodium is a primary compound in many ingredients used in food. It is primarily found in common table salt. It is also found in other ingredients used for flavor and to preserve freshness.

No. Sodium is a component of table salt.

Yes. Not only is sodium an essential nutrient that sustains life, it is a key ingredient in salt, which provides multiple benefits to foods. Functionally, salt is necessary for taste, flavor balance, texture, proper color development, fermentation, dough structure and a host of other processes and product-performance outcomes. In some products, salt also helps preserve the safety and quality of our food supply. There's a reason mankind has been turning to salt as a key culinary and cooking tool for almost all of recorded history.

However, we do respect the goal behind the recommendations found in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and recommend that consumers consult with their personal physician if they are concerned about their sodium intake.

Salt is naturally occurring, has many functional and nutritional benefits – including food safety and preservation, and a uniquely appealing taste – and has been part of our diet for millennia. For consumers concerned about sodium, we recommend consulting with their personal physician.

Be a smart consumer. Look at the Nutrition Facts Panel to determine the sodium content of the foods you eat. To learn more, we also encourage you to look for our "Salt Savvy" labeling initiative on Morton^® Table Salt products or to take advantage of our variety of sodium-reduction options, including Morton^® Lite Salt Mixture, Morton^® Salt Balance™, and Morton^® Salt Substitute.

We encourage all consumers interested in learning more to review these Frequently Asked Questions or to consult with their personal physician if they are concerned about sodium consumption. A dietician can also help you modify the sodium in your diet, as needed.

It is estimated that processed and packaged foods and meals eaten in restaurants account for nearly 80 percent of the sodium in the American diet. The remaining amount comes from use of the salt shaker, recipes made in the home, and naturally occurring sodium found in foods.

At Morton Salt, we work with food manufacturers, government regulators and consumers to find the most effective and functional solutions for reducing sodium while helping to maintain the wholesome, delicious foods consumers love.

At Morton Salt, we specialize in formulating products with appropriate levels of sodium for the modern diet. Our sodium-reduction solutions, including our Morton^® Lite Salt Mixture, Morton^® Salt Substitute, and Morton^® Salt Balance™ are made with potassium chloride. Potassium is cited within the Dietary Guidelines as a nutrient in need (one that many Americans need to increase in their diet). Individuals on a potassium-restricted diet should check with their physician before using a potassium-based salt alternative.

For decades we have understood that there are concerns regarding sodium in the American diet, and we have worked with our customers, government regulators and consumers to improve the public's health. In fact, Morton Salt began working on public health issues in the 1920's when it was the first salt company to nationally market iodized salt.

At Morton Salt, we work closely with our food processing customers to examine their individual product applications, processes and functional needs. We can then help to identify a solution set—because it's rarely a single ingredient—that not only reduces the sodium level but leaves the product's performance and appeal intact. We've been doing this for decades, and that's given us a lot of experience figuring out what works and what doesn't. And, with respect to the Dietary Guidelines, we recommend that consumers consult with their personal physician if they are concerned about their sodium intake.

Be a smart salt consumer. Look at the sodium content on the Nutrition Facts Panel of the foods you eat. Remember, salt is naturally occurring, has many functional and nutritional benefits and has been part of our diet for millennia. The key is to balance these benefits against the benefits of reduced sodium levels in popular foods. To learn more, we also encourage you to look for our "Salt Savvy™" labeling initiative on Morton® Table Salt products or to take advantage of our variety of sodium-reduction options including Morton™ Lite Salt™ Mixture, Morton^® Salt Substitute and Morton^® Salt Balance™. We also encourage all consumers interested in learning more to review these Frequently Asked Questions or to consult with their personal physician if they are concerned about sodium consumption.