Finding flavor in a low-salt diet (2024)

You’re sitting on the edge of your chair in the doctor’s office, awaiting the verdict – the doctor clears his throat and in a voice fraught with the finality of it all, he says; “No more salt!”

“What do you mean, ‘no more salt?’,” you respond in a quivering voice. “I was born and raised on salt; I love salted meat, salted nuts, salted potato chips, salted everything!”

Salt is one of the five primary flavors tasted by the tongue. Even a small amount is tasted in food. We need a certain amount of salt in the diet. But adding salt at the dinner table isn’t necessary, because if you eat a starch-centered diet, that is, a diet with plenty of grains, plus fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sparing portions of meat, fish, and poultry, you’ll get all the salt your body needs, which is about 500 milligrams daily with an upper limit above 2,000 milligrams. There are 82 milligrams of sodium in a half cup of spinach, 110 milligrams each in a half cup of beets and kale, and 110 milligrams in two stalks of celery.

For many people, low-salt (sodium) diets are necessary. People with high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and disease that prevents the kidneys from removing sodium and fluids from the body, should be on low sodium diets. Excessive salt consumption can also eventually damage the lining of the stomach. For people who positively view salted foods as one of the necessities of life and have been told that for health reasons they can’t have salt, we can tell you that there is hope. Putting salt on food is a learned habit – and what is learned, can be unlearned.

Our tastes quickly change when we start to lower our sodium intake. It’s true that when people first start to eliminate salting their food, they miss its flavor. You can help ease the transition by adding herbs and spices to add flavor. These include such spices as basil, cumin, dill, marjoram oregano, garlic powder, paprika, sage, tarragon, thyme, onion powder and salt-free chili powder. Mix and match them to see which ones tickle your palate. But watch out for low salt and salt substitute products. Sea salt contains as much salt as salt from the ground, and low-sodium tamari and soy sauces have 500 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Other salt substitutes are made of potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride, while “light” salt is a mixture of potassium chloride and sodium chloride. But accidental ingestion of large amounts of potassium chloride salt substitute over a period of time can cause a dangerous rise in blood levels of potassium, ending in possible cardiac arrhythmias and death. It’s best to stay away from salt substitutes.

For those on a salt-restricted diet, here’s a salt-reduced recipe from Marianne’s kitchen.

Finding flavor in a low-salt diet (2024)

FAQs

Finding flavor in a low-salt diet? ›

You can help ease the transition by adding herbs and spices to add flavor. These include such spices as basil, cumin, dill, marjoram oregano, garlic powder, paprika, sage, tarragon, thyme, onion powder and salt-free chili powder. Mix and match them to see which ones tickle your palate.

How do you add flavor to a no salt diet? ›

What seasonings can be used in place of salt that will still add flavor to foods?
  1. Bay leaf.
  2. Cumin.
  3. Curry.
  4. Dill.
  5. Dry mustard.
  6. Green pepper.
  7. Lemon juice.
  8. Marjoram.

What are flavorful low sodium foods? ›

Any fresh fruits, such as apples, berries, oranges, mangoes, and bananas. Any fresh vegetables, such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, beets, okra, spinach, peppers, carrots, and edamame. Frozen vegetables without added butter or sauce.

How can I get a salty taste without salt? ›

6 Ways to Add Salty Flavor Without Salt
  1. Feta. Looking at another boring bland salad? ...
  2. Parmesan. Same cheesy story, different cast of characters. ...
  3. Capers. When I think "briny", capers and olives are always the first things that come to mind. ...
  4. Olives. ...
  5. Anchovies. ...
  6. Bacon.
Sep 8, 2016

Does low sodium salt taste different? ›

But if the taste of the potassium chloride doesn't work for you, there are so-called “l*te” salt replacements. They're often labeled “low sodium” and contain a blend of sodium chloride and potassium chloride. These salt substitutes have a more salty taste, yet have less sodium chloride than traditional table salt.

What is a good flavor alternative to salt? ›

Some flavorful salt substitutes to experiment with in your cooking are:
  • Garlic.
  • Lemon juice or zest.
  • Ground black pepper.
  • Dried onion or onion powder.
  • Nutritional yeast.
  • Balsamic, apple cider and red wine vinegars.
  • Paprika.
  • Truffle oil.
Jun 15, 2023

How to get umami flavour without salt? ›

Umami is a flavor that gets its name from the Japanese word for “savory.” There are many natural ingredients that can be added to dishes to bring out this pleasant impression, including tomatoes, beef, and the classical French mirepoix (diced carrots, onions, and celery).

How do you season food on a low sodium diet? ›

Try Salt-free Cooking
  1. Add a splash of lemon and other citrus fruits, or wine, to soups and other dishes. ...
  2. Avoid onion or garlic salt. ...
  3. Try different types of pepper, including black, white, green, and red.
  4. Experiment with vinegars (white and red wine, rice wine, balsamic, and others).
Jun 22, 2022

Can I eat pizza on a low sodium diet? ›

The following foods are high in sodium and should be avoided on a low-sodium diet: Fast food: Burgers, fries, chicken fingers, pizza, etc. Salty snack foods: Salted pretzels, chips, salted nuts, salted crackers, etc. Frozen dinners: Frozen meat dishes, frozen pizza, etc.

Which vegetable is not allowed on a low sodium diet? ›

High-Sodium Foods
  • Regular canned vegetables and vegetable juices.
  • Olives, pickles, sauerkraut and other pickled vegetables.
  • Vegetables made with ham, bacon or salted pork.
  • Packaged mixes, such as scalloped or au gratin potatoes, frozen hash browns and Tater Tots.
  • Commercially prepared pasta and tomato sauces and salsa.

What to use when you're out of salt? ›

What are the best salt alternatives for cooking?
  • Garlic. You can mince garlic and add it to various savory dishes, like pasta, fish, and vegetables. ...
  • Lemon juice or zest. Like salt, lemon juice brings out the flavors in your food. ...
  • Ground black pepper. ...
  • Onions. ...
  • Nutritional yeast. ...
  • Vinegar. ...
  • Paprika. ...
  • Herbs and spices.
Mar 1, 2023

What Herb is a good substitute for salt? ›

Oregano: Use in soups, salads, vegetables, meats, and poultry. Paprika: Use in meats, fish, poultry, and vegetables. Parsley: Use in salads, vegetables, fish, and meats. Rosemary: Use in salads, vegetables, fish, and meats.

Is there a safe salt substitute? ›

You can use more herbs and spices, and seasonings like lemon juice and flavored vinegars,” Smith says. “Many herbs have anti-inflammatory properties, so your diet can be healthier and even tastier.” You can also buy salt-free herb blends like Mrs. Dash® at the grocery store.

Is Mrs. Dash a salt substitute? ›

Is Dash a salt substitute? Dash seasoning blends are a salt-free flavoring alternative, not a salt substitute. Dash products contain blends of herbs and spices but no salt and an insignificant amount of potassium, which is sometimes found in salt substitutes.

What is the least salty tasting salt? ›

Low-sodium salt is like table salt but some of its sodium is replaced with potassium chloride, which has a similar salty taste. Other salt types with lower sodium than table salt include iodized, kosher, pink Himalayan, and sea salt.

Do I need to eat more salt if my sodium level is low? ›

Having low sodium blood levels can negatively impact your health. Intuitively, it makes sense to think that the best way to prevent this condition would be to eat more salt, but oftentimes, diet has nothing to do with developing hyponatremia.

How to make rice taste good without salt? ›

boost the flavor of steamed white rice by adding ground cumin and cumin seeds (zira) during the cooking process. Enhance flavor by cooking rice in vegetable or chicken broth, and add aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, or herbs during the cooking process. I'm on a low sodium diet, too.

What flavor cancels out salt? ›

Squeeze some lemon juice or orange juice over your dish. The sour flavor provides a new layer of complexity to the meal and should mellow out the salt. Drizzle in a mild vinegar like all-purpose vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar to help mask the salt with acidity by distracting the taste buds.

How do you mimic the taste of salt? ›

Use fresh lemons, limes, or most any citrus fruit. This is one of the best flavor tips for getting a salty flavor without using salt. Fresh lemon is one of the closest natural flavors to salt.

What is a bland food without salt? ›

1) Beverages: Fruit juices, coffee, tea. Low-sodium milk if permitted by your doctor. 2) Bread: Varied baked goods may be permitted ONLY if specially prepared without salt. 3) Cereal (Salt-free - 2 portions daily): Puffed wheat and rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, cooked wheat, rice, macaroni.

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