New research has delivered a stark warning about the nation's diet, revealing that British adults are consuming a dangerous amount of salt every week – equivalent to a staggering 155 packets of crisps.
Alarming Levels of Hidden Salt
A study by the British Heart Foundation has found that working-age adults in England are eating an average of 8.4 grams of salt per day. This figure is 40% higher than the official government recommendation of a maximum of 6 grams daily. The excessive consumption is largely attributed to hidden salt in processed and pre-packaged foods, from bread and sauces to ready meals.
The data, highlighted on Tuesday 6 January 2026, translates to a weekly intake of salt that would fill 155 standard-sized crisp packets, painting a vivid picture of a pervasive public health issue.
Serious Risks to Heart and Stroke Health
Consistently high salt intake is a major driver of high blood pressure, a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The British Heart Foundation stresses that high blood pressure is linked to half of all heart attacks and strokes in the UK.
This silent dietary habit is therefore contributing significantly to the country's leading causes of death and disability. The charity is urging for immediate measures to force the food industry to reduce salt content across the board, arguing that voluntary targets have failed to produce sufficient change.
Government Response and Industry Action
In response to the findings, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care outlined current strategies. They stated that the government is taking action through a combination of policies, including:
- Restricting advertising of unhealthy foods high in fat, salt, and sugar.
- Limiting promotions on such items in supermarkets.
- Introducing mandatory reporting for larger businesses on sales of healthier food alternatives.
However, health campaigners argue that more stringent, mandatory targets for salt reduction in food manufacturing are urgently needed to protect the nation's health and alleviate pressure on the NHS.
The message for 2026 is clear: scrutinising food labels and reducing reliance on processed items could be one of the most significant daily actions Britons take to safeguard their long-term health.
