Health experts have sounded the alarm over the amount of salt hidden in the everyday diets of millions of Britons, linking it directly to a dangerous and often symptomless condition. A new analysis reveals that UK adults are consuming far more salt than is safe, with staples like bread and cereal among the main culprits.
The Shocking Scale of Britain's Salt Habit
According to a fresh analysis by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), adults in the UK are eating an average of 8.4g of salt per day. This is a staggering 40 per cent more than the Government's recommended maximum daily limit of 6g. To put that into perspective, this weekly excess is equivalent to the salt found in 155 packets of crisps.
The charity warns that this excessive consumption "significantly" elevates the risk of developing high blood pressure. Often dubbed a 'silent killer', high blood pressure typically presents no symptoms but is a major cause of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Why 'Hidden' Salt Poses a Major Health Threat
The BHF stresses that the problem is exacerbated because most of this excess salt is "hidden" in common processed foods, making it difficult for people to monitor their intake. A poll of 2,000 people commissioned by the foundation found that more than half (56 per cent) lacked confidence in estimating their daily salt consumption, and only 16 per cent correctly identified the 6g daily limit.
Dell Stanford, a senior dietitian at the BHF, explained: "Most of the salt we eat is hidden in the food we buy such as bread, cereals, pre-made sauces and ready meals, so it’s often hard to know exactly how much salt we’re consuming."
When salt intake is too high, the sodium it contains causes the body to retain more water, increasing blood volume and, consequently, blood pressure. Over time, this puts strain on the heart and blood vessels. It is estimated that 30 per cent of UK adults have high blood pressure, with up to five million unaware they have the condition.
Calls for Action and How to Reduce Your Intake
The BHF is now urging the Government to use its upcoming Healthy Food Standard to set mandatory targets that incentivise food manufacturers to reduce salt levels in their products. Research suggests that reducing the national average salt intake to within World Health Organisation limits by 2030 could prevent up to 135,000 new cases of coronary heart disease over 14 years.
For individuals, the NHS and BHF recommend several practical steps to cut down on salt:
- Always check food packaging, using the traffic light system to identify high-salt (red) items.
- Flavour food with herbs, spices, garlic, chilli, or lemon juice instead of salt.
- Choose tinned vegetables and pulses in water, not brine.
- Opt for low-salt versions of sauces, soy sauce, and stock cubes.
- Limit salty snacks, cured meats, cheese, and pickles.
- Avoid adding extra salt at the table or during cooking.
Reducing salt consumption remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect heart health and mitigate the risks associated with the nation's leading 'silent killer'.
