Nephrology Associates

High Sodium Food List

Many items found in the grocery store can be quite high in sodium. Renal patients can benefit from limiting their sodium intake to 2000-3000 mg per day. Sodium is required on all food labels, so you are encouraged to read the food label for the sodium content. Generally, individual items with a sodium content higher than 200 mg per serving should be counted as a high sodium choice. Use “Low sodium ” products with caution as they may contain high amounts of potassium. Consult your renal dietitian if you are unsure of any product. 

AVOID OR LIMIT YOUR SERVINGS PER DAY

Meats

  • Alaskan King Crab
  • “Always tender” meats
  • Anchovies
  • Bacon
  • Boxed entrees and side dishes
  • Canned fish – unless low sodium
  • Canned meats and entrees
  • Caviar
  • Cheese – processed and spreads
  • Chinese and Oriental Food
  • Chipped beef
  • Corned beef
  • Dried meats and fish
  • Fast foods
  • Frankfurters and hot dogs
  • Frozen convenience foods
  • Ham
  • Imitation seafood – surimi
  • Luncheon meats
  • Pizza
  • Salt pork
  • Sardines
  • Sausages
  • Smoked meats and fish
Seasonings
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Catsup
  • Chili sauce
  • Cocktail sauce
  • Gravy, sauce, and seasoning mixes
  • Meat tenderizer – Accent
  • Miso
  • MSG – Monosodium Glutamate
  • Oyster sauce
  • Regular bottled salad dressing
  • Seasoning salts – garlic, onion, celery, sea, Kosher, canning
  • Salsa
  • Soy sauce
  • Steak sauce
  • Teriyaki sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
Bread/Cereal Products
  • Biscuit mixes
  • Bread stuffing mixes
  • Pancake,waffle,muffin–except homemade
  • Salted popcorn
  • Snack chips – Potato, corn, taco chips, etc.
  • Salted crackers and rolls
Vegatables
  • Canned vegetables – unless salt free
  • Frozen items in cream / cheese sauces
  • Olives
  • Pickles
  • Relishes
  • Sauerkraut
  • Spaghetti Sauce
  • Tomato juice
  • Vegetable Juice Cocktail
Miscellaneous
  • Baking powder and baking soda
  • Bouillon
  • Buttermilk
  • Canned and frozen soup and broth
  • Instant pudding mixes
  • Salted nuts
  • Self-rising flour
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