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Gloucestershire urged to ‘Get Salt Smart’

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Gloucestershire County Council is launching a new campaign to raise awareness of the amount of salt in everyday foods and give residents the tools to support them to reduce it.
Get Salt Smart

Get Salt Smart is aimed at raising awareness about the hidden salt in everyday foods and encouraging residents to reduce their daily salt intake. 

While many people routinely add salt to their meals, few realise that over 80 per cent of salt intake comes from heavily processed and pre-prepared foods, not from salt added at the table. In fact, research shows that three-quarters of the salt we consume is already in the food we buy, making it easy to exceed the recommended daily limit without even noticing.

Excessive salt consumption is linked to high blood pressure, which significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The NHS advises that adults should consume no more than 6g of salt per day roughly equivalent to one teaspoon. For children, the recommended intake is even lower, with just 3g per day for 4–6-year-olds. 

Get Salt Smart aims to empower residents with practical tips and tools to make healthier choices:

  •  Check nutrition labels: Use the traffic light system on packaging to identify foods high in salt, sugar, fat, and calories.
  • Download the free NHS Food Scanner app: Quickly scan products to spot high salt content and discover healthier alternatives.
  • Be mindful of hidden salt: Even foods that don’t taste salty can contain higher amounts than we think.
  •      Shop smart: Make informed decisions by comparing labels and choosing lower-salt options.

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for public health, communities and fire at Gloucestershire County Council said: “It's part of many people's daily routine to add salt to a meal before eating, however often they may not be aware of the hidden salt found in many prepared foods.

“We want to help people make small changes that can have a big impact on their health. By understanding how to spot foods high in salt, we can all take steps to protect our heart health and overall wellbeing."

Dr Graham Mennie, GP and Clinical Lead for the Circulatory Clinical Programme Group at NHS Gloucestershire said: “Most of us don’t realise just how much salt is hidden in the food we eat every day. It’s not just about what we add at the table — it’s the processed and pre-prepared foods that often push us over the recommended limit. Reducing salt intake is one of the simplest ways to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Small changes, like checking labels and choosing lower-salt options, really do add up.”

For more information and tips on how to stay salt smart, visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/salt-in-your-diet/