{"id":21388,"date":"2026-08-24T14:48:53","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T13:48:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/?p=21388"},"modified":"2026-08-24T14:59:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T13:59:04","slug":"goustos-salt-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/goustos-salt-guide","title":{"rendered":"Gousto\u2019s Guide to Healthier Cooking with Less Salt"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Let\u2019s be honest: we all love salt.<\/strong> That satisfying sprinkle over crispy roast potatoes, the way it brings a velvety tomato sauce to life, or how it transforms a simple sliced avocado. It\u2019s easily one of the best flavour enhancers in the kitchen \u2013 it softens bitterness, turns up natural sweetness and brings out the best in every ingredient.<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s the secret: salt isn\u2019t the only way to make a dish sing.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Because it sneaks into so many everyday storecupboard staples, it\u2019s surprisingly easy to hit your daily recommended limit without even realising it. Our Nutrition team take a realistic, balanced approach – salt isn\u2019t something to fear, and eating well should never<\/i> mean settling for bland meals. It\u2019s simply about understanding how sodium works in our bodies, and unlocking simple, flavour-packed ways to build deep, rich tastes without relying solely on the salt shaker.<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21032″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

What is Salt?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Salt definition\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u2018Salt\u2019 is the common term for sodium chloride. By weight, it\u2019s approximately 40% sodium and 60% chloride.<\/p>\n

Conversion of sodium to salt\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

While nutrition labels usually list total salt content, some state sodium instead. They\u2019re closely linked, but not identical: 1g of sodium is equivalent to roughly 2.5g of salt<\/b><\/p>\n

Salt Guidelines: How Much Do We Need?<\/b><\/h2>\n

How much salt per day?<\/b><\/h3>\n

When it comes to daily salt intake in the UK, official NHS<\/a> guidance advises that adults should consume <\/strong>no more than 6g of salt per day<\/b>, which equals about one level teaspoon.<\/p>\n

Daily salt intake for children & babies<\/b><\/h4>\n

Children and babies need much less salt than adults, with recommended amounts varying by age<\/a>. Babies, in particular, need very small amounts because their kidneys are not fully developed and cannot process excess sodium.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve received personal medical advice regarding salt intake from your GP or a registered dietitian, you should always follow their tailored guidance.<\/i><\/p>\n

Benefits of Salt\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Salt often gets a bad rap, but we actually need sodium to function properly.<\/p>\n

Here are some key reasons why your body needs salt<\/a>:<\/p>\n