How much salt is in low sodium tomato juice?

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, a food product must contain 140 mg of sodium or less per serving to be labeled as 'low sodium'. For low sodium tomato juice, this means a significantly lower amount of salt compared to the standard versions, which can contain between 400 mg to 800 mg of sodium per cup. Choosing a low-sodium option is a practical step for managing your daily sodium intake and promoting better heart health.

Quick Summary

Low sodium tomato juice typically contains 140 mg or less of sodium per serving, far below the salt content found in regular varieties. Many brands add salt for flavor, so low-sodium options are crucial for those managing their sodium intake. Making juice at home gives you complete control over the amount of salt used.

Key Points

Low Sodium Labeling: For a product to be labeled 'low sodium', it must contain 140 mg or less of sodium per serving, according to FDA standards.
Sodium Content Variation: Regular tomato juice can contain 400-800 mg of sodium per cup, whereas low sodium versions contain much less, often 140 mg, depending on the brand.
Heart Health Benefits: Choosing low sodium tomato juice helps reduce excess salt intake, which can lower blood pressure and support overall heart health.
Homemade is Best: Making your own tomato juice at home gives you complete control over the salt content, with fresh tomatoes containing only trace amounts of natural sodium.
Rich in Lycopene: Low sodium tomato juice is a great source of the antioxidant lycopene, which is beneficial for heart and overall health.
Ingredient Awareness: Always read the nutrition label and ingredient list carefully, as added seasonings and potassium chloride can affect flavor and health impact.

Understanding Sodium in Tomato Juice

Many consumers are surprised to learn that commercially prepared tomato juice can be a major source of dietary sodium. Regular tomato juice can contain anywhere from 400 mg to over 800 mg of sodium per cup, or 8 fluid ounces. This high salt content is added during processing for flavor and as a preservative, significantly increasing your daily intake from a single beverage. Given that the American Heart Association recommends an ideal daily limit of no more than 1,500 mg of sodium, one glass of regular tomato juice can consume a large portion of this allowance. For this reason, low-sodium varieties have become a popular and healthier choice for many.

What Classifies a 'Low Sodium' Product?

To be marketed as 'low sodium' in the U.S., a product must contain 140 mg of sodium or less per serving. This guideline helps consumers quickly identify products that align with a low-sodium diet. For tomato juice specifically, this means a dramatic reduction in salt content compared to its regular counterpart. When shopping, it is essential to check the nutrition label on the back of the bottle, as different brands and even different product lines from the same brand will have varying sodium levels. Always look for phrases like 'low sodium,' 'no salt added,' or 'very low sodium' to ensure you are selecting the correct option for your dietary needs.

Key Benefits of Low Sodium Tomato Juice

Beyond simply reducing salt intake, choosing a low sodium tomato juice provides a host of nutritional benefits without the associated health risks of excess sodium, such as high blood pressure.

Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are naturally high in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Vitamins and Minerals: Tomato juice is an excellent source of vitamins C and A, as well as potassium and manganese, supporting overall nutritional health.
Supports Heart Health: The potassium and lycopene in tomato juice can help relax blood vessels and lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol, while avoiding the blood pressure-raising effects of excessive sodium.
Hydration: With a high water content, tomato juice is a hydrating and flavorful beverage.
Diabetes Management: Due to its low glycemic index, it can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for managing Type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of Tomato Juice Varieties

Understanding the differences between types of tomato juice can help you make an informed decision based on your health goals. The following table compares the typical sodium content and labeling of different tomato juice options.


Type of Tomato Juice	FDA Labeling	Typical Sodium Content (per 8 fl oz)	Benefits & Considerations
Regular	N/A	400–800 mg or more	High salt content for flavor and preservation. May exceed recommended daily intake for some.
Low Sodium	140 mg or less per serving	140 mg or less. For example, Campbell's Low Sodium is 140 mg.	A good compromise for flavor and lower sodium. Still needs monitoring for strict low-sodium diets.
No Salt Added	N/A	Typically around 25 mg per cup	Provides natural tomato flavor with minimal sodium. Sodium comes from the tomatoes themselves, not added salt.
Salt-Free	Less than 5 mg per serving	Less than 5 mg per cup	The best choice for those on severely restricted sodium diets. Flavor is purely from the tomatoes and any added herbs.
Homemade	N/A	As little as 9 mg (from the tomatoes)	Complete control over all ingredients, including salt. The freshest option, with no preservatives.

How to Choose and Use Low Sodium Tomato Juice

When you're ready to purchase low sodium tomato juice, start by reading the labels carefully. Look for the 'Nutrition Facts' panel and specifically check the sodium amount per serving. If you're managing a condition like high blood pressure, opt for 'no salt added' or 'salt-free' varieties to keep your intake as low as possible. When using it in recipes, remember to adjust other seasonings. Because processed juices are often used as bases for soups, chilis, and sauces, the lower sodium content will affect the final taste, requiring you to taste as you go.

Making Your Own Low Sodium Tomato Juice

For those who want complete control over their sodium intake, making tomato juice at home is the best option. The process is straightforward and allows you to enjoy the freshest, most nutritious juice possible. Simply blend fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes until smooth. Some recipes recommend cooking and straining the tomatoes to remove skin and seeds, but blending the whole tomato (after removing the core and blemishes) can increase the lycopene and fiber content. A light simmer can also develop a richer flavor. You can then season it with herbs and spices instead of salt to create a flavorful beverage that is extremely low in sodium.

Conclusion

When considering a beverage as part of a nutritious diet, it is clear that being mindful of sodium is crucial. While regular tomato juice is often laden with added salt, low sodium tomato juice offers a healthy and flavorful alternative. By understanding the sodium content and nutritional benefits of low-sodium and no-salt-added options, you can make smarter choices for your cardiovascular health. Whether you choose a store-bought brand like Campbell's with 140 mg of sodium or make a homemade version with near-zero added salt, you can still enjoy the great taste and nutritional punch of tomato juice without the excess sodium.

Outbound Link: Learn more about recommended daily sodium intake from the American Heart Association

Frequently Asked Questions

Regular tomato juice can contain 400-800 mg of sodium per cup, while low sodium varieties contain 140 mg or less per cup to meet federal labeling guidelines.

Salt is added to regular tomato juice during processing for flavor enhancement and as a preservative to extend its shelf life.

No. 'No salt added' means no salt has been intentionally added, resulting in a very low sodium content (typically around 25 mg per cup). 'Low sodium' juice contains 140 mg or less per serving, which can still be a significant amount for those on very strict diets.

You can find the precise salt content by checking the 'Nutrition Facts' label on the product packaging, which lists the amount of sodium per serving.

Yes, it is rich in vitamins C and A, as well as the antioxidant lycopene, without the negative effects of excessive sodium. Benefits include potential improvements in heart health, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

Yes, making homemade tomato juice is a simple and effective way to control the sodium content completely. You can blend fresh tomatoes with your choice of herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt.

It can taste less salty than regular tomato juice, but many people find the natural flavor of the tomatoes, often enhanced with other seasonings like potassium salt, is still quite pleasant.