Tag: Sodium in meat

According to the American Heart Association, many processed turkey products can contain a single portion of 20% or more of an adult's recommended daily sodium intake. The amount of salt in turkey varies dramatically depending on whether it's raw, unprocessed meat or a heavily processed product like deli meat or sausage.

While a plain hamburger might seem like a simple meal, a large one can contain nearly 500mg of sodium, roughly 21% of the daily recommended intake. This surprising amount of sodium does a plain hamburger have is a result of salt added during processing and the preparation of the bun, not just table salt.

According to the American Heart Association, processed meats like bacon and deli slices are a significant source of dietary sodium, and many people incorrectly assume all pork is inherently high in salt. However, the reality of sodium content in pork is far more nuanced, largely depending on whether the meat is fresh or processed.

While no meat is completely sodium-free due to naturally occurring minerals, fresh, unprocessed cuts contain significantly less sodium than their cured or processed counterparts. This guide explores which meats are the best options for minimizing sodium intake.