What Fruit Has the Least Amount of Sodium?

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA, fresh fruits containing less than 5 mg of sodium per serving can be labeled 'sodium-free'. This makes many common fresh fruits, including apples, pears, and berries, excellent choices for anyone monitoring their sodium intake. Finding out what fruit has the least amount of sodium is simpler than you might think.

Quick Summary

Many common fresh fruits contain virtually no sodium, including apples, bananas, berries, and peaches. These options are ideal for heart-healthy and low-sodium diets, providing essential nutrients without adding salt.

Key Points

Sodium-Free Fruits: Fresh apples, bananas, and most berries contain 0 mg of sodium per serving, making them ideal for a low-sodium diet.
Check for Additives: Processed fruit products, such as canned fruits in syrup or certain juices, may contain added sodium; always choose fresh, frozen (without sauce), or 'no salt added' options.
Potassium is Key: Fruits like bananas and cantaloupe are not only low in sodium but are also rich in potassium, which helps regulate sodium levels in the body and supports heart health.
Broad Selection: Beyond the zero-sodium list, a wide variety of fresh fruits like oranges, mangoes, and pears are naturally very low in sodium and safe for inclusion.
Simple Swaps: To lower sodium intake, replace salty snacks with fresh fruits and use them to naturally sweeten dishes instead of relying on processed ingredients.
Hydration Benefits: Fruits like watermelon contribute to hydration and are naturally very low in sodium, offering a refreshing, healthy snack option.

Naturally Sodium-Free Fruits for a Healthy Diet

Fresh, unprocessed fruits are naturally very low in sodium, with many containing zero milligrams per serving. When following a low-sodium diet, it's crucial to focus on fresh produce, as some canned or processed fruit products can have added salt. Sodium is an essential mineral, but most people in developed nations consume far more than the recommended daily limit, which can lead to health issues like high blood pressure. By choosing naturally sodium-free fruits, you can enjoy a delicious and nutrient-rich snack while keeping your intake in check.

The Zero-Sodium Fruit List

For those specifically targeting fruits with the lowest possible sodium content, several options stand out. These can be incorporated into your diet daily without worrying about adding unnecessary sodium.

Apples: A large apple is fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free, providing beneficial fiber and vitamins.
Bananas: Known for their high potassium content, bananas are a popular choice on heart-healthy diets like DASH, and they contain 0 mg of sodium.
Berries (Blackberries, Raspberries, Strawberries): Most fresh berries are naturally sodium-free and packed with antioxidants.
Grapefruit: Half a medium grapefruit contains 0 mg of sodium and is rich in Vitamin C.
Peaches and Pears: Both of these stone fruits are naturally low to non-existent in sodium when fresh.
Watermelon: This hydrating fruit contains virtually no sodium, making it a refreshing and healthy choice.

Understanding Sodium in Processed vs. Fresh Fruit

While fresh fruit is almost universally low in sodium, the same cannot be said for all fruit products. Canned fruits and juices can sometimes contain added sodium, depending on the processing. It is vital to read nutrition labels carefully. Frozen fruits, however, are typically just as low in sodium as their fresh counterparts, as long as they are plain and without any added sauces or sugary syrups.

Low-Sodium Fruit Comparison Table


Fruit (Fresh)	Serving Size	Sodium (mg)	Potassium (mg)
Banana	1 medium	0	422
Apple	1 medium	0	195
Grapefruit	1/2 medium	0	165
Strawberries	1 cup, sliced	1	254
Watermelon	1 cup, diced	2	170
Cantaloupe	1 cup, diced	16	427
Grapes	1 cup	3	288

Note: Data from various nutrition sources, based on averages.

The Importance of Potassium in Sodium Regulation

While identifying low-sodium fruits is important, understanding the role of potassium is equally so, especially for blood pressure management. Potassium works to balance sodium levels in the body, which helps in flushing out excess sodium. Many of the fruits on the low-sodium list, like bananas and cantaloupe, are also great sources of potassium, offering a powerful combination for heart health.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Low-Sodium Fruits

Making low-sodium fruits a staple in your diet is easy and delicious. Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:

Smoothies: Blend bananas, berries, and a little unsweetened juice for a quick, low-sodium breakfast or snack.
Snacks: Carry an apple or a small container of grapes for a naturally sweet and healthy option.
Desserts: Top plain yogurt with fresh berries or sliced peaches instead of using sweetened, processed options.
Salads: Add slices of fresh pear or orange segments to a green salad to add flavor without salt.

For additional low-sodium meal and shopping ideas, authoritative resources like MyHealthfinder provide valuable lists of fresh produce to help you plan your meals effectively.

Beyond the Basics: Other Low-Sodium Fruits

While the zero-sodium fruits are easy to remember, other fantastic choices are simply very low in sodium. These include kiwifruit, oranges, mangoes, and plums. Their minimal sodium content allows for easy inclusion in a low-sodium meal plan, contributing a wider variety of vitamins and minerals to your diet. The key takeaway is to always prioritize fresh, unprocessed fruit to avoid hidden sodium from processing and preservatives.

Conclusion: Making Smart Choices for a Low-Sodium Diet

For those needing or wanting to reduce their sodium intake, focusing on fresh, unprocessed fruits is one of the easiest and most effective dietary changes to make. Many fruits, such as apples, bananas, and a wide variety of berries, are naturally sodium-free. By choosing these over canned or processed fruit products, and by understanding the complementary role of potassium, you can easily maintain a flavorful, heart-healthy diet. Always consult nutrition labels when purchasing anything other than fresh produce to ensure no sodium has been added. With a little mindfulness, enjoying delicious, low-sodium fruit is a simple part of a healthier lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many fresh fruits are virtually sodium-free, including apples, bananas, berries (like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries), grapefruit, and peaches. These options provide great flavor and nutrition without adding any sodium to your diet.

Canned fruit should be approached with caution. While some varieties may be low-sodium, others can contain added salt or sugary syrups. It is always best to choose canned fruit labeled 'no salt added' or opt for fresh or plain frozen fruit.

No, fresh bananas do not contain sodium. They are an excellent choice for a low-sodium diet and are also a great source of potassium, a mineral that helps balance sodium levels in the body.

You can check the nutrition label on any packaged fruit product. Look for the 'Sodium' line in the Nutrition Facts panel. For the lowest sodium content, choose products explicitly labeled 'no salt added' or opt for fresh, unprocessed options.

While no fruit will directly 'lower' your sodium levels, consuming fruits rich in potassium, like bananas, cantaloupe, and oranges, can help balance your body's sodium levels. The primary goal is to limit overall sodium intake.

Plain frozen fruit, without added sauces or sweeteners, is just as low in sodium as fresh fruit. Read the ingredient list to ensure no salt has been added during processing.

Most dried fruits without added sugar or salt are naturally low in sodium. However, some trail mixes or savory dried fruit snacks may contain added salt, so it's important to read the label.

Freshly squeezed or 100% fruit juice typically contains very little to no sodium. However, some commercially produced juices or blended beverages can have added salt. Check the product's nutrition label.