Yes, You Can Buy Low Salt Corned Beef: A Complete Guide

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, the average global sodium intake is more than double the recommended amount, primarily from processed foods. For those monitoring their intake, a question often arises: can you buy low salt corned beef? Fortunately, several brands now offer reduced-sodium versions, making this classic meal a viable option for a salt-conscious diet.

Quick Summary

Reduced-sodium corned beef options are available from multiple brands, including both canned and fresh brisket. It is also possible to make regular corned beef less salty by rinsing and soaking before cooking, which allows for better management of sodium content without sacrificing flavor. This guide details how to find, prepare, and enjoy lower-salt corned beef.

Key Points

Low Sodium Options Are Available: Many major brands and grocery stores, including Hereford and Grobbel's, offer reduced-sodium versions of canned and fresh corned beef.
Rinsing Reduces Saltiness: Before cooking, you can effectively lower the sodium of regular corned beef by rinsing the brisket under cool, running water to remove excess surface salt.
Soaking is Highly Effective: For a more substantial reduction in salt, soak the brisket in fresh, cold water for several hours, changing the water multiple times.
Always Check the Label: 'Low sodium' corned beef still contains salt, so read the nutrition label to understand the actual sodium content per serving.
Balance with Unsalted Sides: If your corned beef is still too salty, serve it alongside unsalted vegetables or a creamy white sauce to help balance the flavor.
High-Quality Protein Source: Despite being a processed meat, corned beef provides valuable nutrients like high-quality protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
Consider Health Risks: Corned beef is a processed red meat, and health organizations recommend consuming it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Navigating the Grocery Aisle: Finding Low Sodium Corned Beef

For anyone looking to reduce their sodium intake, finding lower-salt versions of traditionally high-sodium foods like corned beef is a key step. The good news is that many manufacturers now offer products specifically marketed as "reduced salt" or "low sodium." However, it's crucial to read product labels carefully, as even 'low-sodium' versions of corned beef will still contain some salt due to the brining process. The curing process itself relies on salt to tenderize the meat and preserve it.

Brands Offering Reduced Salt Options

Major grocery chains and food brands have responded to consumer demand for healthier processed meats. When shopping, keep an eye out for these brands and products that explicitly state their lower sodium content on the packaging:

Hereford: Offers a corned beef with 25% less sodium.
Grobbel's Premium Meats: Provides a Low Sodium Flat Cut that boasts 60% less sodium.
Princes (in the UK): Offers a reduced-salt canned corned beef option.
Kroger, Meijer, and other store brands: Many store-brand grocery items, including corned beef, are available in lower-sodium varieties.

It is also worth checking specialty food stores or online retailers like Amazon, where you can often find international or niche brands not stocked in standard supermarkets.

Making Regular Corned Beef Less Salty

If a low-salt option isn't available or if you prefer to buy a regular brined brisket, there are effective steps you can take to significantly reduce the sodium content at home. This method involves soaking and rinsing the meat before cooking.

The Rinsing and Soaking Method

Rinse thoroughly: Take the corned beef brisket out of its packaging and rinse it under cool, running water. This removes the surface salt and any extra brine from the curing process.
Soak in cold water: Place the rinsed brisket in a large bowl or stockpot and cover it completely with fresh, cold water. For best results, soak for at least 6 hours, or even up to 12 hours for a more significant reduction.
Change the water: For maximum salt removal, change the soaking water every two hours. This ensures that the meat is continuously being rinsed of its salt content.
Cook as usual: After soaking, you can cook the corned beef using your preferred method, whether it's boiling, slow-cooking, or baking.

The Post-Cooking Solution

If you find the corned beef too salty even after cooking, you can counterbalance the flavor by serving it with unsalted vegetables, a creamy white sauce, or a light lemon-mustard glaze. The contrast helps to neutralize the intense saltiness.

Comparison: Low Sodium vs. Regular Corned Beef


Feature	Low Sodium Corned Beef	Regular Corned Beef
Sodium Content	Typically 25-60% less than regular versions.	Extremely high, often exceeding 800mg per 3oz serving.
Flavor Profile	Cured with less salt, may be slightly milder. Producers aim to maintain characteristic spice blend.	Classic, robust, and salty flavor profile due to heavy brining.
Texture	Generally identical to regular versions, as the brining process still tenderizes the meat.	Tends to be very tender and juicy due to the curing and cooking process.
Availability	Widely available from major brands and supermarket house labels.	Almost universally available in both canned and fresh forms.
Preparation	No special preparation required for most canned varieties. Fresh brisket may still benefit from a rinse.	May require rinsing and soaking to reduce saltiness.
Best For	Health-conscious individuals, those with dietary restrictions (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure).	Occasional treat, or for those who don't have salt sensitivity.

Health Considerations Beyond Sodium

While reducing sodium is a major benefit, it's important to remember that corned beef is a processed red meat. The World Health Organization has classified processed meats as a carcinogen, and regular consumption is linked to a higher risk of certain cancers. However, when consumed in moderation, corned beef can offer some nutritional benefits, including:

High-quality protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth.
Rich in vitamins and minerals: A good source of B vitamins (especially B12), iron, and zinc.

To make a meal with low-sodium corned beef even healthier, you can pair it with fresh, unsalted vegetables, whole grains, and use herbs and spices to add flavor instead of relying on salt. For individuals with specific health concerns, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider for dietary recommendations. For comprehensive guidance on sodium and health, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for authoritative information: https://www.cdc.gov/salt/about/index.html.

Conclusion

It is absolutely possible to buy low salt corned beef, with many brands offering products that are specifically formulated to have a lower sodium content. For those who can't find these specific items, simple at-home techniques like rinsing and soaking regular corned beef can also significantly reduce its saltiness. By making informed choices at the grocery store and in the kitchen, you can enjoy the classic flavor of corned beef while staying mindful of your sodium intake, proving that a healthier diet doesn't have to mean sacrificing your favorite foods entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most major grocery chains carry at least one brand of reduced-sodium corned beef, often alongside the regular version. Look for labels that explicitly state "less sodium" or a percentage reduction.

Low-sodium corned beef will have a milder, less salty flavor profile than its regular counterpart. However, producers often work to ensure the other spices and curing agents still provide a flavorful experience.

Rinsing removes excess surface salt and is a good first step, but it won't be enough to achieve a true 'low sodium' level. Soaking the brisket in water for several hours is a more effective method for significantly reducing the salt content.

No, soaking primarily removes excess salt. The spices and curing agents have already infused the meat's flavor, so a simple rinse and soak won't strip it of all taste.

Canned and fresh reduced-sodium corned beef are processed differently. Canned versions are typically ready-to-eat and often contain preservatives, while fresh brisket requires cooking but offers more control over the final texture and flavor.

The spice packet that often comes with corned beef is primarily for flavor and contains minimal salt. It can still be used when preparing a low-sodium brisket.

Reducing sodium makes corned beef a better option for those managing blood pressure or heart health. However, it remains a processed red meat, and moderation is key due to its saturated fat content and classification by health organizations.