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Sodium quiz, which lower-sodium foods taste best
In the cafeteria of our Yonkers, N.Y., headquarters, about 100 staff members taste-tested less-salty versions of four usually high-sodium foods. Staffers didn't know the reason for the tests; we just asked if they'd be willing to eat each food again. Overall, the low-sodium pasta sauces were least likely to please. In a separate test, our trained tasters tried the same foods. Their descriptions are below. Within groups, foods are listed in order of staffers' preferences. Product Would eat again (%) Labeled sodium per serving (mg) TURKEY BREAST (2 oz.) Most are moist, tender, and a bit salty. Dietz & Watson tastes roasted. Dietz & Watson Gourmet Lite (skin on) 78 240 Boar's Head Our Premium Lower Sodium (skinless) 69 340 Butterball Oven Roasted Reduced Sodium (skinless) 57 350 Applegate Farms Oven Roasted (skin on) 55 400 SALAD DRESSING (2 T.) Silver Palate tastes of olive oil; Maple Grove is sweet. The Silver Palate Salad Splash Balsamic Country 65 15 Emeril's Balsamic Vinaigrette 54 85 Maple Grove Farms of Vermont Balsamic Vinaigrette with Pure Maple Syrup 49 40 Annie's Naturals Balsamic Vinaigrette 25 75 CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP (1 cup) All are mild-flavored, have chewy chicken, and taste a bit salty. Progresso 50% Less Sodium 53 470 Campbell's Select Harvest Healthy Request 50 480 Healthy Choice Old Fashioned 47 480 PASTA SAUCE (½ cup) Most are smooth and have a touch of heat. Enrico's Traditional No Salt Added 43 25 * Francesco Rinaldi No Salt Added Traditional 28 40 Trader Giotto's Organic Marinara No Salt Added Low Fat (Trader Joe's) 27 25 Walnut Acres Organic Low Sodium Fat Free Tomato and Basil 23 20 * Two of three samples we analyzed had far more sodium than listed on label, about 160 mg and 250 mg. Posted: December 2008 — Consumer Reports Magazine issue: January 2009
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