A recent nationwide survey by Action on Salt has found that the salt content of salads bought from restaurants, sandwich/coffee shops and fast food outlets has worryingly increased by 13% since they were last surveyed in 2014 (from 1.65g to 1.86g per serving on average).
More than a third (36%) of the 213 restaurant, sandwich/coffee shop and fast food salads surveyed contained a shocking 2g of salt or more per salad.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Surprisingly, the PizzaExpress grand chicken caesar salad with dough sticks contains 5.3g salt per serve – more than their classic margherita pizza – and McDonald’s grilled chicken and bacon salad with balsamic style dressing contains the same amount of salt as their cheeseburger. Even salads deceivingly branded as ‘healthy’ contain high amounts of salt, such as Benugo’s supercharged omega salmon with 3.5g salt, over half of an adult’s maximum recommended daily limit.
Although nutrition information was available at the majority (15/21) of the restaurant and fast food chains included in the survey (either on pack, on the shelf label or at the counter on request) only one chain (Costa) provided full colour-coded nutrition information6. Without this information readily available at their disposal, consumers struggle to know which options contain the least amount of salt, making it impossible to make an informed decision. This clearly demonstrates the need for clear consistent nutrition labelling in restaurants and fast food outlets to help customers compare products and make healthier choices.
Sarah Alderton, nutritionist at Action on Salt said: “Salads are typically considered to be a healthy option, but restaurants and retailers are continuing to add unnecessarily high amounts of salt and saturated fat to their salads and putting the health of their customers in jeopardy. We want the food industry to be transparent by displaying clear, colour-coded nutrition information on front of pack or at the point of sale, to help consumers make a more informed decision wherever they choose to eat.”
Mhairi Brown, nutritionist at Action on Salt, explained: “Up to 75% of our salt intake comes from salt added to food by manufacturers and this survey demonstrates just how easy it is to unwittingly eat excess salt, with such high amounts added to our go-to ‘healthy’ choice of salads. This survey highlights the urgent need for Public Health England to reinvigorate the UK’s salt reduction strategy”
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataGraham MacGregor, professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Queen Mary University of London and Chairman of Action on Salt, added: “It’s shocking to see that certain restaurants and supermarkets have failed to take responsibility to reduce salt – especially after our 2014 survey exposed their dangerously salty salads. Reducing salt is the most cost-effective measure to reduce the number of people dying or suffering from strokes or heart disease. We are now calling on PHE to take immediate action.”
