Despite Warnings, Americans Are Slow to Shake Salt Habit, Survey from Mrs. Dash Reveals

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It’s no secret that high sodium consumption can have detrimental health consequences, but Americans are still slow to table salt, a recent survey by Mrs. Dash^® reveals.

“Salt intake brings new levels of alarm.”

Despite years of national discussion, 71% of Americans still don’t know the recommended daily amount of salt intake, the Mrs. Dash “Salt Reduction Survey” found. The average American consumes nearly 3,500 to 4,000 milligrams of sodium per day¹, far more than the recommended daily intake of 2,300 milligrams (about one teaspoon). That’s an estimated 7.6 pounds of salt per year.²

And persistent health warnings haven’t fully inspired Americans to cut back on salt in their diets. In fact, of those surveyed, 58% are consuming the same if not more salt compared with two years ago. But there were some bright spots in the survey: Of those who have changed their eating habits for health reasons, a heartening 61% have cut back on their salt intake. In addition, 68% of Americans say they usually eat low sodium foods when cooking at home.

“Most people know that too much salt increases blood pressure and that this, in turn, increases the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes,” said Robin Miller, M.S. “Even though the survey uncovered some positive data, the overall results reveal a large gap between what Americans know and what they choose to implement in their diets. Concerned cooks should consider using a salt-free seasoning blend such as Mrs. Dash as an option for adding flavor without all of the salt or MSG for a low sodium lifestyle.”

The survey also found that when attempting to eat healthier foods, more than half of adults (54%) consider the calorie count, but only 2 in 5 (39%) consider salt intake. In fact, Americans consider four other ingredients before salt: calories, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.

Americans are clearly unaware of the salt that already exists in their foods, with 70% of those surveyed usually adding salt while cooking or preparing a meal, and 55% usually adding salt without even looking at a recipe. Additionally, 55% usually add salt to already prepared food at the table, half automatically add salt to their food before even tasting it, and nearly a third (31%) say that salt is the most important ingredient in their food.

Go to www.MrsDash.com for easy, delicious low-sodium everyday meal ideas.

Methodological Notes:

The Mrs. Dash Salt Free Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.WakefieldResearch.com) among 1,000 nationally Representative Americans between March 30 and April 5, using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas have been set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. adult population 18 and older. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For the interviews conducted in this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

About Mrs. Dash^®

Mrs. Dash^® Seasoning Blends are available in 14 different varieties that add flavor to everything from seafood to salad and meat to mixed vegetables. Mrs. Dash^® Marinades are the first fast-acting marinade sauces that are also salt-free and flavor-full. And like all seasonings from Mrs. Dash^®, the Marinades are made with a blend of 14 herbs and spices and a touch of real fruit essence and contain no MSG. For more information about Mrs. Dash^® and recipes, please visit www.mrsdash.com.

The Alberto-Culver Company (NYSE: ACV) is a global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of personal care products with sales worldwide in more than 100 countries. It includes such leading brands as Alberto VO5®, St. Ives®, TRESemmé® and Nexxus® Salon Hair Care. Its Pro-Line® International unit is the second-largest producer in the world of products for the ethnic hair care market with leading brands including Just For Me®, Motions® and Soft & Beautiful®. To learn more about Alberto-Culver and its brands, visit www.alberto.com.

¹ Terwilliger, Healther. “Salt intake brings new levels of alarm.” USA Today, February 10, 2008.

² American Heart Association

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