Salt & Cereal

Small amounts of salt are an essential part of healthy and balanced diet and vital for many functions in the body. Salt is made up of sodium and chloride, two substances that help to regulate fluid balance in the body, keep nerves healthy, support nutrient absorption and maintain muscle function.

However, excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Most international and national dietary guidelines recommend that adults consume no more than 6g of salt per day  and even less for children (3-6g depending on age). However, average intakes across Europe range from 8-12g per day. Therefore, national and international public health authorities are focusing on initiatives and policies to reduce salt intake at a population level.
 

Salt is found in a variety of foods and serves many roles including taste enhancement, preservation and textural functions. Breakfast cereals contain only a small amount of salt, and they generally contribute less than 10% of the average daily intake. In breakfast cereals, salt plays an important role in product quality and is a key component of grain flavour.  Without salt, the natural grain flavour is perceived by the consumer as raw.  Each breakfast cereal has an individual recipe developed using extensive consumer testing for best flavour perception, shelf life and product appeal.

We will continue to work with leading experts and nutritionists to innovate and renovate our cereal - providing healthy and nutritious breakfast cereal that that tastes great.

Other Nestlé cereals offer even less salt. Shredded Wheat only has 20 mg of salt in each serving, which is not even a hundredth of the daily amount recommended. Cheerios have 250 mg per serving, less than 4% of daily needs, and Shreddies 290 mg.

How can you tell how much salt you’re getting in your favourite food? Nestlé breakfast cereals in line with legislation of the particular country, provides the amount of salt they contain in their nutrition information panel, so you can readily take informed decisions when choosing between foods.

Following your country's dietary guidelines on a healthy and balanced diet, particularly in regard to salt intake, will help you meet your needs for sodium without risking exceeding the recommended amounts.