August 1st, 2025
There’s nothing better than a backyard cookout during the summer. From burgers sizzling on the grill to heaping bowls of potato salad or a table filled with tasty snacks, food is always a big part of the fun. But if you’re watching your sodium, you might be surprised to learn just how much salt is hiding in some of your cookout favorites.
Most people following a low sodium diet already know to steer clear of foods that are obviously salty, such as potato chips and pickles. But there are lots of other foods that will send your salt intake sky-high if you don’t pay attention. Many high-sodium culprits don’t even taste salty, so unless you’re checking labels or know where sodium lurks, you’ll be none the wiser and will likely end the day consuming more salt than expected.
Here are some common cookout foods that may be sending your daily sodium intake over the top:
- Buns – This may be the most surprising source of hidden sodium at your cookout. A hamburger or hot dog bun might seem harmless, but some brands have 200-400 mg of sodium or more. If you have seconds, you’re already about one-third to one-half of the way to your daily sodium total if you’re trying to limit sodium, without eating anything else.
- Meats – Although not necessarily hidden culprits, processed meats such as hot dogs and sausages contain loads of sodium. Even chicken can contain a lot of salt, especially since many brands are now injected with a brine solution. Add a slice of cheese to your burger and you may be adding 300-400mg of sodium.
- Meat alternatives – If you prefer vegetarian options, you may think you’re off the hook when it comes to worrying about sodium, but many veggie burgers and other plant-based meat alternatives are also high in sodium. Even when you think a food is healthy, it’s a good idea to check the label.
- Side dishes – Potato salad, pasta salad and coleslaw may sound like safe choices if you’re watching your sodium intake, but most store-bought or deli versions have lots of salt. Mayonnaise, seasonings and other add-ins can add hundreds of milligrams of sodium. Pickles, baked beans and French fries are other salt-filled sides.
- Condiments – Ketchup, mayo, relish, ranch dressing and barbecue sauce might not seem like salt bombs, but many have a lot more sodium than you think. Just one tablespoon of ketchup has about 150 mg and some condiments have a lot more. A few squirts here and there and your plate will be swimming in salt.
- Snacks – Of course, no cookout is complete without a few salty snacks on the table. Even though you may be more aware that foods like chips or pretzels are salty, it’s easy to grab a handful or two without even thinking about it. Just one ounce of chips can have 150 to 200 mg of sodium.
So what can you do to keep your sodium in check the next time you’re at a cookout? Swap out buns for lettuce wraps, skip the cheese and processed meats, and use lower-sodium condiments such as mustard. Make your own side dishes using low sodium recipes and opt for foods naturally lower in sodium such as grilled veggies and fresh fruits. There will still be plenty of delicious things you can eat, but it helps to know what foods will best help you meet your goals.
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