Hidden sodium in foods (listed on the labels)?

• A. MSG, Baking soda, Baking powder
• B. MSG, Baking soda, Baking powder, Disodium phosphate, Sodium alginate, Sodium nitrate or nitrite
• C. Salt substitutes
• D. Water and sugar

Answer: (B)

Hidden sodium on food labels comes from sodium-containing additives used for flavor, texture, leavening, and preservation, not just from table salt. Monosodium glutamate, baking soda, and baking powder all contribute sodium because they are salts containing sodium ions. Disodium phosphate, sodium alginate, and sodium nitrate or nitrite are common additives that also bring sodium to foods and are typically listed in the ingredients on labels. This combination covers a wide range of ways sodium shows up in processed foods, so it’s the most comprehensive way to account for hidden sodium just from the ingredients list. Other options don’t capture all these contributors: salt substitutes may replace some salt but aren’t universally present in all foods, and water and sugar add little to no sodium. When aiming to limit sodium, it’s helpful to scan the ingredients for these sodium-containing additives to gauge how much sodium a product might contribute.