Sodium Myth

Sodium has some key functions in the body such as keeping it running normally (see "Simple Ingredients"). However, some of your patients or clients may be concerned about the link between sodium and hypertension (high blood pressure). While there is a relationship between the two, some research indicates that sodium intake impacts the blood pressure of only some "salt-sensitive" people (up to 30 percent of America's population).

DID YOU KNOW?
Frito-Lay snacks have less sodium than you think! Most Frito-Lay products contain a less sodium than many popular crackers and cereals.

Despite their salty taste, chips are no higher in sodium than many other foods, such as some breads and cereals. Chips taste saltier because salt is on the chips' surfaces. In other foods, salt is mixed and baked in, hiding the salty taste.

In fact, Frito-Lay snacks account for only about 1% of the sodium consumption in US and:

  • More than 60% of Frito-Lay products contribute less than 10% of the suggested daily value of sodium (that's 240 mg sodium/oz).
  • 12% of Frito-Lay products contribute less than 5% of the daily value of sodium (that's 120 mg sodium/oz).

Below is a chart that compares how sodium levels in chips compare to those in other foods:

Sodium Comparisons: Frito-Lay Products Compared to Other Common Foods

Lay's® Lightly Salted (90 mg/oz)

Tostitos® Restaurant Style tortilla Chips (120 mg/oz)

SunChips® Multigrain Snacks Original (120 mg/oz)

Fritos® Corn Chips (160 mg/oz)

Lay's® Classic Potato Chips (180 mg/oz)

Doritos® Nacho Cheese tortilla (180 mg/oz)

Cheetos® Crunchy cheese-flavored snacks (290 mg/oz)

Glass of Milk (110 mg)

Slice of Bread (170 mg)

Ready to Eat Cereal (210 mg/oz)

Angel Food Cake (210 mg/slice)

Wheat Crackers (280 mg/oz)

Plain Small Bagel (370 mg)

Cottage Cheese (460 mg/4 oz serving)

Click here to download A New Conversation about Salt and Sodium