Dial back the sodium, turn up the flavor.
Sodium reduction solutions use ingredients and formulation approaches that lower sodium while maintaining salty taste and product performance. Over half of Americans (54%) are actively reducing sodium in their diets or interested in doing so.¹
As a salt supplier positioned within one of the world’s largest food ingredient companies, Cargill offers a uniquely integrated sodium reduction toolkit:
- Broad portfolio of sodium reduction solutions and supporting ingredients
- Technical expertise integrating ingredients and applications
- Insights into market, consumer and regulatory trends
Explore our sodium reduction portfolio and capabilities to discover the opportunities.
Solve application-specific challenges in reducing sodium
Wherever salt does the work, we bring expertise and solutions.
Formulating for sodium reduction
Optimizing Performance
Reduce sodium in application, keep the label
Our salt solutions enable sodium reduction by improving how salt delivers flavor and functionality, allowing manufacturers to use less salt to achieve the same performance (compared to granulated salt).
Have formulation questions? Our experts have extensive sodium reduction knowledge to help guide you. Contact us
Ingredients that help reduce sodium
Sodium reduction is complex. Cargill’s broad portfolio and expertise can simplify it.
Alberger® salts
Flavor, performance and sodium reduction in application take shape.
The unique crystalline shape of Alberger® salt delivers greater surface area and lower bulk density, enabling faster dissolution and a strong, salty burst.2
Consistent particle size, rough surface and low bulk density ensure even distribution and blendability, helping you achieve the same desired flavor and functionality while using less salt.
Ideal for: bakery, snacks, ready meals and more
Potassium Pro® potassium salts
An effective salt alternative with the taste and functional benefits of salt
Potassium Pro® potassium salts deliver salty taste and salt-like functionality while reducing sodium.
Potassium Pro® Ultra Fine’s extra-fine particle size supports faster dissolution, smoother mouthfeel and better adhesion. Available with a variety of free-flowing and anti-caking agents.
Ideal for: snacks, ready meals, bakery and more
FlakeSelect® flake salts
Enhanced functional performance for great results
FlakeSelect® flake salts’ sodium reduction system is designed to bring potassium salt, salt and sea salt together through compacting and agglomeration. This creates flake formats that deliver enhanced functionality and performance exceeding traditional granulated salt or potassium salt. Available as single-salt and dual-salt compacted flakes.
Ideal for: dressings, sauces, snacks, dairy and more
Why Cargill for sodium reduction
Cargill’s team of experts have deep sodium reduction knowledge to meet you where you are in the sodium reduction journey and help guide in formula development. As a global food company, we have a breadth of resources and support.
Portfolio breadth
Cargill’s portfolio includes salts and salt alternatives with unique shapes and sizes, plus blends and next-gen solutions.
Application expertise
70+ years of salt experience, hands-on support from our formulation specialists, sodium reduction guidance, labeling and food safety.
Reliable supply
Cargill is one of the few salt manufacturers inside a global food and ingredient company, with proven supply chain expertise.
Frequently asked questions about sodium reduction
What’s the difference between sodium chloride and potassium chloride?
Sodium chloride is common table salt, and the main source of sodium in most food products. Potassium chloride is a potassium salt used as a salt alternative; it delivers salty flavor and salt-like functionality but contributes potassium instead of sodium.
Will cutting back on salt content result in bland taste?
Cutting salt does not have to mean cutting flavor. Cargill offers a wide range of salt solutions, salt alternatives and blends designed to maintain that salty flavor and deliver the reduced-sodium products consumers want.
If I reduce the salt in my formula, will it impact shelf life?
Reducing salt does not necessarily impact shelf life. Sodium-reduction ingredients like Alberger® salts, potassium salts and our sodium-reduction blends can reduce water activity and support shelf life similar to traditional salt.
Does potassium chloride cause off flavors?
Potassium salt offers similar taste and functionality to granulated salt. While using too much may result in a bitter or metallic taste, partnering with an expert in reduced-sodium formulation can help achieve reduced-sodium success.
Are the FDA Phase II sodium reduction targets mandatory?
No, FDA Phase II sodium reduction targets are not mandatory.
The Phase II goals are voluntary targets, designed as an incremental step to help consumers become used to less-salty foods. These guidelines target the 70% of dietary sodium that has been shown to be supplied by commercially processed, packaged and prepared foods, spanning over 160 categories including baked goods and processed meats.
Salt Innovation
Alberger® salt— where flavor and performance take shape
Alberger® salt’s unique crystal shape and lower bulk density makes all the difference in delivering great taste, superior performance and sodium reduction in application.
Take the next step
Dial back the sodium, turn up the flavor.
We can help you meet your sodium reduction goals — with salts, salt alternatives, blends and hands-on formulation support.
Insights Report
Salt Solutions: Optimizing flavor, function & label-friendly appeal
Modern attitudes around salt are complex: consumers savor the flavor, while knowing they need to moderate intake.
Market Trends
TrendTracker for Food & Beverage
Consumers’ relationship with food is evolving. Learn how current perceptions & behaviors indicate a more active engagement.
Ingredients
Cargill sea salt
Made naturally with sun, wind and time™
Cargill offers one of the broadest portfolios of sea salt.
SOURCES: 1. IFIC. “Spotlight Survey: Consumer Perceptions of Sodium in the Diet.” 2024. 2. Performance comparisons are relative to granulated salt. Results based on Cargill proprietary research. Actual sodium reduction that can be achieved can vary by salt used, application, final product formula and other factors.
Last updated: October 2026