In the cafeteria of our Yonkers, N.Y., headquarters, about 100 staff members taste-tested less-salty versions of four usually high-sodium foods. Staffers didn't know the reason for the tests; we just asked if they'd be willing to eat each food again. Overall, the low-sodium pasta sauces were least likely to please. In a separate test, our trained tasters tried the same foods. Their descriptions are below. Within groups, foods are listed in order of staffers' preferences.
| Product | Would eat again (%) | Labeled sodium per serving (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| TURKEY BREAST (2 oz.) Most are moist, tender, and a bit salty. Dietz & Watson tastes roasted. | ||
| Dietz & Watson Gourmet Lite (skin on) | 78 | 240 |
| Boar's Head Our Premium Lower Sodium (skinless) | 69 | 340 |
| Butterball Oven Roasted Reduced Sodium (skinless) | 57 | 350 |
| Applegate Farms Oven Roasted (skin on) | 55 | 400 |
| SALAD DRESSING (2 T.) Silver Palate tastes of olive oil; Maple Grove is sweet. | ||
| The Silver Palate Salad Splash Balsamic Country | 65 | 15 |
| Emeril's Balsamic Vinaigrette | 54 | 85 |
| Maple Grove Farms of Vermont Balsamic Vinaigrette with Pure Maple Syrup | 49 | 40 |
| Annie's Naturals Balsamic Vinaigrette | 25 | 75 |
| CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP (1 cup) All are mild-flavored, have chewy chicken, and taste a bit salty. | ||
| Progresso 50% Less Sodium | 53 | 470 |
| Campbell's Select Harvest Healthy Request | 50 | 480 |
| Healthy Choice Old Fashioned | 47 | 480 |
| PASTA SAUCE (½ cup) Most are smooth and have a touch of heat. | ||
| Enrico's Traditional No Salt Added | 43 | 25 * |
| Francesco Rinaldi No Salt Added Traditional | 28 | 40 |
| Trader Giotto's Organic Marinara No Salt Added Low Fat (Trader Joe's) | 27 | 25 |
| Walnut Acres Organic Low Sodium Fat Free Tomato and Basil | 23 | 20 |