Less Salt but More Flavour

Sodium is a naturally occurring component in virtually all foods. It is present in low amounts in fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy and meat. Salt is a preservative and seasoning ingredient that’s high in sodium, and is the largest contributor to sodium in our diet. Australians eat out an average of two to three times a week, equating to more than 50 million meals eaten out of home each week, or 2.5 billion meals each year.

It comes as no surprise that many of these meals, especially hot chips, are high in salt and contribute to the problematically high sodium intake of our population. In fact, Aussies are eating three times more sodium than they need. With excessive sodium intake associated with conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke, kidney problems and osteoporosis, it’s no wonder the government has flagged high salt intake as a public health problem.

How much salt is TOO MUCH SALT?

A small amount of sodium is important for good health. While salt is essential for preserving foods and can bring out flavours in dishes, most people are simply consuming too much of it. Reducing salt often gets a bad reputation because of its connotation to making food bland and tasteless.

However, reducing salt does not mean less flavour. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Association found that people don’t even notice 10-15% reductions in salt!

Restaurants, pubs, clubs and fast-food outlets play a big part in what Aussies eat and accordingly, have a social responsibility to go easy on the saltshaker. The Australian government recommends no more than 6 grams (or one teaspoon) of salt in total per day for the general population, or 4 grams of salt per day for the one in three Aussies with high blood pressure. So even a small reduction of salt in a single dish can make a big difference to a person’s daily salt intake. Here’s how to tackle this salty issue and potentially even boost chip sales using a few simple ways to bring more excitement to your chips with minimal disruption to your kitchen.

REDUCE SALT, INCREASE FLAVOUR

Use one or more of the following tips to cut the salt and up the taste of your hot chips

1. Choose Lower in Sodium!

An estimated 75% of the salt we eat comes from processed foods. By comparing sodium values on the products’ nutrition information panel, you can easily spot yourself a low sodium chip.

2. Reduce Salt on Chips by 10-15%

For a stealth approach to salt reduction, go easy on the saltshaker and reduce by up to 15%. The next time you season a portion of chips, take notice of how much you’re shaking that salt container. Be mindful and shake less – it’s a no brainer way of cutting back on salt.

3. Turn the Flavour Up

In place of some or most of the salt, try seasoning your chips with fresh or dried herbs and spices. Try a dry mix of paprika and garlic powder for a smoky twist, a little ground chilli for some heat, or even a mix of oregano and thyme! Alternatively, mix up two or three blends of dried spices and let your patrons customise their own chips. What a simple way to add some spice to your menu and turn the boring traditional chip into a trendy, good-looking chip. You could even charge a premium for these fancy chips!

4. One Size Does Not Fit All

By not automatically adding salt to your chips and leaving a saltshaker on the counter, you can save time while letting your customers decide how much salt they want to add to their chips. Display a simple sign on the counter with a message like “We hold the salt, so you can decide” to convey the message that you are giving choice back to your customer.

5. Easy on the Sauce

Condiments can be a major contributor to salt intake. Serving salt-reduced varieties can be another effective way of reducing the overall sodium load of the meal.

Today is the day to try these flavour enhancing, salt-altering techniques. You could boost sales, instantaneously add variety to your menu for little cost, and be socially responsible - all at the same time. Give less salt and more flavour, a go!