Older men most likely to reach for saltshakers, while women’s salt-adding behavior more nuanced

Research.

Modern foods, many of them ultra-processed, are full of salt and if even more is added, the health risks this behavior poses are heightened. In 2021, 1.8 million deaths were attributed to salt-overuse worldwide. However, it is not always clear who is most likely to add extra salt. Investigating the habit of adding salt to food at the table, researchers found that men who are not on diets to manage high blood pressure are most likely to salt food after preparation. They also found that living arrangements and diet choices can significantly influence people’s discretionary salt use – but don’t do so in equal measure for men and women. The team highlighted the need to spread the word about alternative ways of enhancing flavor without adding salt.