Read the Food Label for Sodium!

Food labels tell you what you need to know about choosing foods that are lower in sodium. Here’s a food label for frozen peas. The label tells you: Amount Per Serving The nutrient amounts are for one serving. So, if you eat more or less than a serving, you need to add or subtract nutrient amounts. For example, if you eat 1 cup of peas, you are eating two servings. Nutrients Listed are the amounts of sodium in one serving. These amounts are given in milligrams. Number of Servings The serving size is 1/2 cup. There are about three servings in the package. Percent Daily Value The Percent Daily Value helps you compare products and quickly tells you if the food is high or low in sodium. Choose products with the lowest Percent Daily Value for sodium. The Choice is Yours— Compare! Which one would you choose? Frozen Peas--One serving (1/2 cup) of frozen peas has only 5 percent of the Daily Value for sodium. Calories 60 Calories from Fat 0 % Daily Value* Total Fat 0g 0%   Saturated Fat 0g 0% Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 125mg 5% Canned Peas--One serving (1/2 cup) of canned peas has 15 percent of the Daily Value for sodium. That is more than three times the sodium found in a serving of frozen peas. Calories 60 Calories from Fat 0 % Daily Value* Total Fat 0g 0%   Saturated Fat 0g 0% Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 380mg 16% Frozen peas are lower in sodium. Read the food labels and choose foods that are lower in sodium to help keep your heart strong. Adapted from the National High Blood Pressure Education Month Kit publicated by the National High Blood Pressure Education Program.

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