What “low sodium” means on a food label
The words below are the regulation's own. They are quoted exactly from the United States Code of Federal Regulations.
The definition
The terms “low sodium,” or “low in sodium,” “little sodium,” “contains a small amount of sodium,” or “low source of sodium” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in § 101.13(m), provided that:
The food has a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons and contains 140 mg or less sodium per reference amount customarily consumed; or
The product contains 140 mg or less sodium per 100 g; and
Plain facts about this rule
Paragraph (b)(4)(i)(B) sets a further test, per 50 g, for foods with a reference amount of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less. It is in the full text at the source.
The definition is set per reference amount, which is fixed by regulation for each kind of food. The amount in the serving on a pack is the figure printed on its Nutrition Facts label.
Several definitions use the phrase "reference amount customarily consumed". It has its own page.
Source
- Text used:
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), Title 21, Part 101, as in force on 6 October 2026
- Checked on:
- 11 October 2026