Everyone knows that a regular can of soup is loaded with sodium, but what about foods that don’t taste particularly salty, like bagels and breakfast cereals? According to an article in Consumer Reports, salt can hide in unexpected places. High-sodium diets can cause or worsen high blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The Department of Agriculture recommends eating no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day; for those with hypertension or other heart disease risk factors, the recommended intake is even less: 1,500 mg per day. One trend the report highlights is that lower-fat versions of packaged foods often have higher sodium content than their higher-fat counterparts, probably to replace lost flavor. If you’re watching your salt intake, check food labels for sodium, a required listing. (Need help decoding the labels? Click here for a primer.)

Salty Surprises	Heart Healthy V8 Juice 480 mg sodium per cup	Pepperidge Farm bagel (plain) 500 mg sodium per bagel
Kellogg’s Raisin Bran cereal 350 mg sodium per cup	Friendship 1% Fat Cottage Cheese 360 mg sodium per half-cup	Jell-O Instant Pudding 310 to 420 mg sodium per half-cup, prepared, depending on flavor