Salt intake in the Netherlands structurally too high

Many people in the Netherlands believe their salt intake stays within limits. New research by the Dutch Kidney Foundation shows a different picture. In practice, daily consumption consistently exceeds the recommended level. At the same time, awareness of this remains limited. Personal intake in particular is often viewed too positively, while the figures tell a different story.

Wide gap between perception and reality

Research by MarketResponse shows that 70 percent believe the average Dutch person consumes too much salt. When it comes to their own intake, people are notably more optimistic. Only 18 percent think they exceed the recommended 6 grams per day.

More than half of respondents aged 45 and older assume they stay around that level. In reality, most people in the Netherlands consume more than that. The research shows that insight into personal consumption is often lacking.

Salt mainly comes from processed foods

Most salt intake does not come from the salt shaker. As much as 84 percent comes from processed products. These include processed meats, cheese, sauces, soups, meat substitutes, and ready-made meals.

According to the Dutch Kidney Foundation, people in the Netherlands consume too much salt without realizing it. That is why the campaign ‘You don’t see it, but you eat it’ has been launched. The Salt Meter has also been developed, offering insight into daily intake.

Consistently high intake

The figures point to consistently high salt consumption. Half of women consume more than 8 grams per day. Among men, this exceeds 11 grams per day. Over the course of a year, this adds up to more than one kilogram of excess salt.

Excess salt intake increases the risk of kidney damage. In the Netherlands, more than 1.8 million people live with kidney damage. Around 130,000 new cases are added each year. In addition, the risk of cardiovascular disease also increases.

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