As health awareness grows globally, sodium content has become a key factor in food purchasing decisions.
Retailers, especially in the EU and US, now demand low sodium instant meals to meet rising consumer health concerns — and to comply with nutrition label regulations.
At Kimdee, we help brands develop OEM instant noodles and ready meals that meet low sodium standards without sacrificing flavor.
Here’s what buyers expect — and how to meet those demands with your next private label product.
✅ 1. Why Sodium Matters to Consumers
Excess sodium is linked to:
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular issues
Poor water retention and energy regulation
🌍 According to the World Health Organization, most global populations consume double the recommended sodium limit. Retailers are responding with stricter sourcing guidelines.
✅ 2. What Counts as Low Sodium?
While definitions vary by country:
| Region | Max Sodium for “Low” Claim |
|---|---|
| USA (FDA) | ≤140 mg per 100g |
| EU (EFSA) | ≤120 mg per 100g |
| UAE | Follows WHO reference <200 mg/100g (voluntary) |
📦 At Kimdee, we formulate instant meals that stay within these ranges — even for flavorful soup bases.
✅ 3. How to Maintain Flavor Without Salt
Salt reduction doesn’t have to mean bland.
We replace or reduce salt using:
Seaweed or kombu powder
Mushroom extract for natural umami
Herbs, spices, and lemon zest
Miso, tamari, or yeast extract
Our food scientists help design balanced, export-compliant flavors.
✅ 4. Labeling for Low Sodium Products
To appeal to buyers, use:
“Low Sodium” or “Reduced Sodium” claims (backed by lab data)
Sodium per serving clearly displayed
Front-of-pack visual icons (EU Nutri-Score, UAE Health Star Rating)
We support compliant packaging and nutrition label creation for each export region.
✅ 5. What Buyers Look For in Low Sodium Products
Retail and foodservice buyers seek:
Certified health-forward meals
Transparent formulation and testing
Shelf-ready products with accurate compliance
Lower sodium meals that still deliver satisfaction
Kimdee supports OEM meal development that meets both retailer expectations and consumer taste.
📩 Want to develop low sodium meals for your retail buyers?
Email us: carlng@kimdeefoods.com
🔗 Start your healthy OEM project
❓ FAQ
Q1: Can I make both regular and low sodium SKUs?
A: Yes. Kimdee helps brands build split product lines — same flavor, different sodium levels.
Q2: Will lower sodium reduce shelf life?
A: No. We use clean preservatives and natural stabilizers for extended shelf life.
Q3: Do I need lab testing to make low sodium claims?
A: Yes. We assist with third-party nutrition analysis and labeling.
