Salt is also called sodium chloride (NaCl). It consists of 40% sodium and 60% chloride, by weight. Salt is by far the biggest dietary source of sodium, and the words “salt” and “sodium” are often used interchangeably. How much salt? Adults Adults should eat no more than 6g of salt a day (2.4g sodium) – that's around 1 teaspoon. Children Children aged: Babies Babies should not eat much salt, because their kidneys are not fully developed to process it. Babies under 1 year old should have less than 1g of salt a day. Foods that contain salt Some foods are almost always high in salt because of the way they are made. Other foods, such as bread and breakfast cereals, can contribute a lotof salt to our diet. But that's not because these foods are always high in salt – it's because we eat a lot of them. In the following foods, the salt content can vary widely between different brands or varieties. That means you can cut down on salt by comparing brands and choosing the one that is lower in salt. Nutrition labels can help you do this. These foods include: What Are the Health Risks of Eating Too Much Salt? Disclaimer: This article is not a substitute for qualified medical advice. Please consult your trusted medical professional for further information.