NORTHFIELD, ILL. — Kraft Foods Inc. plans to reduce sodium by an average of 10% across its North American portfolio over the next two years, the company said March 17. Kraft’s plan will amount to eliminating more than 10 million lbs of salt from foods. It will impact more than 1,000 stock-keeping units, said Rhonda Jordan, president, Health & Wellness, for Northfield-based Kraft Foods.

In grain-based foods, some flavors of Easy Mac Cups are scheduled for a 20% sodium reduction. Easy Mac Cups in original flavor currently have 700 mg of sodium per serving. Oscar Mayer Bologna, currently at 310 mg of sodium per serving, is scheduled for a 17% sodium reduction.


“We are reducing sodium because it’s good for customers, and, if done properly, it’s good for business,” Ms. Jordan said. “A growing number of consumers are concerned about their sodium intake, and we want to help them translate their intentions into actions.”

Kraft already has replaced sodium by 5% to 30% in many products. Since 2008, the company has reduced sodium in all Oscar Mayer white turkey deli meat products by at least 15%, in Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Chicken Breast Strips by 20%, in two Kraft Light Dressings by more than 30%, and in Original and Reduced Fat Wheat Thins by 10%.