Just about all men and 96 percent of women in Finland consume too much salt, according to the Finnish institute for health and welfare (THL).
By eating 10 grams of salt per day, men in Finland use twice as much as daily guidelines recommend, according to THL research director Liisa Valsta. Women consume a daily average of 7 grams.
Tuija Pusa from the Finnish Heart Association said 1.5 grams is more than enough salt for an adult. This means people get enough salt from their food without sprinkling any more of it on their meals.
High in salt, but not salty
Meat, bread and dairy products are all sources of hidden salt.
"Most Finns aren't aware of how much salt they’re getting. Some people know but don’t care," Pusa said.
Valsta pointed out that having too much salt carries health risks. “There’s a clear connection between blood pressure and salt," she said.
Meanwhile reducing salt intake helps protect against high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and stomach cancer, according to Valsta.
She said Finns achieve 80 percent of their salt intake by adding it to their food.
The Finnish Heart Association said people have been surprised to learn that cottage cheese, tuna fish, soy sauce and baked goods are all high in salt.