new study by Consumer Reports finds there are a surprising number of foods that contain excess sodium. The hidden salt in these unexpected sources — unexpected because the foods don’t taste salty — contribute to health risks, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

After reviewing 37 supermarket staples, Consumer Reports found large quantities of sodium in foods one wouldn’t necessarily suspect, such as Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, 350 milligrams of sodium per cup; Prego Heart Smart traditional Italian sauce, 430 mg per cup; and Pepperidge Farm whole grain white bagels, 440 mg of sodium each.

Eva Preslo, a registered dietitian with Good Samaritan Medical Center, urged patients to shop for fresh, unprocessed foods, especially fruits and vegetables.

The processed foods found in boxes and bags in the inner aisles of the grocery store often have high levels of sodium, Preslo said.

“The American diet is so high in sodium because we like it now and we like it quick, so we go for more processed foods rather than taking a few extra steps to make something from scratch,” Preslo said. “The closest to the way nature made it is the healthiest.”

The sodium report, available in the magazine’s January issue and at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org, echoes health organizations’ recommendations that Americans with normal blood pressure consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium a day, while people with high blood pressure, those middle-aged or older and black people should consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium each day.

Most Americans consume a far greater amount — from 2,900 mg to 4,300 mg daily.

“Unfortunately, cutting back isn’t easy because of the high levels of sodium in the many processed and prepared foods that Americans eat on a regular basis,” Jamie Hirsh, Consumer Reports’ associate health editor, said in making the announcement.

Even if sodium chloride is not on the ingredient list, sodium can be found in processed foods through disodium guanylate, disodium inosinate, sodium caseinate, sodium benzoate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium nitrite and other compounds.

They are used to enhance flavor or texture and increase a product’s shelf life, according to Consumer Reports.

Cereals, chocolate milk and dried fruit are other examples of foods that can be unexpectedly high in sodium, Preslo said.

An organic label on a product is no guarantee it is low in salt, so check every item for sodium.

“The main issue is it’s a processed food and it’s meant to last on the shelf,” Preslo said.

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