Healthy Breakfast Ideas & Guides # Salt and Cereal Published: 05/03/2026 AuthorNestlé Cereals Reading time: 5 min. Share it with your friends ![Salt & Cereals - A pinch of salt at Breakfast Time!](/uk/sites/g/files/qirczx836/files/styles/1_1_768px_width/public/2022-07/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%2846%29.jpg.webp?h=40c5f4ad&itok=6CMI36rN) A PINCH OF SALT AT BREAKFAST TIME! Small amounts of salt form part of a balanced diet. Salt is made up of sodium and chloride, two substances that help to regulate fluid balance in the body, keep nerves healthy, support nutrient absorption and maintain muscle function. However, excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Most international and national dietary guidelines recommend that adults consume no more than 6g of salt per day and even less for children, as little as 2g depending on age. However, average intakes across Europe range from 8-12g per day. Therefore, national and international public health authorities are focusing on initiatives and policies to reduce salt intake at a population level. ## Salt and natural grain flavour in breakfast cereals Salt is found in a variety of foods and serves many roles including taste enhancement, preservation and textural functions. [Breakfast cereals](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands) contain only a small amount of salt. In breakfast cereals, salt plays an important role in product quality and also influences the flavour of your cereal. Without salt, the natural grain flavour is perceived by the consumer as raw. Each breakfast cereal has an individual recipe developed using extensive consumer testing for best flavour perception, shelf life and product appeal. ## WE’RE NOT STOPPING THOUGH: We will continue to work with leading experts and nutritionists to innovate and renovate our cereal - providing breakfast cereal that that tastes great. Other Nestlé cereals offer even less salt. [Shredded Wheat Original](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/shredded-wheat) only has 0.02g of salt in each serving, which is not even a hundredth of the daily amount recommended. [Cheerios Multigrain](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/cheerios) have 0.25g per serving, 4% of an adult's daily needs, and[ Shreddies Original](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/shreddies) 0.29g. How can you tell how much salt you’re getting in your favourite food? Nestlé breakfast cereals in line with legislation of the particular country, provides the amount of salt they contain in their nutrition information panel, so you can readily take informed decisions when choosing between foods. Following the UK's dietary guidelines on a healthy and balanced diet, particularly in regard to salt intake, will help you meet your needs for sodium without risking exceeding the recommended amounts. ## RELATED ARTICLES [![Shreddies with bowl of pre-prepared toppings](/uk/sites/g/files/qirczx836/files/styles/1_1_450px_width/public/2025-11/SHREDDIES_toppings_0.jpg.webp?itok=QSuA9bYW)](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/blog/breakfast-ideas/meal-prep-ideas) Reading time: 5 min. 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