Consumption Trends in Romania: The Shift Toward Low-Salt Products

Consumption trends in Romania increasingly reflect a strong interest in balanced diets and in processed products with reduced salt content. The World Health Organization recommends a maximum daily intake of 5 g of salt, yet INS data show that Romanians exceed this limit by approximately 40%.

A report by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control indicates that reducing daily salt intake by just 3 g could lower the risk of hypertension by 15% and the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 10%. These findings have driven food industry producers to invest in recipe reformulation and in modern processing technologies.

In retail, the low-salt product segment (bread, cold cuts, cheeses) grew by over 12% in 2024, according to Nielsen data. Consumers, particularly in urban areas, are increasingly willing to pay a higher price for products that support long-term health.

This trend compels producers and retailers to adapt their portfolios, while also urging authorities to support awareness campaigns on healthy nutrition.

(Photo: Freepik)