Most Canadians have low awareness of potassium-enriched low-sodium salt, with only 39.6% aware of it and 11.1% using it, according to a 2026 Canadian survey of 3,283 adults. Taste and cost were the main barriers. Gram Research analysis shows that people with high blood pressure were more likely to know about and use these salts.
Most Canadians have heard little about potassium-enriched low-sodium salt substitutes, and only about 1 in 9 use them today. According to research reviewed by Gram, a national survey of 3,283 Canadian adults published in 2026 found that awareness was 39.6%, and 69.3% of people had tried these salts at some point. People with high blood pressure were more likely to know about them and use them. Taste, cost, and worries about health risks were the most common reasons people stopped or never started. Still, more than half of respondents supported a government policy to promote these salts. The findings suggest that clearer information and better-tasting, more affordable options could help more Canadians cut their sodium intake, a change that may help protect the heart and blood vessels.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional survey of 3,283 Canadian adults found that 39.6% were aware of potassium-enriched low-sodium salt substitutes and 11.1% were currently using them.
In a 2026 Canadian survey of 3,283 adults, 69.3% of respondents said they had tried low-sodium salt substitutes at some point, even though fewer were using them currently.
A 2026 Canadian survey found that awareness of low-sodium salt substitutes was 48.1% among adults with hypertension, compared with 36.2% among adults without hypertension.
A 2026 national Canadian survey found that 55.4% of adults supported a government policy to promote potassium-enriched low-sodium salt substitutes.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: The researchers wanted to know how many Canadians have heard of potassium-enriched low-sodium salt, which is a salt substitute that contains less sodium, and whether people use it, like it, or support government efforts to promote it.
- Who participated: The study surveyed 3,283 adults across Canada who were at least 18 years old, could read English or French, and had internet access. The group was selected to reflect the country’s mix of ages, genders, provinces, and education levels. The average age was about 50, and just over half were women.
- Key finding: Only 39.6% of Canadians were aware of these salt substitutes, and 11.1% were using them at the time of the survey. Even so, 69.3% said they had tried them at some point. Among people with high blood pressure, awareness was 48.1%, compared with 36.2% of people without it.
- What it means for you: If you are trying to cut back on sodium, a low-sodium salt substitute is one option to consider. Because many people who tried these salts stopped using them, it may help to pick a brand you like, check the taste with a small amount first, and talk with your doctor or dietitian if you have kidney problems or take medicines that affect potassium.
The Research Details
This was a cross-sectional study, which means the researchers took a single snapshot of people’s views and habits at one point in time. The data came from the Canadian Nutrition and Health Survey, which was run between November 2024 and February 2025. Participants were chosen at random in a way designed to match the overall Canadian adult population by age, gender, province, and education.
Participants answered questions about whether they knew about low-sodium salt substitutes, whether they had ever tried them, whether they used them now, what they thought of them, and whether they supported a government policy to promote them. Researchers then compared answers across age groups, between men and women, and between people with and without high blood pressure. Statistical tests were used to check whether the differences were likely to be real rather than due to chance.
The survey also included open-ended questions, where people wrote in their own words about their concerns. The researchers grouped these written answers into common themes, such as taste, cost, and health worries.
A survey like this shows what real people know, think, and do. Since the World Health Organization recently suggested these salt substitutes as a way to lower sodium across populations, knowing whether Canadians are aware of them and willing to use them helps policymakers decide what to do next. Because the survey was random and large, its results are more likely to reflect the broader Canadian adult population.
The study used a large, carefully selected sample of 3,283 adults, which gives it more weight than a small or convenience-based survey. It also used standard statistical tests and included open-ended answers that added depth. However, it only shows what people reported at one moment, so it cannot prove that a salt substitute causes changes in blood pressure or heart health. Answers were self-reported, which means people may not always remember or describe their habits accurately. Because the survey was done online, it may have missed people without internet access.
What the Results Show
The main result was that most Canadians do not know much about potassium-enriched low-sodium salt. Only 39.6% said they were aware of it, and just 11.1% were currently using it. Awareness was lowest among adults aged 35 to 44, at 29.6%. Current use was lowest among adults aged 18 to 24, at 8.8%.
The picture looks more promising when people’s past experience is considered. A large share, 69.3%, said they had tried these salts before. This suggests that many people gave them a try but did not keep using them. Among women, a higher share reported having tried the salt but no longer using it, at 72.4% compared with 66.0% of men.
People with high blood pressure were more likely to know about and use these products. Awareness was 48.1% among people with hypertension, compared with 36.2% among people without it. Current use was 13.7% compared with 9.8%. This suggests that health concerns may motivate some people to seek out lower-sodium options, although use remains low even in this group.
Support for government action was fairly strong. About 55.4% of respondents backed a government policy to promote these salts, while 24.4% were neutral. Support was somewhat higher among people with high blood pressure, at 59.2%, compared with 54.2% of those without it. The written comments pointed to taste, cost, perceived health risks, and easy access as the main reasons people hesitate to adopt these salts.
Beyond the main numbers, the open-ended answers revealed practical concerns that could be addressed. Many people said these salts taste different from regular salt, which may discourage repeat use. Others said they cost more or are harder to find in their local stores. Some people also worried about possible health risks from consuming extra potassium, which suggests that clear, trustworthy information from health professionals could help ease these concerns. Taken together, these findings point to specific areas where product design, pricing, and public messaging could make a difference.
Canadians consume more sodium than recommended, and past efforts to reduce it have had limited success, according to the study authors. This survey adds new information by showing how people feel about one specific strategy that the World Health Organization has now endorsed with conditions. It fits with the broader idea that taste and cost often shape whether people adopt healthier food choices, though the study itself is the first to measure these views across Canada in this way.
The study is a snapshot, so it cannot show whether people’s use of these salts changes over time or whether using them actually lowers blood pressure or prevents heart disease. Participants reported their own habits and opinions, which can be affected by memory or by wanting to give socially desirable answers. The survey was conducted online among people who could read English or French and had internet access, so it may not fully represent people without internet or those who speak other languages. The paper also does not state the exact total sample size in the metadata, though the reported participant count is 3,283.
The Bottom Line
Based on this survey, people who want to lower their sodium intake may consider potassium-enriched low-sodium salt as one option, especially if they enjoy the taste. Confidence is moderate for the idea that awareness and use are low and that taste and cost are real barriers, since these findings came from a large, well-designed survey. Confidence is lower for claims about health benefits, because this study did not measure blood pressure or heart outcomes. People with kidney disease or those taking medications that affect potassium levels should check with a doctor before using these products.
Adults who want to reduce sodium, people managing high blood pressure, families who cook most meals at home, and health professionals who counsel patients about diet may find these results useful. Policymakers and food companies may also benefit. People with kidney problems, those on potassium-affecting medications, or anyone with specific medical advice about salt should talk with a healthcare provider before making changes.
Switching to a salt substitute is something you can do right away, and you may notice taste changes within the first few meals. Any effect on blood pressure usually takes several weeks of consistent use to show up on home readings, and it may take longer for a doctor to confirm a meaningful change. Because this study did not follow people over time, there is no specific timeline for health benefits from the research itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is potassium-enriched low-sodium salt and how is it different from regular salt?
Potassium-enriched low-sodium salt is a salt substitute that replaces part of the sodium with potassium. It is designed to add a salty flavor while lowering sodium intake, which may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease when used in place of regular salt.
How many Canadians know about low-sodium salt substitutes?
According to research reviewed by Gram, a 2026 survey of 3,283 Canadian adults found that 39.6% were aware of potassium-enriched low-sodium salt. Awareness was higher among people with high blood pressure, at 48.1%, than among those without it, at 36.2%.
Why do people stop using low-sodium salt substitutes?
The survey found that common reasons included taste concerns, higher cost, worries about health risks, and difficulty finding the product. Many people said they had tried these salts before but did not keep using them, which suggests that taste and access are key factors.
Do Canadians support government efforts to promote low-sodium salt?
Most respondents showed reasonable support. About 55.4% backed a government policy to promote these salts, 24.4% were neutral, and support was slightly higher among people with high blood pressure at 59.2% compared with 54.2% of those without it.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log each day whether you used a low-sodium salt substitute in cooking or at the table, and track your estimated sodium intake from food labels. Record your home blood pressure reading once or twice a week to see whether changes line up with your new habit.
- Try swapping the regular salt in one or two daily recipes for a low-sodium salt substitute, and start with small amounts to get used to the taste. Use the app to set a reminder to check the product label and to note which brands you like or dislike.
- Review your logged sodium intake, salt substitute use, and blood pressure readings each month to look for patterns. Over several months, compare your average readings with your starting values, and share the trends with your healthcare provider during routine visits.
This article summarizes a survey of public awareness and attitudes toward low-sodium salt substitutes and does not test whether these products improve health. Potassium-enriched salts may not be safe for everyone, especially people with kidney disease or those taking medications that affect potassium levels. Consult a doctor, pharmacist, or registered dietitian before making changes to your diet, particularly if you have high blood pressure or other medical conditions.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.