Trends in Sodium Content of Instant Foods in Thailand, 2018-2021: Progress and Remaining Challenges.

Authors

Chanatip Chailek, Patcharanee Pavadhgul, Wirin Kittipichai, Surasak Kantachuvesiri

Published in

Preventing chronic disease. Volume 23. Pages E24. Jul 16, 2026. Epub Jul 16, 2026.

Abstract

Excess sodium intake is a major risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Thailand has implemented sodium-reduction strategies, including the Salt and Sodium Reduction Strategy (2016-2025), front-of-package labeling, and the Healthier Choice logo. This study aimed to describe trends in sodium content of instant foods sold in Thailand from 2018 to 2021.
We conducted an analytical study using secondary data from 2 packaged-food surveys in retail stores in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand, in 2018, 2019, and 2021 administered by the Thai Food and Drug Administration and the Low Salt Network. We applied descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and χ² tests, with P < .05 considered significant.
We analyzed data for 788 products. In 2021, the median (IQR) sodium content was 1,750.0 (1,289.1-2,267.3) mg/100 g, an 11.6% decrease from 2018 (P = .02). Overall, we found significant reductions of sodium in rice porridge/soup, brand C, egg noodles, cup products, and items manufactured in Thailand and China. Conversely, among 57 identical products available in both 2018 and 2021, median sodium content did not change significantly (P = .06); 33.3% decreased, 19.3% increased, and 47.4% were unchanged. The proportion of Healthier Choice products increased from 4.5% in 2018 to 21.1% in 2021 (P < .001), including both noodles and rice porridge/soup.
Sodium levels in instant foods in Thailand declined modestly, and Healthier Choice products increased substantially. However, most items remain above World Health Organization benchmarks, with inconsistent reformulation. Revising Healthier Choice criteria, setting mandatory sodium targets, and strengthening monitoring could accelerate sodium reduction and improve cardiovascular health.

PMID:
42462129
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 17 Jul 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.