Ungesalzen

Ungesalzen is a German term used to describe foods or ingredients into which no salt has been added during processing or preparation. The concept refers to the absence of added salt, but it does not imply a zero sodium content, since foods can contain natural salt from ingredients or trace amounts introduced during manufacturing.

In labeling and everyday language, ungesalzen is commonly paired with phrases such as ohne Zusatz von Salz or ungesalzene Butter, ungesalzene Nüsse, or ungesalzene Brühe. There is no universal legal definition that applies to all foods, so consumers should consult the nutrition information to verify sodium content.

In nutrition and health contexts, ungesalzene products are particularly relevant for people on sodium-restricted diets, as they permit greater control over salt intake. The term is distinct from salzfrei or natriumarm; salzfrei claims no salt at all and may be subject to trace amounts, while natriumarm indicates reduced sodium rather than complete absence. Ungesalzen mainly signals the lack of added salt rather than absolute absence of sodium.

Limitations: even ungesalzen products may contain salt from other ingredients (such as cheese, cured meats, or seasoning blends) or from the natural salt content of the ingredients. Therefore, assessing salt intake is best done by checking the nutrition panel for sodium per serving.

See also: Salz, Salzgehalt, Salzarm, Salzfrei, Zusatz von Salz.