Are you looking to reduce the sodium levels in your diet but don't know where to start? Are you worried that reducing salt also means reducing flavor? These cookbooks have a wide variety of recipes that will help you create delicious dishes that are healthy and so good that you'll want more!
Choosing the right low-sodium cookbook for you can be difficult, so that's why we've done the research for you. We’ve put together a 10 best list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide, reviewed by a registered dietitian, to help you make your choice!
Quick List - Top Low-Sodium Cookbooks
Jennifer Koslo
Perfectly Portioned Heart-Healthy Meals for Two Are Easy to Create with This Cookbook
Cheryl Strachan RD
Quick and Nutritious Heart-Healthy Meals for Every Diet Type
Liz Goodwin
A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Heart-Healthy Cooking with Visual Inspiration
Lillian R. Thompson
Effortless Heart-Healthy Meals with Low-Sodium Slow Cooker Recipes
Devan is a dietitian with a passion for preventative nutrition and educating the community on how to live a healthy life. She has experience in cardiovascular disease, GI disorders, and acute care.
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Table of Contents
Before buying a low-sodium cookbook, there are a few points you should take into consideration, such as the complexity of the recipes and other dietary requirements. To help you with this, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!
Even the most decorated and celebrated chefs started as beginners, so there is no shame in not being a gourmet chef right away! Like any other skill or hobby, cooking is something you can get better at with practice or time.
You should keep your level of expertise in mind when you choose a cookbook. Many beginners often make the mistake of buying a cookbook without assessing if it has recipes they can comfortably make.
Recipes for expert cooks will have more steps and may require everything to be made from scratch. They may also require more specialized equipment that isn’t found in the average family kitchen. More experienced cooks might have the knowledge to work around this, but beginners will struggle.
The same is true when it comes to the ingredients list. If you can’t source the ingredients or don’t know what to replace items with, then you won’t be able to make the recipes.
Take advantage of any sample recipes that are available as these will be your best chance to see if the book is for you. You can also check reviews left by previous purchasers, as they will note if the recipes are difficult or have hard-to-obtain ingredients.
When choosing a low-sodium cookbook, it needs to succeed on two different levels. The first is that it provides a low-sodium alternative and the second is that it's still full of delicious recipes!
This is why it’s important that the author of the book and the recipes is knowledgeable about the subject. Many foods, such as cheese and bacon, are naturally high in sodium. An author of a good low-sodium cookbook will know how to avoid these high-sodium foods and substitute similar foods, instead.
Other foods have salt added to them to bring out their flavor or preserve them for longer. A low-sodium diet doesn’t need to be bland and tasteless, and low-sodium recipes will be just as tasty as sodium-rich ones if they’re created by a skilled chef!
Cookbooks that have low-sodium recipes can cover a wide variety of cuisine. If you can decide which type of food you want to cook, you can greatly reduce your choices.
If you find yourself having cravings for food from a specific region, then why not buy a low-sodium cookbook that features that area’s dishes? It doesn’t matter if you prefer Mexican, Indian, or Chinese food, for example, there will be cookbooks that feature low-sodium versions of all of your favorites.
Many cookbooks focus on a specific type of dish instead. There are cookbooks specifically for soups, mains, or desserts, for example, and these cookbooks can be a great option if you only concentrate on specific dishes. Not everyone has the time or will to make three courses, so why buy a cookbook that includes recipes you will never use?
If you’re looking to expand your cooking or just have eclectic tastes, you should prioritize cookbooks that have a wide variety of recipes. These cookbooks pick recipes from all around the world and will always have a suggestion for you, whether you’re making a light snack or a heavy family meal.
Many people who need to follow a low-sodium diet have other dietary requirements they need to keep in mind as well. Before purchasing a low-sodium cookbook, make sure it matches yours if you have any!
Most non-vegan cookbooks will include a few vegan or vegetarian recipes, but if you're 100 percent vegan, this might be a waste of your money. Instead, look for a vegan low-sodium cookbook so you won't have to worry about it! It will have the widest variety of recipes and you can be certain that every recipe will be animal-free!
Many people follow a low-sodium diet due to a diagnosis of a medical condition, such as heart or kidney disease. As well as monitoring your sodium intake, these diets may require reducing other parts of your diet, such as fat and potassium.
There are many cookbooks out there designed for helping manage your diet if you have these medical issues. Remember to consult with your doctor before starting a new diet if you do have a medical condition!
Every cookbook exists to help us cook delicious meals by providing ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions. However, that doesn’t mean that every cookbook is the same. They all have their own layout and way of presenting the information, and something that's visually pleasing is often easier to use.
If you can, check out the layout of the recipes to make sure that the instructions are clear and written in an easy-to-follow format. If you are new to cooking, you may want to look for books that also break down some of the more common techniques and vocabulary.
Another important part of an easy-to-use cookbook is photos! Having photos of the finished recipe makes them more mouthwatering and gives you an idea of what your dish will look like when it’s done.
You may also want cookbooks that have progress photos. These can help motivate you as you work through the recipe as you can hopefully see that your dish is developing in the same manner as in the book!
Many low-sodium cookbooks don't just have recipes, they also introduce you to a low-sodium lifestyle. They will give you tips for choosing low-sodium meals when out in a restaurant and substitutions you can make when you devise your own recipes.
Most cookbooks are available in more than just one format. It’s become increasingly common for them to also be released as eBooks, which have their advantages.
E-readers are usually smaller than physical books, especially glossy hardbacks, but allow you to zoom in as much as you need to. This means you can look at any photos in close detail and don’t have to worry about the size of the font while saving on counter space. You will need to make sure that your e-reader is kept away from any liquid or fire though!
Physical cookbooks can also be bought in a couple of different versions. Paperbacks are small and cheaper, but can be difficult to keep flat and open compared to hardbacks. Some hardbacks will stay open, whereas others will only stay open on certain pages - it all depends on how rigid the spine is.
If you want to ensure that your cookbook will stay open on the page you need without the need for you to get your messy hands on it, a spiral-bound book is the best option. Due to the construction of these books, they will always stay open and flat on whatever page you choose.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
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Beginner-Friendly | Created by a Skilled Chef | Vegan | Clear Instructions | Amount of Recipes | |||||
1 | Jennifer Koslo The Heart Healthy Cookbook for Two|Paperback | ![]() | Perfectly Portioned Heart-Healthy Meals for Two Are Easy to Create with This Cookbook | 125 | |||||
2 | Cheryl Strachan RD 30-Minute Heart Healthy Cookbook | ![]() | Quick and Nutritious Heart-Healthy Meals for Every Diet Type | unknown | |||||
3 | Liz Goodwin Heart Healthy Cookbook for Beginners | ![]() | A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Heart-Healthy Cooking with Visual Inspiration | unknown | |||||
4 | Lillian R. Thompson Low Sodium Slow Cooker Cookbook | ![]() | Effortless Heart-Healthy Meals with Low-Sodium Slow Cooker Recipes | 100+ | |||||
5 | Susan Zogheib, MHS, RD, LDN Renal Diet Cookbook|Paperback | ![]() | A Practical Guide to Managing Kidney Health Through Diet | 125+ | |||||
6 | Shannon Epstein Low Sodium Slow Cooker Cookbook|Paperback | ![]() | Enjoy Heart-Healthy Meals With Convenient, Low-Sodium Slow Cooker Recipes | 100+ | |||||
7 | Dick Logue 500 15-Minute Low Sodium Recipes|Paperback | ![]() | Quick and Delicious Low-Sodium Meals in Just 15 Minutes | 500 | |||||
8 | Donald A. Gazzaniga The No-Salt, Lowest-Sodium Cookbook|Paperback | ![]() | A Comprehensive Guide to Extremely Low-Sodium Cooking for Heart Health | unknown | |||||
9 | American Heart Association Low-Salt Cookbook, 4th Edition|Paperback | ![]() | A Trusted Resource for Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium Recipes That Don’t Compromise on Flavor | 200+ | |||||
10 | Andy De Santis RD MPH Low Sodium Cookbook for Beginners | ![]() | A Practical Guide to Adopting a Low-Sodium Diet Without Sacrificing Flavor | 100 |
Beginner-Friendly | |
---|---|
Clear Instructions |
The Heart Healthy Cookbook for Two" offers a comprehensive guide for those looking to prepare heart-friendly meals without the hassle of calculating portions. Authored by Jennifer Koslo, a registered dietitian and cardiac nutrition expert, this cookbook is tailored for individuals who need to manage sodium and fat intake while still enjoying flavorful meals. It includes 125 recipes that cover all meals of the day, ensuring variety and balance. The inclusion of a four-week meal plan provides a structured approach to starting or maintaining a heart-healthy diet.
What sets this cookbook apart is its focus on portion control, specifically catering to two people, which eliminates the need for halving larger recipes or dealing with excess leftovers. Each recipe is designed to be easy to prepare, nutrient-rich, and satisfying, aligning with dietary recommendations for heart health. The book also provides practical tools like a glossary and measurement conversions, making it a user-friendly resource for anyone aiming to cook with heart health in mind.
Created by a Skilled Chef | |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Amount of Recipes | 125 |
Beginner-Friendly | |
---|---|
Clear Instructions |
The "30-Minute Heart Healthy Cookbook" is a practical resource for individuals seeking to prepare quick, low-sodium meals that support cardiovascular health. Authored by registered dietitian Cheryl Strachan, the cookbook is designed with efficiency in mind, featuring recipes that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. This makes it a valuable tool for busy individuals who need heart-friendly options without sacrificing time or taste. The book includes a wide variety of recipes suitable for different dietary preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, DASH, and Mediterranean diets, ensuring that it meets diverse nutritional needs.
In addition to its recipe collection, the cookbook offers essential guidance for those managing conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Each recipe is accompanied by detailed nutritional information, including sodium, fat, vitamin K, and potassium content, allowing readers to make informed choices. Additional features, like meal planning tips and grocery shopping guides, further enhance its practicality, making heart-healthy eating more accessible and manageable.
Created by a Skilled Chef | |
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Vegan | |
Amount of Recipes | unknown |
Beginner-Friendly | |
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Clear Instructions |
Created by a Skilled Chef | |
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Vegan | |
Amount of Recipes | unknown |
Beginner-Friendly | |
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Clear Instructions |
Created by a Skilled Chef | |
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Vegan | |
Amount of Recipes | 100+ |
Beginner-Friendly | |
---|---|
Clear Instructions |
The *Renal Diet Cookbook* is a comprehensive resource designed to support individuals diagnosed with chronic kidney disease by providing a structured 28-day meal plan. Developed by renal dietitian Susan Zogheib, this cookbook offers clear guidance on how to maintain balanced potassium, sodium, and phosphorus levels through diet. The recipes are specifically tailored to preserve kidney function and are suitable for a variety of dietary needs, including modifications for those on dialysis.
Beyond the recipes, the cookbook includes practical advice on managing chronic kidney disease, helping to demystify the dietary changes required for kidney health. With easy-to-follow instructions, the book aims to simplify meal planning for those new to the renal diet, offering a diverse range of meals from breakfast to desserts. This resource is designed to make the transition to a kidney-friendly diet approachable, with an emphasis on both nutrition and taste.
Created by a Skilled Chef | |
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Vegan | |
Amount of Recipes | 125+ |
Beginner-Friendly | |
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Clear Instructions |
The Low Sodium Slow Cooker Cookbook offers a collection of over 100 recipes designed to help individuals reduce their sodium intake without compromising on flavor. Each recipe is crafted to leverage the slow cooker's ability to enhance natural flavors, allowing for delicious meals that are both heart-healthy and easy to prepare. With a focus on practicality, the cookbook includes recipes that require only 30 minutes or less of prep time, making it ideal for those with busy schedules who still want to maintain a low-sodium diet.
The cookbook also provides valuable tools for managing sodium intake, such as a sodium scale to monitor daily consumption and guides for creating homemade, salt-free seasoning blends. Recipes span a wide range of dishes, including comfort foods like Turkey Chili and Mongolian Beef, all tailored to be low in sodium. This resource is designed to make adhering to a low-sodium diet simple, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.
Created by a Skilled Chef | |
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Vegan | |
Amount of Recipes | 100+ |
Beginner-Friendly | |
---|---|
Clear Instructions |
The 500 15-Minute Low Sodium Recipes cookbook offers a comprehensive collection of 500 low-sodium recipes that can be prepared in 15 minutes or less. Designed for those managing their sodium intake, this cookbook provides a wide variety of meal options, including beef, chicken, vegetable dishes, and international flavors. Each recipe is crafted to ensure that cutting sodium doesn't mean sacrificing taste or spending excessive time in the kitchen. Additionally, the book includes a nutritional breakdown for every recipe, making it easier to track daily sodium consumption.
Authored by Dick Logue, who has personal experience with heart-healthy cooking after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, this cookbook emphasizes quick, flavorful meals. With recipes ranging from Quick Chicken a la King to Grilled Chocolate-Filled Bananas, this resource is intended to help individuals maintain a low-sodium diet while still enjoying a diverse and satisfying array of dishes.
Created by a Skilled Chef | |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Amount of Recipes | 500 |
Beginner-Friendly | |
---|---|
Clear Instructions |
The No-Salt, Lowest-Sodium Cookbook offers a collection of recipes specifically designed for individuals managing congestive heart failure or hypertension, focusing on keeping sodium intake under 500 mg per day. Developed by Donald Gazzaniga, who was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and advised to significantly reduce his sodium intake, the cookbook provides a variety of flavorful, easy-to-prepare dishes that adhere to a strict low-sodium diet. The recipes aim to minimize sodium while still delivering satisfying meals, supported by precise sodium content calculations for each ingredient and serving.
In addition to recipes, the cookbook includes practical advice on finding low-sodium foods, dining out, and a 28-day menu planner created by Dr. Jeannie Gazzaniga, Ph.D., R.D. The book emphasizes the importance of a low-sodium diet in managing heart conditions, with Gazzaniga's personal experience underscoring the potential benefits of such dietary changes. This resource serves as both a practical guide and a testament to the impact of a well-planned low-sodium diet on heart health.
Created by a Skilled Chef | |
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Vegan | |
Amount of Recipes | unknown |
Beginner-Friendly | |
---|---|
Clear Instructions |
The American Heart Association Low-Salt Cookbook, 4th Edition provides over 200 low-sodium recipes designed to help manage blood pressure and promote heart health. Updated to include modern ingredients and cooking techniques, this edition continues the tradition of offering flavorful, heart-healthy meals without excess salt. Whether you’re looking for appetizers, main courses, or desserts, the cookbook covers a wide variety of dishes, including new recipes like Baked Veggie Chips and Slow-Cooker Moroccan Chicken. Each recipe includes nutritional information, helping users keep track of their sodium intake.
Beyond the recipes, this cookbook offers practical advice on smart shopping, cooking, and maintaining a low-sodium lifestyle. It includes tools like a sodium tracker, a no-sodium seasoning guide, and tips for substituting ingredients. With its comprehensive approach, the cookbook supports anyone looking to reduce their salt intake while still enjoying diverse and satisfying meals.
Created by a Skilled Chef | |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Amount of Recipes | 200+ |
Beginner-Friendly | |
---|---|
Clear Instructions |
Created by a Skilled Chef | |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Amount of Recipes | 100 |
Now that you've committed to some low-sodium cooking, you'll need some low-sodium ingredients and meals! Here are some of our suggestions.
No. 1: Jennifer Koslo|The Heart Healthy Cookbook for Two|Paperback
No. 2: Cheryl Strachan RD|30-Minute Heart Healthy Cookbook
No. 3: Liz Goodwin|Heart Healthy Cookbook for Beginners
No. 4: Lillian R. Thompson|Low Sodium Slow Cooker Cookbook
No. 5: Susan Zogheib, MHS, RD, LDN|Renal Diet Cookbook|Paperback
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