The baguette is now less salty. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, salt content has decreased by more than 20% since 2015 in common breads, such as baguette and other white breads. On average, these breads now contain 1.34 grams of salt per 100 grams.
In March 2022, the bakery sector made a commitment to reduce the quantity of salt in all categories of bread by 10% by 2025. The member states of the World Health Organization, including France, are were also committed to “reducing salt consumption by 30% by 2025”.
Excessive salt consumption is associated with increased risks of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and stroke. However, bakers claim that a baguette without salt would be significantly less tasty. Sodium is also essential to improve the flexibility of the dough and its preservation.
According to a survey carried out in early 2023 by UFC Que Choisir, the quantity of salt varies considerably in the different breads sold, ranging from single to double. The organization analyzed 111 different breads and found that sometimes half a baguette contains as much salt as a large packet of chips. UFC Que Choisir says bakers could knead their dough less intensely or let the dough rest longer to enhance flavor while limiting the amount of salt.
In France, unlike Greece, Portugal or Germany, there is no legal obligation governing the quantity of salt in bread, nor is it obligatory to indicate the salt content on the displays.
 Anthony Bourdain
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25/07/2023 | 
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