Why in the world do some canned foods have so MUCH salt in them?

Aside from the political answers....

Salt was used widely in days before refrigeration as a preservative, dried cod, dried beef, pork, corned meats etc......

We are wired to seek salt since some is necessary for proper nerve and muscle functions in our bodies, as well as reserving precious water (long walk to the river in ancient times....)

So over time, we have first been programmed to seek salt, then we discovered ways to use it as a preservative, and now we are addicted to it. Salt enhances flavor, as well as covering bad flavors....i.e. crappy meatloaf? Sprinkle more salt on, or douse it in ketchup....bland Chow Mein....add soy sauce.

It is a difficult habit to break, and as for food producers, they really are not interested in your health. The reason the sodium is high is because the majority of consumers demand it, they don't buy the low sodium foods because they "don't taste good" or "it is bland". They do produce low sodium and charge considerably more in order to cater to the demographic they miss with their high sodium food products. (consider Campbells soups.....regular Cream of Mushroom, or Healthy Choice....same product, one just has lower sodium and costs 30% more)

So the short story is, money...you provide for the consumer market, if the consumer wants high sodium foods, that is where the majority of your paycheck lies.

Some people just love lots of salt as I have heard that some people even add salt to bacon....So, that's why they sell it.

Salt is used as the preservatives, so I don't think you can find any without salt or preservative.....So, you have to go for raw foods ( and cook it your own) if you want almost zero salt.

It's a preservative. And a lot of people don't like the bland taste of foods without salt.

Lots of low salt canned food. Buy them.

Yes, there are people who want salt added to their canned foods. That's why they still sell them. It's called supply and demand.

Plus, I don't appreciate people like you trying to FORCE others to live like you. If you don't want salt in it, then buy the ones with no salt in it, enjoy them and leave other people alone. Stop telling me what I can and cannot eat.

So Americans will eat it. Look how much sugar is in it also.