top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon
Explore
arrow down

How baguettes are changing recipe (again) in France

Your favourite bakery’s baguette is set to become healthier with less salt content

The change is part of moves to reduce salt consumption in France Pic: PeoplesImages.com - Yuri A//Shutterstock

Baguettes are set to change recipe in France from October 1 as part of a move to improve public health. 

The national confederation of bakeries and French patisseries has lowered the amount of salt permitted in the bread for the second time in two years.

From October 1, the measure of salt allowed in baguettes will be 1.4g per 100g in “everyday or traditional” bread, and 1.3g/100g for the “special breads”. 

In 2022 the sector already committed to 1.5g/100g which the confederation of bakeries said was met by 82%. 

Read also: French “cannot tell a good baguette anymore” says bread historian

Bakeries will be required to adapt their recipes to meet the new requirements. 

The reduction of salt can be overcome by using alternatives such as active yeasts and yeast extracts to complete the rising process, according to the confederation.

This battle to reduce salt is not specific to France - the World Health Organization has urged its member states to reduce their daily salt consumption by 30% by 2025.

On average an adult should consume 5g (one teaspoon) of salt per day.

However in France, people consume on average 2-3g above this.

Read also: How to spot mass-produced pastries in a French bakery

Targeting bread is a strategic attempt to rebalance the French diet; 10 billion baguettes are sold per year in France according to the federation of bakeries and in 2021 France consumed on average 105g of bread per day. 

Vascular doctor and nutritionist Faïza Bossy praised the decision in July during an interview with BFMTV, saying: “It’s great news for this French signature dish. In particular because the baguette is a simple product, made with flour water and salt which comes together to make a healthy final product.”

The reduction of salt also aims to limit the risks of high blood pressure, which has been described as a silent but deadly condition by Dr Bossy. 

The confederation is set to keep a close eye on the change in recipe. It is hoped that since bakeries adapted well to the first change, they are likely to adapt well to this second one.

Related articles 

Customer buys two baguettes for €500 to help struggling bakery 

The French obsession with how long baguettes are baked for

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France