Salt in the palm of a handIt seems to be almost daily that we hear the disappointing news that our favourite foods are not quite as healthy as we thought.

But, though the latest research is along the same lines, there is some good news... the cheaper options are often the best.A study, conducted by campaign group Consensus Action on Salt & Health, found that some of our favourite brands were not only the pricier option, but were often packed with salt.

Sliced bread, breakfast cereal, ketchup, pasta sauce and soup all came under scrutiny as the study determined which brands were the healthiest.

And it turns out that the big name brands were, in some cases, guilty of nearly doubling the salt levels of their supermarket own counterparts.

But a separate study revealed that 40 per cent of shoppers believe the value ranges will contain more salt than their well-advertised rivals.

The Food Standards Agency is keen to show consumers that they may not always be making the right choice when it comes to salt intake. Rosemary Hignett of the FSA, told the Daily Mail: "Salt intakes are coming down but if we are to get closer to meeting our target of reducing intakes, people need to become more aware of the foods which contribute to intakes.

"This could be a supermarket own label product, or one from the 'value range'. If so, any cost saving is an added bonus."

An added bonus indeed, and with finances worrying many, supermarkets just might find their 'value range' products flying off the shelves.