US bakery group Hostess Brands has pledged to cut the level of sodium in its brands by 20% and promised any new breads launched would be with less salt.

The Nature’s Pride bread maker’s moves form part of its efforts to reduce sodium levels in its bread portfolio, which includes the Wonder and Merita brands.

“We know consumers are making healthier choices. We want our brand brands to be among these choices and we are working hard to produce great tasting, healthier products from brands they know and trust,” said Stephany Verstraete, vice president of bread marketing at Hostess.

Earlier this year, Hostess launched Wonder Smartwhite, a bread with the fibre of 100% whole wheat bread and “one third less sodium than regular white breads”. Wonder Classic and Wonder Made with whole grain white were also reformulated with reduced sodium.