Abstract Objective To monitor the effectiveness of salt-reduction initiatives in processed foods and changes in Dutch iodine policy on Na and iodine intakes in Dutch adults between 2006 and 2010. Design Two cross-sectional studies among adults, conducted in 2006 and 2010, using identical protocols. Participants collected single 24 h urine samples and completed two short questionnaires on food consumption and urine collection procedures. Daily intakes of salt, iodine, K and Na:K were estimated, based on the analysis of Na, K and iodine excreted in urine. Setting Doetinchem, the Netherlands. Subjects Men and women aged 19 to 70 years were recruited through random sampling of the Doetinchem population and among participants of the Doetinchem Cohort Study (2006: n 317, mean age 48·9 years, 43 % men; 2010: n 342, mean age 46·2 years, 45 % men). Results While median iodine intake was lower in 2010 (179 μg/d) compared with 2006 (257 μg/d; P < 0·0001), no difference in median salt intake was observed (8·7 g/d in 2006 v . 8·5 g/d in 2010, P = 0·70). In 2006, median K intake was 2·6 g/d v . 2·8 g/d in 2010 ( P < 0·01). In this 4-year period, median Na:K improved from 2·4 in 2006 to 2·2 in 2010 ( P < 0·001). Conclusions Despite initiatives to lower salt in processed foods, dietary salt intake in this population remains well above the recommended intake of 6 g/d. Iodine intake is still adequate, although a decline was observed between 2006 and 2010. This reduction is probably due to changes in iodine policy.