Keeping potassium levels in a safe range is one of the most important — and challenging — parts of managing chronic kidney disease. Too much potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia) can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and dangerous heart arrhythmias.
This list covers 50 foods that are naturally low in potassium and safe to eat on a kidney diet.
Low-Potassium Fruits (under 200mg per serving)
- Apples — 148mg per medium apple
- Blueberries — 114mg per cup
- Strawberries — 220mg per cup (limit to half cup)
- Grapes — 176mg per cup
- Cherries — 173mg per cup
- Pineapple — 180mg per cup
- Cranberries — 85mg per cup
- Peaches (fresh) — 190mg per small peach
- Pears — 206mg per medium pear
- Watermelon — limit to 1 cup, approximately 170mg
Low-Potassium Vegetables (under 200mg per serving)
- Cabbage (green) — 147mg per cup raw
- Cauliflower — 176mg per cup raw
- Green beans — 187mg per cup raw
- Bell peppers (red or green) — 156mg per half cup
- Garlic — 36mg per clove
- Onions — 117mg per half cup raw
- Cucumber — 76mg per half cup sliced
- Lettuce (iceberg) — 87mg per cup
- Corn (canned, drained) — 160mg per half cup
- Radishes — 135mg per cup
- Kale (boiled) — 148mg per half cup (cooking removes potassium)
Low-Potassium Grains and Starches
- White rice — 55mg per cup cooked
- White pasta — 43mg per cup cooked
- White bread — 30-38mg per slice
- Bagels (plain) — 72mg per bagel
- Cream of wheat — 48mg per cup cooked
- Cornflakes cereal — 25mg per cup
- White flour tortillas — 65mg per tortilla
- Crackers (unsalted, white flour) — 15mg per 5 crackers
Low-Potassium Proteins
- Egg whites — 54mg per large egg white
- Canned tuna (water-packed, low-sodium) — 200mg per 3oz
- Chicken breast — 220mg per 3oz cooked
Low-Potassium Dairy Alternatives
- Rice milk — 27mg per cup (excellent milk substitute)
- Cream cheese — 37mg per 2 tablespoons
- Butter (unsalted) — 3mg per tablespoon
The Leaching Method to Reduce Potassium in Vegetables
You can actually reduce the potassium content of vegetables by 30-70% through leaching:
- Peel the vegetable and slice or dice into small pieces
- Soak in warm water for at least 2 hours (or overnight in the fridge)
- Drain, rinse, and cook in fresh water
- Drain again before eating
This technique works especially well for potatoes and beets, allowing you to occasionally enjoy foods that would otherwise be off-limits.
High-Potassium Foods to Avoid
For reference, here are the main foods to avoid: bananas (422mg each), oranges (237mg), potatoes (600-900mg), tomatoes (400mg), avocados (700mg+), and spinach (800mg per cup raw).
Get a Complete Food List with Traffic Light System
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