Kidney Disease: High and Moderate Potassium Foods

Although potassium is an essential nutrient, if your kidneys are not working well, potassium levels in your blood might get too high. High levels of potassium can affect your heart rhythm.

If you have kidney disease, the eating plan you follow might include a potassium limit. Your doctor or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) will let you know if you need to monitor the amount of potassium in the foods and beverages you consume, and your RDN can explain how to stay within your limit. 

Which Foods Have Potassium?

Potassium is in many foods, including fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and dairy foods. The exact amounts vary but the following is a general guide for foods that are considered high and low in potassium.

Higher-Potassium Fruits and Vegetables

These foods contain more than 200 milligrams of potassium per half-cup serving, except where noted:

• Artichokes (1)
• Avocados
• Bananas (½ large banana)
• Beets and beet greens
• Brussels sprouts
• Cantaloupe
• Dates (5 each)
• Nectarines
• Oranges and orange juice
• Parsnips
• Potatoes
• Prunes and prune juice
• Pumpkin
• Spinach (cooked)
• Sweet potatoes
• Swiss chard
• Tomatoes and tomato juice
• Vegetable juice

Lower-Potassium Fruits and Vegetables

These foods contain less than 150 milligrams potassium per half-cup serving, except where noted:

• Apples and applesauce
• Blueberries
• Cabbage (raw)
• Cranberries (¾ cup dried)
• Cucumber
• Eggplant
• Endive
• Onion (sliced)
• Pineapple
• Raspberries
• Watermelon (1 cup)

For more information about potassium or kidney disease, meet with an RDN to find an eating plan that's right for you!