Top Low-Phosphorus Food Choices for a Kidney Diet

By DaVita dietitian Jackie Termont, RD

What is phosphorus?

Phosphorus is a mineral that your body uses for many important jobs. These jobs include building strong bones and teeth, and keeping our body's natural balance (pH level) just right. Learn more about how phosphorus helps the body here.

Phosphorus and chronic kidney disease

We get phosphorus from the foods we eat. When you have CKD, your kidneys can't get rid of extra phosphorus in your blood as well as they used to. This means the phosphorus levels can build up. To manage this, it's important to work with a kidney dietitian who can guide you on your diet. They may recommend a daily phosphorus intake between 800 and 1,200 milligrams, depending on your specific needs.

Limiting high protein foods in early stages of CKD can slow the progression. Many high-protein foods are also higher in phosphorus, which may help limit the amount of phosphorus that may start to build up in the body.¹

What foods are low in phosphorus?

To help guide you in knowing which foods are low in phosphorus, here are seven lists of low-phosphorus food choices for a kidney diet.

1. Low-phosphorus meat and poultry choices

Fresh or frozen red meats are better choices for a kidney diet if you are on dialysis. Avoid packaged red meats that have breading, pre-made marinades or sauces, which could contain unwanted phosphorus additives. On average, fresh meat contains 65 mg of phosphorus per ounce and 7 grams of protein per ounce.

Phosphorus content for a 3-ounce portion, cooked²:

2. Low-phosphorus seafood choices 

Seafood is an excellent source of high-quality protein and healthy fats.³

Phosphorus content for a 3-ounce portion, cooked:

3. Low-phosphorus bread choices

Bread is a good source of carbohydrates and calories needed for energy production. Although whole grain bread is a healthy source of fiber, it also has more phosphorus and potassium than white flour bread.

Phosphorus content for a 1-ounce portion unless stated otherwise²:

4. Low-phosphorus pasta and rice choices

Pasta, rice and other grains are excellent sources of carbohydrates, calories and B vitamins, plus zinc, copper and iron. Whole grains are part of a kidney- friendly diet, and provide fiber and other vitamins that contribute to a healthy diet.

Phosphorus content for a 1/2 cup portion, cooked²:

5. Low-phosphorus dairy, dairy substitutes, and egg whites

Milk and milk products are high in calcium and phosphorus. A half cup of milk (4 ounces) contains 111-138 mg of phosphorus. Some liquid dairy substitutes can be used in cooking to replace milk. Read ingredient lists to look for phosphate additives, such as calcium-phosphate. Eggs are a great protein source but also contain 95 mg phosphorus in a large egg; consider this when planning meals. Whole eggs can still fit into a healthy diet. Remove the yolk and phosphorus is only 5 mg for each egg white.

Phosphorus content for a 1/2 cup portion, unless stated otherwise²:

7. Lower phosphorus cheese choices

All cheese contains phosphorus ranging from 35-250 mg per ounce; some contain more than 300 mg per ounce. The suggested portion for a dialysis diet is usually one ounce of cheese, two to three times a week if phosphorus is controlled. Check with your dietitian for individual recommendations.

Low-phosphorus cheese choices²:

Get help with a low-phosphorus diet from DaVita.com

DaVita.com’s Diet & Nutrition section has free tools and resources to help you stick to a kidney-friendly diet. Search for tasty, low-phosphorus recipes and save your favorites. Here are a few to help you get started:

• Are You Kidding Me Artichoke Dip
• Frosted Grapes
• Stuffed Green Peppers
• Egg and Sausage Breakfast Sandwich
• Philly Chicken Sandwich

You can also use the Food Analyzer tool to look up nutrient information (such as potassium and phosphorus) for thousands of foods.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet, and health questions.

¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3369467/ (accessed 4/8/2024)

² Nutrient content according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) database https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/

³ https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/high-protein-foods-the-best-protein-sources-to-include-in-a-healthy-diet#:~:text=Proteins%20that%20come%20from%20animal,the%20highest%2Dquality%20protein%20sources