Vitamins and Minerals: Potassium in Foods
- Milk and milk products contain high amounts of potassium (370-412mg). This includes foods like ice cream, yogurt, milk-based puddings and custards. Be sure to avoid chocolate milk products, as chocolate is particularly high in potassium.
- Whole grain and bran breads and cereals contain a large amount of potassium (141mg). Switch to white breads instead (28mg).
- Nuts and dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, prunes, and dates are rich sources of potassium.
- Fruits and vegetables can also add large amounts of potassium to your diet.
Avoid fruits and vegetables high in potassium unless approved by your dietitian.
High Potassium Fruits (over 250 mg) avocado, 549 cantaloupe, 412 banana , 451 apricots, 414 dried fruits, 600 tomato/tomato juice, 273-536 honeydew melon, 875 prune juice, 706
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High Potassium Vegetables (over 270 mg) Artichoke, 425 peanuts, 491 pumpkin, 282 spinach, raw, 420 potato (baked/boiled/fried), 610 legumes (lima/navy/pinto/kidney beans and peas), 350-400 V8 juice, 464 |
Limit fruits and vegetables with a medium amount of potassium.
| Medium Potassium Vegetables (150-270 mg) ½ c of: asparagus, 279 cabbage, ck’d, 154 beets,265 celery, diced, 171 cauliflower, 180 carrots, fresh or frozen, 177 corn, canned or 1 small ear, 204 garbanzo beans, 238 greens, collard, kale or turnip, 210 mixed vegetables, 153 peas, green, 134 squash, summer, 173 OR: 6-7 Brussels sprouts
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| Medium Potassium Fruits (150-250 mg) ½ c of: cherries (about 15 pieces), fresh, 228. medium grapefruit, fresh or cn’d, 167 grapefruit juice, frozen, 189 grape juice, canned or bottled, 167 pineapple juice, 177 OR: 1 med. orange or ½ c. orange juice, 237 1 medium peach, fresh, 171 1 medium pear, fresh, 176-250 1 c. watermelon, cubed, 93 Strawberries, raw, 124 |
You can eat fruits and vegetables that contain low amounts of potassium, less than 150mg. Check with your dietitian to find out how much your diet will allow.
| Low Potassium Fruits (150 mg or less) 1/2 c of: apple juice, 148 nectar, peach or pear, applesauce, 78-92 pears, canned,100 blueberries, 65 peaches canned, 159 cranberry juice, 31 pineapple canned, 133-153 fruit cocktail,115 raspberries,94 grapes, canned or fresh, 100 grape juice, from frozen concentrate OR: 1 small apple, 62, 1 medium tangerine, 132 |
| Low Potassium Vegetables (150 mg or less): ½ c of: broccoli, fresh or boiled, 127 beans, canned (green or wax), cabbage, fresh, 80 cucumber, fresh, sliced, 84 eggplant, 119 lettuce, iceberg, 87 mushrooms, raw, 130 onion, fresh (1 large slice), peppers, sweet or hot, 89 potato, soaked for 2 hours |
- Soaking and cooking vegetables in water will greatly reduce their potassium content. Pre-soak vegetables for at least 2 hours, if not more. Then discard the soaking water before cooking vegetables. If you prefer your vegetables raw, they may be eaten after soaking.
- Meat, fish, poultry, peanut butter, dried beans (legumes) and eggs are moderate to high sources of potassium. These foods are also good sources of complete protein, which is needed for normal body functions. Be sure to follow the guidelines for protein needed in your diet.
- Many salt substitutes are made with potassium chloride and should not be used (i.e. Lite Salt, Adolph’s, Diamond). Below are some seasonings that you can use freely.
- Vegit®- at Kohl’s and Sentry food stores in Madison.
- NO NaK®- write to: Frank J. Italiano Inc. P.O. Box 2701, La Crosse, WI 54601, or call (608) 785-1555
- To be safe, always read the labels of any prepared foods you buy. That includes ketchups, mustards and the like. Avoid those that list potassium.
If you need more information please contact UW Health at one of the these sites:
Nutrition Clinic Room L33 University Station 2880 University Avenue Madison, WI 53705 (608) 263-5012 |
Nutrition Clinic Room 1296 UW Health West Clinic 451 Junction Road Madison, WI 53717 (608) 265-7526 |
Nutrition Clinic Room 2085 UW Health East Clinic 5249 East Terrace Drive Madison, WI 53718 (608) 265-0963 |
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 07/24/2012
Copyright © 03/11/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#222
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