- What makes a food kidney-friendly?
- Starchy carbohydrates: What to choose with CKD
- Fruit and Vegetables: What to Choose with CKD
- Protein Foods: What to Choose with CKD
- Dairy: What to Choose with CKD
- Fats and Oils: What to Choose with CKD
- Snacks: What to Choose with CKD
- Drinks: What to Choose with CKD
- Key takeaways
“What can I eat now?”
It’s the first question most people ask after a CKD diagnosis – and the one that causes the most confusion. Maybe you’ve been told to cut back on potassium, salt, or protein – but no one’s explained what that looks like day to day. Suddenly, grocery shopping feels overwhelming, and even simple meals leave you second-guessing your choices.
This guide is here to change that.
In this complete CKD Food Guide, you’ll learn how to make confident food and drink choices that support your kidney health without cutting out everything you love. We walk you through every major food group, explaining what to enjoy, what to limit, and how to build meals that fit your lifestyle and medical needs.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking to get back on track, this guide gives you clear, practical advice – backed by expert kidney dietitians.
What makes a food kidney-friendly?
When it comes to eating well with CKD, there’s no single food that’s perfect – or perfectly off-limits. A kidney-friendly diet is about making informed choices that support your kidney function over time, and that starts with understanding a few key nutrients that affect kidney health.
Nutrients to be mindful of:
- Sodium (salt): Too much sodium can increase blood pressure, making your kidneys work harder. It’s best to choose foods that are naturally low in salt and limit adding salt to foods in cooking and at the table. That means, by and large, avoiding processed foods. Read our blog post for more information about a low salt diet for kidney disease.
- Potassium: High levels can be dangerous if your kidneys are struggling to keep it in balance – however, not all people with CKD Stage 3 or 4 need to follow a low potassium diet. If you have been advised to, it is best to avoid foods that contain potassium additives and to limit potassium-rich foods.
- Phosphate: High levels of phosphate, in the short term, can cause symptoms such as itching, and in the longer term, can cause aching bones and can increase the risk of fractures and hardening of the arteries. If you have been advised to follow a low phosphate diet, avoid foods that contain phosphate additives, as these are absorbed more readily than phosphate found naturally in whole foods.
- Protein: Your body still needs protein, but in CKD, it may need to be moderated to reduce the stress on the kidneys. Focusing on plant protein foods and small portions of animal protein foods can help manage your protein intake and decline in kidney function.
- Carbohydrates: As many people with CKD also have diabetes or prediabetes, managing your carb intake is important to keep blood sugar levels stable. Replacing processed and refined carbohydrates with wholegrain foods can support blood sugar control, which in turn can support kidney health.
In addition to consideration of nutrients, a food may also be kidney-friendly by considering the following:
- Whole foods vs processed foods: Whole foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, pulses, and eggs are generally more kidney-friendly than processed foods. Processed foods are foods that have been altered from their natural state through various methods, like canning or adding ingredients. Therefore, some of these foods may contain added salt, phosphate or potassium additives that are easily absorbed and/or added sugars that can affect blood glucose control. Whole foods are rich in nutrients like fibre, antioxidants, and healthy fats that support your overall health.
- Portion size and frequency: With CKD, it’s often not about cutting out foods completely – it’s about how much and how often you eat them. For example, enjoying half a banana occasionally may be considered kidney-friendly, while eating two large bananas daily, not so much.
- Food pairing: What you eat alongside a food can change how kidney-friendly a meal may be. For example, pairing a tomato-based sauce with low-potassium carbohydrates such as rice or pasta and low-potassium vegetables can help balance your potassium amount for that meal.
In the next section, we’ll walk you through how to make kidney-friendly choices across different food groups – from fruits and vegetables to dairy, proteins, snacks, and more. You’ll learn what to look for, what to limit, and how to build a diet that works for you.
We get asked a lot about what foods can be included as part of a kidney-friendly diet in our 1:1 consultations. If you would like support with this, why not book a FREE 15 minute enquiry call to chat with a kidney specialist dietitian to see how 1:1 support can help you.
Starchy carbohydrates: What to choose with CKD
What’s included in this food group?
Starchy carbohydrates include:
- Bread
- Rice
- Pasta & noodles
- Potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams
- Breakfast cereals
- Grains like quinoa, couscous, bulgur wheat, buckwheat, and barley
- Crackers, oatcakes, rice cakes
Best Choices for CKD
- Wholegrain or high in fibre, to support blood sugar and gut health
- Minimally processed, with fewer additives and lower salt
- Naturally lower in potassium and phosphate if you have been advised to follow a low potassium and/or low phosphate diet.
The best options tend to be:
- Wholegrain or homemade bread
- Basmati rice or wholegrain rice
- Wholewheat pasta and noodles
- Sweet potatoes (boiled if following a low potassium diet)
- Low salt wholegrain breakfast cereals eg oats, Shredded Wheat, Weetabix
- Grains like quinoa, couscous, bulgur wheat, buckwheat, and barley
- Low salt wholegrain crackers or oatcakes
May need to limit:
- Some shop-bought bread (high in salt)
- White bread (highly processed and low in fibre)
- Instant noodles or pasta (highly processed, high in salt)
- Instant mashed potato (highly processed, high in salt, high in potassium)
- Processed breakfast cereals (highly processed, added sugar and salt)
- Some store-bought savoury crackers or crispbreads (high in salt)
FAQ
Do I have to avoid wholegrain foods as they are high in phosphate?
No – wholegrains are great for fibre and blood sugar control. Furthermore, the phosphate in wholegrain foods is not fully absorbed by the body compared to phosphate additives that might be present in more processed carbohydrates. The health benefits of wholegrains outweigh the small amount of additional phosphate you might find in wholegrain foods.
Are potatoes bad for my kidneys?
Not necessarily. Potatoes are high in potassium, but if you peel, cut and boil them before continuing to cook them, then this reduces the potassium content by approximately 40-50%
Should I avoid carbs if I have diabetes and CKD?
No – carbs are still important. The key is to choose high-fibre options and pair them with smaller amounts of protein, healthy fats, and/or vegetables to slow digestion and keep your blood sugar stable. Portion size and the right type of carbohydrates matter more than avoiding them altogether.
Read our blog post for more information about which bread is good for people with kidney disease.
Fruit and Vegetables: What to Choose with CKD
What’s included in this food group?
Fruit and vegetables include:
- Fresh, frozen, and tinned vegetables
- Raw salad veg e.g. cucumber, tomatoes
- Root veg e.g. beetroot, parsnips, swede
- Fresh, frozen, dried, and tinned fruit
- Fruit/vegetable juices and smoothies
Best Choices for CKD
- Lower in potassium if you have been advised to follow a low potassium diet
- Whole fruit over juices for added fibre and slower release of sugars
- Minimally processed with no additives
The best options tend to be:
- All fresh and frozen vegetables (low potassium options if you are on a low potassium diet)
- All fresh and frozen fruit (low potassium options if you are on a low potassium diet)
- Tinned fruit in juice (drained if you are on a low potassium diet)
- One glass of no-added sugar juices or homemade smoothies (low potassium options if you are on a low potassium diet)
- Vegetables cooked or prepared in a way that reduces potassium (if you are on a low potassium diet)
May need to limit (if you are on a low potassium diet only):
- High potassium fresh, frozen and tinned fruit eg mango, banana, apricot, kiwi (high potassium)
- High potassium fresh and frozen vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms (high potassium)
- Dried fruit e.g. apricots, raisins, dates (high sugar, high potassium)
- Fruit juices (high sugar, high potassium)
- Shop-bought smoothies (high sugar, high potassium)
- Vegetable juices and soup (high potassium)
FAQ
Do I have to avoid all fruits and vegetables with CKD?
Not at all. Ty to consume a wide variety of different fruits and vegetables as they are full of important nutrients. You may need to be more mindful of cooking methods, portion size and type of fruit/vegetable if you are on a low potassium diet.
Are tinned and frozen fruit and vegetables okay?
Yes – frozen and tinned options are great alternatives to fresh, especially for convenience and cost. Just check labels for added salt or sugar and choose those in water or juice (not syrup, brine or sauces).
Can I still eat tomatoes and bananas?
These foods are naturally higher in potassium, so you may need to limit them or enjoy them in smaller amounts and less frequently if you’ve been advised to follow a low potassium diet. If you are not on a low potassium diet, then you can enjoy them freely, but we always recommend trying to include a variety of fruit and vegetables in your diet.
Read our blog post for more information about tomatoes and kidney disease.
Protein Foods: What to Choose with CKD
What’s included in this food group
Protein foods include:
- Meat (e.g. chicken, beef, lamb, pork)
- Fish (e.g. white fish, oily fish, tinned fish)
- Eggs
- Beans, lentils, and chickpeas
- Tofu and plant-based meat alternatives
- Nuts, seeds, and nut butters
Best Choices for CKD
- Lower in salt and saturated fat
- Fresh or minimally processed
- Portion-controlled to reduce waste buildup from protein metabolism
- Whole food plant-based protein sources in preference to having all animal-based protein sources
Best options tend to be (to reduce red meats such as beef, pork, and lamb):
- Lentils, chickpeas, and beans
- Eggs
- Tofu, tempeh & plant-based alternatives
- Unsalted nuts and small amounts of nut butters
- Seeds
- Oily fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel – once or twice a week)
- White fish (e.g. cod, haddock)
- Tinned fish in spring water
- Skinless chicken or turkey or reduced-fat chicken/turkey mince
May need to limit:
- Red meat (high saturated fat, high protein)
- Processed meats, eg bacon, sausages, ham, and corned beef (high salt, high saturated fat, high phosphate)
- Tinned meats or pies (high saturated fat, high salt)
- Plant-based meat alternatives with added salt and additives (highly processed, high salt)
- Protein fortified foods (high protein)
FAQ
Should I cut out protein completely?
No – your body still needs protein to maintain muscle, support your immunity, and repair tissues. The goal is to have the right amount of protein for your kidney function. Too much protein can lead to a build-up of waste products, while too little can lead to muscle loss.
Can I eat plant-based burgers and sausages
Some plant-based meat alternatives can be a useful option, especially if you’re trying to reduce red meat or animal protein. However, many shop-bought versions are highly processed and can contain added salt and additives. Check the label and choose lower-salt options with no additives where possible – or try using other minimally processed plant proteins such as flavoured tofu (although check out the salt content as some can be quite high!) or tinned pulses.
Can I still eat beans, lentils, or nuts? Aren’t they high in potassium and phosphate?
Yes, you can often include these foods, especially if you are substituting animal protein. Although they contain potassium and phosphate, it is less absorbable than those from additives found in processed foods. Plus, they’re packed with fibre and plant-based compounds that benefit kidney and heart health.
Read our blog post for more information about which nuts are good for kidneys.
Dairy: What to Choose with CKD
What’s included in this food group?
Dairy foods include:
- Milk (cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and plant-based alternatives)
- Yoghurt (plain, flavoured, Greek-style)
- Cheese (hard and soft varieties)
- Cream and crème fraîche
- Milky puddings eg custard, rice pudding
- Ice cream and dairy-based desserts
Best Choices for CKD
- Lower in phosphate and salt
- Free from phosphate additives
- Plain or natural versions without added sugar or flavourings
The best options tend to be:
- Cow’s milk (in moderate amounts)
- Plant-based milks (e.g. oat, almond, soya) without additives
- Plain or natural yoghurt
- Ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, cottage cheese
- Homemade custard using milk and cornflour
May need to limit:
- Evaporated or condensed milk (high potassium, high saturated fat)
- Flavoured or fruit yoghurts with added sugar (high sugar)
- High protein yoghurts (high protein)
- Processed cheese slices and cheese spreads (high salt, high phosphate)
- High phosphate and high salt cheeses like mature cheddar, halloumi, feta, and blue cheese (high salt, high phosphate)
- Ready-made milky puddings and dairy desserts (high sugar, high phosphate)
FAQ
Can I use plant-based milks instead of cow’s milk?
Yes—but choose ones that don’t contain additives such as the organic options. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, then lower-carbohydrate options such as almond or cashew milk would be preferable to rice or oat milk. Always check the label.
Do I need to cut out cheese completely?
No, some cheeses are low in salt and phosphate eg cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and cream cheese and can be enjoyed in a kidney-friendly diet. For cheese higher in salt and phosphate, portion size and frequency matter – enjoy as an occasional treat in smaller portions.
Read our blog posts for more information about which cheese is good for kidney disease & which milk is good for kidney disease.
Fats and Oils: What to Choose with CKD
What’s included in this food group?
Fats and oils include:
- Cooking oils
- Nut and seed oils
- Butter, ghee, lard
- Margarine and spreads
- Mayonnaise, salad dressings
Best Choices for CKD
- Lower in saturated fats and higher in unsaturated fats
- Minimally processed
The best options tend to be:
- Olive oil, rapeseed oil, extra virgin olive oil
- Nuts/seed oils (e.g. flaxseed, walnut)
- Homemade dressings
- Small amounts of butter or plant-based spreads with no additives
May need to limit:
- Coconut oil and palm oil (high saturated fat)
- Ghee, lard, and dripping (high saturated fat)
- Shop-bought salad dressings (high salt, high sugar)
- Processed margarines or spreads with hydrogenated fats (high trans fats)
FAQ
What oils are best for cooking with CKD?
Olive oil and rapeseed oil are great choices. They’re high in unsaturated fats and can be used for roasting, stir-frying and sautéing. Extra-virgin olive oil is best for dressings rather than cooking.
Which oils are good for making marinades?
Olive oil and rapeseed oil are also great bases for marinades. You can combine them with herbs, lemon juice, garlic, or a splash of vinegar to add flavour without the need for salt-heavy sauces or pre-made marinades.
What can I use for salad dressings instead of shop-bought ones?
Try making your own simple dressing using extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, and a pinch of herbs or mustard. It’s quick, flavourful, and much lower in salt, sugar, and additives than store-bought dressings.
Snacks: What to Choose with CKD
What’s included in this food group?
Snacks include:
- Fruit, veg sticks, and dips
- Crackers, rice cakes, oatcakes
- Yoghurt, custard, and pudding pots
- Nuts, seeds, and trail mix
- Cereal bars and snack bars
- Popcorn, crisps, and savoury snacks
- Biscuits, cakes, and sweet treats
- Chocolate
Best Choices for CKD
- Lower in salt, sugar, saturated fat and additives
- Whole or minimally processed foods
- Balanced with protein or fibre to help with blood sugar control
- Portion-controlled
The best options tend to be:
- Unsalted rice cakes or oatcakes with nut butter or cream cheese
- Small bowl of berries with plain yoghurt
- Vegetable sticks with hummus
- Unsalted tortilla chips or toasted pitta sticks with sour cream dip
- Popcorn
- Fruit and a small handful of nuts
- Homemade muffins or flapjacks
- Dark chocolate
- Fruit and cream cheese or ricotta
May need to limit:
- Crisps, pretzels, and salted nuts
- Processed snack bars
- Chocolate
- Biscuits and cakes
- High-sugar yoghurts and milky puddings
- Ice cream and desserts
FAQ
What are some quick and easy snack ideas for CKD?
Try a small handful of unsalted nuts, plain popcorn, fruit with plain yoghurt, or tortilla chips with sour cream.
Can I still have desserts?
Yes – occasionally. It is what you eat most of the time that really matters.
Is popcorn okay if I have kidney disease?
Yes – this is one of our favourite kidney-friendly snacks. Experiment with different flavours such as garlic and herbs, cinnamon and cacao or a spicy citrus flavour.
Read our blog post for more information about chocolate and kidney disease.
Drinks: What to Choose with CKD
What’s included in this group?
Drinks include:
- Water (still, sparkling, infused)
- Tea and coffee
- Fruit juice and smoothies
- Fizzy drinks and soft drinks
- Squash and cordials
- Alcoholic drinks
Best Choices for CKD
- Low in sugar
- Low in potassium & phosphate (if you have been advised to follow a low potassium and/or low phosphate diet)
- Free from additives
The best options tend to be:
- Plain water (still, sparkling or no added sugar flavoured)
- Fruit-infused water
- Tea or herbal teas (e.g. peppermint, chamomile)
- Low-sugar or no-added-sugar squash
- Non-cola diet fizzy drinks
May need to limit:
- Sugary fizzy drinks (high sugar)
- Cola drinks and dark fizzy drinks (high sugar, high phosphate)
- Fruit juices and smoothies (high sugar)
- Energy drinks (highly processed, high sugar, high potassium)
- Coffee (high potassium)
- Alcohol (high alcohol content)
- Sports & electrolyte replacement drinks (high sugar, high potassium)
- Hot chocolate (high sugar, high potassium)
FAQ
How much fluid should I drink each day?
This depends on your stage of CKD and whether you have a fluid restriction. Some people need to limit fluids, while others are encouraged to drink more. Your healthcare team can give you personalised advice based on your CKD stage and symptoms.
Can I drink tea and coffee with CKD?
Tea can be enjoyed freely though avoid adding sugar. However, be mindful of too much coffee if it affects your blood pressure, sleep, or if you have been advised to limit potassium.
Are sugar-free drinks with artificial sweeteners safe for kidney health?
Yes, drinks with artificial sweeteners are cautiously thought to be safe to drink for kidney health (in moderation) and are a better alternative to sugary drinks.
Read our blog posts for more information about what kidney patients can drink besides water, alcohol and kidneys and whether cranberry juice is good for kidneys.
Key takeaways
Here’s a quick recap of what really matters when it comes to choosing foods for a kidney-friendly diet:
✅ A kidney-friendly diet is not one-size-fits-all. What’s suitable depends on your blood results, stage of CKD, and whether you have conditions like diabetes. Personalisation is key.
✅ Whole foods are your friend. Minimally processed foods like vegetables, pulses, wholegrains, and fresh proteins are typically lower in additives and richer in kidney-supportive nutrients.
✅ Starchy carbs can be included. Choose wholegrain or lower-potassium options and be mindful of added salt or sugar in packaged products.
✅ Fruits and vegetables don’t need to be feared. Even if you’re on a low potassium diet, there’s still plenty of variety to enjoy with simple portion tweaks and preparation tips.
✅ Protein foods need moderation, not elimination. A mix of plant-based proteins and small portions of lean animal proteins can support your health without overwhelming your kidneys.
✅ Dairy and alternatives can be part of a balanced diet. The key is choosing options low in salt and phosphate additives and watching overall portion sizes.
✅ Healthy fats and oils add flavour and nutrition. Olive oil, rapeseed oil, and homemade salad dressings are great options.
✅ Snack smart. Choose lower salt, lower sugar snacks made from whole ingredients.
✅ Drinks matter too. Stay hydrated with low-sugar options like water, herbal teas, and diluted no-added sugar squash, while limiting sugary fizzy drinks and alcohol.
There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there about what people with CKD should and shouldn’t eat. But the truth is, your diet doesn’t have to be restrictive or bland – it just needs to be informed.
Need support putting all this into practice?
👉 Book a free 15-minute enquiry call to chat with a kidney specialist dietitian and get tailored advice that fits your lifestyle.
