Kidney-Friendly Beverages Guide

40 items classified under standard Kidney-Friendly guidelines.

How do beverages fare on the Kidney-Friendly diet? The answer depends on sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein load. This guide breaks down all 40 items in this category with their classification, nutritional data, and the reasoning behind each status.

Quick Reference

Food Status Potassium (per 100g)
Apple Cider Allowed 101mg
Black Tea Allowed 0mg
Chai Tea Allowed 123mg
Coffee Allowed 108mg
Cranberry Juice Allowed 77mg
Decaf Coffee Allowed 108mg
Espresso Allowed 115mg
Green Tea Allowed 8mg
Hard Seltzer Allowed 6mg
Herbal Tea Allowed 44mg
Hot Chocolate Allowed 124mg
Kombucha Allowed 4mg
Lemon Water Allowed 138mg
Matcha Allowed 2700mg
Orange Juice Allowed 184mg
Plain Kombucha Allowed 124mg
Rum Allowed 2mg
Sparkling Water Allowed 2mg
Tequila Allowed 2mg
Vodka Allowed 2mg
Whiskey Allowed 2mg
Apple Juice Limited 97mg
Beer Limited 253mg
Bone Broth Limited 86mg
Coconut Water Limited 157mg
Diet Soda Limited 2mg
Electrolyte Drinks Limited 77mg
Energy Drinks Limited 3mg
Flavored Coconut Water Limited 165mg
Flavored Kombucha Limited 4mg
Flavored Water Limited 312mg
Half and Half Limited 132mg
Kefir Limited 154mg
Kombucha (Hard) Limited 5mg
Lactose-Free Milk Limited 333mg
Oat Milk Limited 18mg
Plain Coconut Water Limited 165mg
Sweetened Electrolyte Drinks Limited 12mg
Unsweetened Electrolyte Tablets Limited 292mg
Wine Limited 127mg

Classification Breakdown

21 Allowed — These beverages are low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. 19 Limited — These items have usable in small portions or specific preparations.

Many otherwise-healthy foods become contraindicated — bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beans, and whole grains carry loads the failing kidney cannot clear.

Allowed Beverages (21)

Apple Cider

Allowed

At 101mg potassium per 100g, Apple Cider falls into the Allowed category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Within this category, it falls between Apple Juice and Coffee for potassium, ranking 21 of 40.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

46kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0.1gFat
11.3gCarbs
4mgSodium
101mgK+
7mgPhos.

Compare Apple Cider across all diets

Black Tea

Allowed

With 0mg potassium per 100g, Black Tea earns a Allowed classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Among the 40 items in this category, black tea sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Rum at 2mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

0kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
0gCarbs
2mgSodium
0mgK+
0mgPhos.

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Chai Tea

Allowed

With 123mg potassium per 100g, Chai Tea earns a Allowed classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Within this category, it falls between Espresso and Hot Chocolate for potassium, ranking 25 of 40.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

53kcalCalories
2.5gProtein
1.4gFat
7.8gCarbs
41mgSodium
123mgK+
Phos.

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Coffee

Allowed

At 108mg potassium per 100g, Coffee falls into the Allowed category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Within this category, it falls between Apple Cider and Decaf Coffee for potassium, ranking 22 of 40.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

34kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0.2gFat
7.8gCarbs
13mgSodium
108mgK+
7mgPhos.

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Cranberry Juice

Allowed

At 77mg potassium per 100g, Cranberry Juice falls into the Allowed category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Within this category, it falls between Herbal Tea and Electrolyte Drinks for potassium, ranking 17 of 40.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

46kcalCalories
0.4gProtein
0.1gFat
12.2gCarbs
2mgSodium
77mgK+
13mgPhos.

Compare Cranberry Juice across all diets

Decaf Coffee

Allowed

With 108mg potassium per 100g, Decaf Coffee earns a Allowed classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Within this category, it falls between Coffee and Espresso for potassium, ranking 23 of 40.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

34kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0.2gFat
7.8gCarbs
13mgSodium
108mgK+
7mgPhos.

Compare Decaf Coffee across all diets

Espresso

Allowed

With 115mg potassium per 100g, Espresso earns a Allowed classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Within this category, it falls between Decaf Coffee and Chai Tea for potassium, ranking 24 of 40.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

9kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0.2gFat
1.7gCarbs
14mgSodium
115mgK+
7mgPhos.

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Green Tea

Allowed

Green Tea is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 8mg potassium per 100g. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Within this category, it falls between Hard Seltzer and Sweetened Electrolyte Drinks for potassium, ranking 13 of 40.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

1kcalCalories
0.2gProtein
0gFat
0gCarbs
1mgSodium
8mgK+
0mgPhos.

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Hard Seltzer

Allowed

With 6mg potassium per 100g, Hard Seltzer earns a Allowed classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Within this category, it falls between Kombucha (Hard) and Green Tea for potassium, ranking 12 of 40.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

24kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0gFat
0.6gCarbs
17mgSodium
6mgK+
2mgPhos.

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Herbal Tea

Allowed

Herbal Tea is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 44mg potassium per 100g. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Within this category, it falls between Oat Milk and Cranberry Juice for potassium, ranking 16 of 40.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

2kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0.2gFat
0gCarbs
27mgSodium
44mgK+
0mgPhos.

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Hot Chocolate

Allowed

At 124mg potassium per 100g, Hot Chocolate falls into the Allowed category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Within this category, it falls between Chai Tea and Plain Kombucha for potassium, ranking 26 of 40.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

72kcalCalories
1.8gProtein
1gFat
13.9gCarbs
66mgSodium
124mgK+
69mgPhos.

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Kombucha

Allowed

Kombucha is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 4mg potassium per 100g. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Among the 40 items in this category, kombucha sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Flavored Kombucha at 4mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

16kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0gFat
4gCarbs
2mgSodium
4mgK+
0mgPhos.

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Lemon Water

Allowed

At 138mg potassium per 100g, Lemon Water falls into the Allowed category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Beyond the primary classification, lemon water also provides 2.8g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Half and Half and Kefir for potassium, ranking 30 of 40.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

29kcalCalories
1.1gProtein
0.3gFat
9.3gCarbs
2mgSodium
138mgK+
16mgPhos.

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Matcha

Allowed

With 2700mg potassium per 100g, Matcha earns a Allowed classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. It also contains 30.6g protein and 5.3g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Lactose-Free Milk at 333mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

324kcalCalories
30.6gProtein
5.3gFat
38.9gCarbs
9mgSodium
2700mgK+
350mgPhos.

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Orange Juice

Allowed

Orange Juice is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 184mg potassium per 100g. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Plain Coconut Water at 165mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

47kcalCalories
0.7gProtein
0.2gFat
11gCarbs
4mgSodium
184mgK+
17mgPhos.

Compare Orange Juice across all diets

Plain Kombucha

Allowed

At 124mg potassium per 100g, Plain Kombucha falls into the Allowed category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. The classification reflects that it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.9g protein and 6.6g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Hot Chocolate and Wine for potassium, ranking 27 of 40.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

407kcalCalories
11.9gProtein
6.6gFat
73.5gCarbs
698mgSodium
124mgK+
115mgPhos.

Compare Plain Kombucha across all diets

Rum

Allowed

With 2mg potassium per 100g, Rum earns a Allowed classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Among the 40 items in this category, rum sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Sparkling Water at 2mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

231kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
0gCarbs
1mgSodium
2mgK+
4mgPhos.

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Sparkling Water

Allowed

Sparkling Water is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 2mg potassium per 100g. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Among the 40 items in this category, sparkling water sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Tequila at 2mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

0kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
0gCarbs
13mgSodium
2mgK+
0mgPhos.

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Tequila

Allowed

With 2mg potassium per 100g, Tequila earns a Allowed classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Among the 40 items in this category, tequila sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Vodka at 2mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

231kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
0gCarbs
1mgSodium
2mgK+
4mgPhos.

Compare Tequila across all diets

Vodka

Allowed

At 2mg potassium per 100g, Vodka falls into the Allowed category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Among the 40 items in this category, vodka sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Whiskey at 2mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

231kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
0gCarbs
1mgSodium
2mgK+
4mgPhos.

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Whiskey

Allowed

Whiskey is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 2mg potassium per 100g. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Among the 40 items in this category, whiskey sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Diet Soda at 2mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

231kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
0gCarbs
1mgSodium
2mgK+
4mgPhos.

Compare Whiskey across all diets

Limited Beverages (19)

Apple Juice

Limited

Apple Juice is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 97mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Within this category, it falls between Bone Broth and Apple Cider for potassium, ranking 20 of 40. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

48kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0.3gFat
11.3gCarbs
5mgSodium
97mgK+
6mgPhos.

Compare Apple Juice across all diets

Beer

Limited

With 253mg potassium per 100g, Beer earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 14.2g protein and 18.8g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Orange Juice at 184mg. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

238kcalCalories
14.2gProtein
18.8gFat
2.1gCarbs
1240mgSodium
253mgK+
103mgPhos.

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Bone Broth

Limited

At 86mg potassium per 100g, Bone Broth falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Within this category, it falls between Electrolyte Drinks and Apple Juice for potassium, ranking 19 of 40. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

16kcalCalories
2gProtein
0.6gFat
0.4gCarbs
200mgSodium
86mgK+
30mgPhos.

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Coconut Water

Limited

Coconut Water is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 157mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Kefir at 154mg. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSodiumK+Phos.
Plain18kcal0.2g0g4.2g26mg165mg5mg
Sweetened37kcal0.2g0g9.1g25mg157mg5mg

Compare Coconut Water across all diets

Diet Soda

Limited

Diet Soda is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 2mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Among the 40 items in this category, diet soda sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Energy Drinks at 3mg. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

0kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0gFat
0gCarbs
6mgSodium
2mgK+
0mgPhos.

Compare Diet Soda across all diets

Electrolyte Drinks

Limited

With 77mg potassium per 100g, Electrolyte Drinks earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Within this category, it falls between Cranberry Juice and Bone Broth for potassium, ranking 18 of 40. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

10kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
2.5gCarbs
101mgSodium
77mgK+
10mgPhos.

Compare Electrolyte Drinks across all diets

Energy Drinks

Limited

Energy Drinks is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 3mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Among the 40 items in this category, energy drinks sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Kombucha at 4mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

43kcalCalories
0.5gProtein
0gFat
10.2gCarbs
39mgSodium
3mgK+
0mgPhos.

Compare Energy Drinks across all diets

Flavored Coconut Water

Limited

At 165mg potassium per 100g, Flavored Coconut Water falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Coconut Water at 157mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

18kcalCalories
0.2gProtein
0gFat
4.2gCarbs
26mgSodium
165mgK+
5mgPhos.

Compare Flavored Coconut Water across all diets

Flavored Kombucha

Limited

With 4mg potassium per 100g, Flavored Kombucha earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Among the 40 items in this category, flavored kombucha sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Kombucha (Hard) at 5mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

16kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0gFat
4gCarbs
2mgSodium
4mgK+
0mgPhos.

Compare Flavored Kombucha across all diets

Flavored Water

Limited

At 312mg potassium per 100g, Flavored Water falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. The classification reflects that it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Nutritionally, it also delivers 2.1g fiber per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Unsweetened Electrolyte Tablets at 292mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

19kcalCalories
2.6gProtein
0.2gFat
3.1gCarbs
113mgSodium
312mgK+
39mgPhos.

Compare Flavored Water across all diets

Half and Half

Limited

Half and Half is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 132mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 11.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Wine and Lemon Water for potassium, ranking 29 of 40. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

131kcalCalories
3.1gProtein
11.5gFat
4.3gCarbs
61mgSodium
132mgK+
95mgPhos.

Compare Half and Half across all diets

Kefir

Limited

With 154mg potassium per 100g, Kefir earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Lemon Water at 138mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

62kcalCalories
3.4gProtein
0.9gFat
10.2gCarbs
37mgSodium
154mgK+
96mgPhos.

Compare Kefir across all diets

Kombucha (Hard)

Limited

At 5mg potassium per 100g, Kombucha (Hard) falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Within this category, it falls between Flavored Kombucha and Hard Seltzer for potassium, ranking 11 of 40. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

394kcalCalories
0gProtein
0.2gFat
98gCarbs
38mgSodium
5mgK+
3mgPhos.

Compare Kombucha (Hard) across all diets

Lactose-Free Milk

Limited

Lactose-Free Milk is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 333mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Flavored Water at 312mg. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

167kcalCalories
4.3gProtein
1gFat
37.7gCarbs
97mgSodium
333mgK+
123mgPhos.

Compare Lactose-Free Milk across all diets

Oat Milk

Limited

At 18mg potassium per 100g, Oat Milk falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Within this category, it falls between Sweetened Electrolyte Drinks and Herbal Tea for potassium, ranking 15 of 40. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

45kcalCalories
0.7gProtein
2.3gFat
5.4gCarbs
43mgSodium
18mgK+
20mgPhos.

Compare Oat Milk across all diets

Plain Coconut Water

Limited

Plain Coconut Water is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 165mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Flavored Coconut Water at 165mg. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

18kcalCalories
0.2gProtein
0gFat
4.2gCarbs
26mgSodium
165mgK+
5mgPhos.

Compare Plain Coconut Water across all diets

Sweetened Electrolyte Drinks

Limited

Sweetened Electrolyte Drinks is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 12mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Within this category, it falls between Green Tea and Oat Milk for potassium, ranking 14 of 40. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

27kcalCalories
0gProtein
0.2gFat
6.2gCarbs
21mgSodium
12mgK+
31mgPhos.

Compare Sweetened Electrolyte Drinks across all diets

Unsweetened Electrolyte Tablets

Limited

At 292mg potassium per 100g, Unsweetened Electrolyte Tablets falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. The classification reflects that it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Nutritionally, it also delivers 26000mg sodium per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Beer at 253mg. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

84kcalCalories
1gProtein
0.1gFat
19.8gCarbs
26000mgSodium
292mgK+
340mgPhos.

Compare Unsweetened Electrolyte Tablets across all diets

Wine

Limited

Wine is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 127mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Within this category, it falls between Plain Kombucha and Half and Half for potassium, ranking 28 of 40. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

85kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0gFat
2.6gCarbs
4mgSodium
127mgK+
23mgPhos.

Compare Wine across all diets