Kidney-Friendly Grains Guide

35 items classified under standard Kidney-Friendly guidelines.

How do grains fare on the Kidney-Friendly diet? The answer depends on sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein load. This guide breaks down all 35 items in this category with their classification, nutritional data, and the reasoning behind each status.

Grains are overwhelmingly compatible with Kidney-Friendly. Each item listed here is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. The entries below break down the specific nutritional profile so you can choose based on your individual targets — calories, macros, or micronutrients that matter for your goals.

Quick Reference

Food Status Potassium (per 100g)
Amaranth Allowed 611mg
Arrowroot Powder Allowed 454mg
Bagel Allowed 107mg
Barley Allowed 280mg
Buckwheat Allowed 460mg
Burrito Allowed 212mg
Corn Flakes Allowed 16mg
Cornmeal Allowed 393mg
Cornstarch Allowed 3mg
Croutons Allowed 124mg
English Muffin Allowed 109mg
Fried Rice Allowed 76mg
Granola Bars Allowed 336mg
Millet Allowed 195mg
Naan Allowed 201mg
Nachos Allowed 112mg
Pancakes Allowed 174mg
Pasta Allowed 223mg
Pita Bread Allowed 129mg
Pizza Allowed 168mg
Rice Allowed 428mg
Rice Cakes Allowed 428mg
Rice Crackers Allowed 243mg
Rice Noodles Allowed 30mg
Rye Bread Allowed 510mg
Sourdough Bread Allowed 117mg
Spelt Allowed 143mg
Tacos Allowed 229mg
Tapioca Starch Allowed 11mg
Waffles Allowed 138mg
Corn Limited 270mg
Oat Flour Limited 371mg
Oats Limited 362mg
Quinoa Limited 172mg
Wheat Flour Limited 394mg

Classification Breakdown

30 Allowed — These grains are low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. 5 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 Grains (30)

Amaranth

Allowed

With 611mg potassium per 100g, Amaranth 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 ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Rye Bread at 510mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

23kcalCalories
2.5gProtein
0.3gFat
4gCarbs
20mgSodium
611mgK+
50mgPhos.

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Arrowroot Powder

Allowed

With 454mg potassium per 100g, Arrowroot Powder 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 ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Rice Cakes at 428mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

65kcalCalories
4.2gProtein
0.2gFat
13.4gCarbs
26mgSodium
454mgK+
98mgPhos.

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Bagel

Allowed

With 107mg potassium per 100g, Bagel earns a Allowed classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Beyond the primary classification, bagel also provides 10.6g protein and 422mg sodium per 100g. Among the 35 items in this category, bagel sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is English Muffin at 109mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

264kcalCalories
10.6gProtein
1.3gFat
52.4gCarbs
422mgSodium
107mgK+
99mgPhos.

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Barley

Allowed

At 280mg potassium per 100g, Barley 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, barley also provides 9.9g protein and 15.6g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Corn and Granola Bars for potassium, ranking 24 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

352kcalCalories
9.9gProtein
1.2gFat
77.7gCarbs
9mgSodium
280mgK+
221mgPhos.

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Buckwheat

Allowed

At 460mg potassium per 100g, Buckwheat 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 13.2g protein and 10g fiber per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Arrowroot Powder at 454mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

343kcalCalories
13.2gProtein
3.4gFat
71.5gCarbs
1mgSodium
460mgK+
347mgPhos.

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Burrito

Allowed

With 212mg potassium per 100g, Burrito earns a Allowed classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Beyond the primary classification, burrito also provides 11.1g protein and 8.5g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Naan and Pasta for potassium, ranking 19 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

219kcalCalories
11.1gProtein
8.5gFat
23.9gCarbs
486mgSodium
212mgK+
173mgPhos.

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Corn Flakes

Allowed

At 16mg potassium per 100g, Corn Flakes 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 35 items in this category, corn flakes sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Rice Noodles at 30mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

44kcalCalories
0.8gProtein
0.2gFat
9.4gCarbs
135mgSodium
16mgK+
11mgPhos.

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Cornmeal

Allowed

At 393mg potassium per 100g, Cornmeal 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, cornmeal also provides 10.4g protein and 5.4g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Oat Flour at 371mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

398kcalCalories
10.4gProtein
5.4gFat
76.9gCarbs
7mgSodium
393mgK+
354mgPhos.

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Cornstarch

Allowed

With 3mg potassium per 100g, Cornstarch 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 35 items in this category, cornstarch sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Tapioca Starch at 11mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

381kcalCalories
0.3gProtein
0.1gFat
91.3gCarbs
9mgSodium
3mgK+
13mgPhos.

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Croutons

Allowed

At 124mg potassium per 100g, Croutons 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, croutons also provides 11.9g protein and 6.6g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Sourdough Bread and Pita Bread for potassium, ranking 10 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

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

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English Muffin

Allowed

With 109mg potassium per 100g, English Muffin 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 8.9g protein and 3.5g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 35 items in this category, english muffin sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Nachos at 112mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

227kcalCalories
8.9gProtein
1.7gFat
44.2gCarbs
425mgSodium
109mgK+
92mgPhos.

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Fried Rice

Allowed

Fried Rice is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 76mg potassium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Nutritionally, it also delivers 387mg sodium per serving. Among the 35 items in this category, fried rice sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Bagel at 107mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

174kcalCalories
4.1gProtein
3gFat
32.8gCarbs
387mgSodium
76mgK+
51mgPhos.

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Granola Bars

Allowed

At 336mg potassium per 100g, Granola Bars 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, granola bars also provides 10.1g protein and 19.8g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Barley and Oats for potassium, ranking 25 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

471kcalCalories
10.1gProtein
19.8gFat
64.4gCarbs
294mgSodium
336mgK+
277mgPhos.

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Millet

Allowed

At 195mg potassium per 100g, Millet 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, millet also provides 11g protein and 8.5g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Pancakes and Naan for potassium, ranking 17 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

378kcalCalories
11gProtein
4.2gFat
72.8gCarbs
5mgSodium
195mgK+
285mgPhos.

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Naan

Allowed

Naan is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 201mg potassium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.1g protein and 7.3g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Millet and Burrito for potassium, ranking 18 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

311kcalCalories
11.1gProtein
7.3gFat
50.2gCarbs
508mgSodium
201mgK+
204mgPhos.

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Nachos

Allowed

With 112mg potassium per 100g, Nachos 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 7.6g protein and 15.9g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 35 items in this category, nachos sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Sourdough Bread at 117mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

265kcalCalories
7.6gProtein
15.9gFat
23.9gCarbs
488mgSodium
112mgK+
125mgPhos.

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Pancakes

Allowed

Pancakes is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 174mg potassium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.4g protein and 12.1g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Quinoa and Millet for potassium, ranking 16 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

282kcalCalories
7.4gProtein
12.1gFat
35.3gCarbs
508mgSodium
174mgK+
326mgPhos.

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Pasta

Allowed

At 223mg potassium per 100g, Pasta 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, pasta also provides 13g protein and 3.2g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Burrito and Tacos for potassium, ranking 20 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSodiumK+Phos.
Regular Pasta (cooked)157kcal5.8g0.9g30.6g131mg44mg58mg
Whole Wheat Pasta (cooked)159kcal5.8g1.5g31.5g6mg77mg110mg

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Pita Bread

Allowed

With 129mg potassium per 100g, Pita Bread earns a Allowed classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Beyond the primary classification, pita bread also provides 11.8g protein and 15.2g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Croutons and Waffles for potassium, ranking 11 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

457kcalCalories
11.8gProtein
15.2gFat
68.3gCarbs
854mgSodium
129mgK+
124mgPhos.

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Pizza

Allowed

At 168mg potassium per 100g, Pizza 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, pizza also provides 11.7g protein and 12.6g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Spelt and Quinoa for potassium, ranking 14 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

280kcalCalories
11.7gProtein
12.6gFat
29.9gCarbs
624mgSodium
168mgK+
241mgPhos.

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Rice

Allowed

Rice is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 428mg potassium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.1g protein and 4.2g fiber per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Wheat Flour at 394mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSodiumK+Phos.
White Rice (cooked)130kcal2.7g0.3g28.2g1mg35mg43mg
Brown Rice (cooked)112kcal2.3g0.8g23.5g1mg79mg77mg

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Rice Cakes

Allowed

At 428mg potassium per 100g, Rice Cakes 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 7.1g protein and 4.2g fiber per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Rice at 428mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

392kcalCalories
7.1gProtein
4.3gFat
81.1gCarbs
71mgSodium
428mgK+
360mgPhos.

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Rice Crackers

Allowed

Rice Crackers is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 243mg potassium per 100g. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. It also contains 10g protein and 233mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Tacos and Corn for potassium, ranking 22 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

416kcalCalories
10gProtein
5gFat
82.6gCarbs
233mgSodium
243mgK+
362mgPhos.

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Rice Noodles

Allowed

Rice Noodles is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 30mg potassium per 100g. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. It also contains 6g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 35 items in this category, rice noodles sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Fried Rice at 76mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

364kcalCalories
6gProtein
0.6gFat
80.2gCarbs
182mgSodium
30mgK+
153mgPhos.

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Rye Bread

Allowed

At 510mg potassium per 100g, Rye Bread 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, rye bread also provides 10.3g protein and 15.1g fiber per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Buckwheat at 460mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

338kcalCalories
10.3gProtein
1.6gFat
75.9gCarbs
2mgSodium
510mgK+
332mgPhos.

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Sourdough Bread

Allowed

At 117mg potassium per 100g, Sourdough Bread 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, sourdough bread also provides 10.8g protein and 2.2g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Nachos and Croutons for potassium, ranking 9 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

272kcalCalories
10.8gProtein
2.4gFat
51.9gCarbs
602mgSodium
117mgK+
105mgPhos.

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Spelt

Allowed

Spelt is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 143mg potassium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Nutritionally, it also delivers 5.5g protein and 3.9g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Waffles and Pizza for potassium, ranking 13 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

127kcalCalories
5.5gProtein
0.9gFat
26.4gCarbs
5mgSodium
143mgK+
150mgPhos.

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Tacos

Allowed

Tacos is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 229mg potassium per 100g. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. It also contains 6.7g protein and 9.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Pasta and Rice Crackers for potassium, ranking 21 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

170kcalCalories
6.7gProtein
9.2gFat
15.1gCarbs
363mgSodium
229mgK+
103mgPhos.

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Tapioca Starch

Allowed

With 11mg potassium per 100g, Tapioca Starch 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 35 items in this category, tapioca starch sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Corn Flakes at 16mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

358kcalCalories
0.2gProtein
0gFat
88.7gCarbs
1mgSodium
11mgK+
7mgPhos.

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Waffles

Allowed

Waffles is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly, with 138mg potassium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.4g protein and 9.5g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Pita Bread and Spelt for potassium, ranking 12 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

309kcalCalories
7.4gProtein
9.5gFat
48.4gCarbs
460mgSodium
138mgK+
444mgPhos.

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Limited Grains (5)

Corn

Limited

At 270mg potassium per 100g, Corn 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 Rice Crackers and Barley for potassium, ranking 23 of 35. 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

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSodiumK+Phos.
Sweet Corn (raw)86kcal3.3g1.4g18.7g15mg270mg89mg
Sweet Corn (canned)67kcal2.3g1.2g14.3g205mg132mg46mg

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Oat Flour

Limited

At 371mg potassium per 100g, Oat Flour falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, oat flour also provides 14.7g protein and 9.1g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Oats at 362mg. 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

404kcalCalories
14.7gProtein
9.1gFat
65.7gCarbs
19mgSodium
371mgK+
452mgPhos.

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Oats

Limited

At 362mg potassium per 100g, Oats falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, oats also provides 13.2g protein and 6.5g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Granola Bars and Oat Flour for potassium, ranking 26 of 35. 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

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSodiumK+Phos.
Rolled Oats (dry)379kcal13.2g6.5g67.7g6mg362mg410mg
Oatmeal (cooked)379kcal13.2g6.5g67.7g6mg362mg410mg

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Quinoa

Limited

With 172mg potassium per 100g, Quinoa earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 2.8g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Pizza and Pancakes for potassium, ranking 15 of 35. 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

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSodiumK+Phos.
Dry368kcal14.1g6.1g64.2g5mg563mg457mg
Cooked120kcal4.4g1.9g21.3g7mg172mg152mg

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Wheat Flour

Limited

At 394mg potassium per 100g, Wheat Flour falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, wheat flour also provides 9.6g protein and 13.1g fiber per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Cornmeal at 393mg. 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

332kcalCalories
9.6gProtein
2gFat
74.5gCarbs
3mgSodium
394mgK+
323mgPhos.

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