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
AllowedWith 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
Arrowroot Powder
AllowedWith 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
Bagel
AllowedWith 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
Barley
AllowedAt 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
Buckwheat
AllowedAt 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
Burrito
AllowedWith 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
Corn Flakes
AllowedAt 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
Cornmeal
AllowedAt 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
Cornstarch
AllowedWith 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
Croutons
AllowedAt 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
English Muffin
AllowedWith 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
Fried Rice
AllowedFried 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
Granola Bars
AllowedAt 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
Millet
AllowedAt 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
Naan
AllowedNaan 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
Nachos
AllowedWith 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
Pancakes
AllowedPancakes 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
Pasta
AllowedAt 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sodium | K+ | Phos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Pasta (cooked) | 157kcal | 5.8g | 0.9g | 30.6g | 131mg | 44mg | 58mg |
| Whole Wheat Pasta (cooked) | 159kcal | 5.8g | 1.5g | 31.5g | 6mg | 77mg | 110mg |
Pita Bread
AllowedWith 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
Pizza
AllowedAt 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
Rice
AllowedRice 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sodium | K+ | Phos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Rice (cooked) | 130kcal | 2.7g | 0.3g | 28.2g | 1mg | 35mg | 43mg |
| Brown Rice (cooked) | 112kcal | 2.3g | 0.8g | 23.5g | 1mg | 79mg | 77mg |
Rice Cakes
AllowedAt 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
Rice Crackers
AllowedRice 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
Rice Noodles
AllowedRice 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
Rye Bread
AllowedAt 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
Sourdough Bread
AllowedAt 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
Spelt
AllowedSpelt 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
Tacos
AllowedTacos 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
Tapioca Starch
AllowedWith 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
Waffles
AllowedWaffles 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
Limited Grains (5)
Corn
LimitedAt 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sodium | K+ | Phos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet Corn (raw) | 86kcal | 3.3g | 1.4g | 18.7g | 15mg | 270mg | 89mg |
| Sweet Corn (canned) | 67kcal | 2.3g | 1.2g | 14.3g | 205mg | 132mg | 46mg |
Oat Flour
LimitedAt 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
Oats
LimitedAt 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sodium | K+ | Phos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolled Oats (dry) | 379kcal | 13.2g | 6.5g | 67.7g | 6mg | 362mg | 410mg |
| Oatmeal (cooked) | 379kcal | 13.2g | 6.5g | 67.7g | 6mg | 362mg | 410mg |
Quinoa
LimitedWith 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sodium | K+ | Phos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | 368kcal | 14.1g | 6.1g | 64.2g | 5mg | 563mg | 457mg |
| Cooked | 120kcal | 4.4g | 1.9g | 21.3g | 7mg | 172mg | 152mg |
Wheat Flour
LimitedAt 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