Kidney-Friendly Dairy Guide
16 items classified under standard Kidney-Friendly guidelines.
Kidney-Friendly classifies foods based on sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein load. Of the 16 dairy evaluated, 0 are classified as Allowed, 16 as Limited, and 0 as Not Allowed.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Potassium (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Brie | Limited | 152mg |
| Buttermilk | Limited | 151mg |
| Cheddar | Limited | 76mg |
| Cheese | Limited | 112mg |
| Cottage Cheese | Limited | 117mg |
| Feta | Limited | 62mg |
| Goat Cheese | Limited | 402mg |
| Ice Cream | Limited | 115mg |
| Mac and Cheese | Limited | 181mg |
| Milk | Limited | 156mg |
| Mozzarella | Limited | 106mg |
| Parmesan | Limited | 600mg |
| Ricotta | Limited | 219mg |
| Swiss Cheese | Limited | 242mg |
| Whipped Cream | Limited | 147mg |
| Yogurt | Limited | 204mg |
Classification Breakdown
16 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.
Limited Dairy (16)
Brie
LimitedWith 152mg potassium per 100g, Brie earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, brie also provides 20.8g protein and 27.7g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Buttermilk and Milk for potassium, ranking 9 of 16. 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
Buttermilk
LimitedWith 151mg potassium per 100g, Buttermilk earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Within this category, it falls between Whipped Cream and Brie for potassium, ranking 8 of 16. 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
Cheddar
LimitedAt 76mg potassium per 100g, Cheddar 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 24.2g protein and 33.8g fat per serving. Among the 16 items in this category, cheddar sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Mozzarella at 106mg. 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
Cheese
LimitedAt 112mg potassium per 100g, Cheese 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 7.1g protein and 28.6g fat per serving. Among the 16 items in this category, cheese sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Ice Cream at 115mg. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | 409kcal | 23.3g | 34g | 2.4g | 654mg | 77mg | 458mg |
| Mozzarella | 299kcal | 22.2g | 22.1g | 2.4g | 486mg | 76mg | 354mg |
| Swiss | 393kcal | 27g | 31g | 1.4g | 185mg | 71mg | 574mg |
Cottage Cheese
LimitedWith 117mg potassium per 100g, Cottage Cheese earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 11g protein and 9.7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Ice Cream and Whipped Cream for potassium, ranking 6 of 16. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Fat (4%) | 103kcal | 11.6g | 4.2g | 4.6g | 350mg | 124mg | 154mg |
| Low-Fat (1%) | 72kcal | 12.4g | 1g | 2.7g | 406mg | 86mg | 134mg |
Feta
LimitedWith 62mg potassium per 100g, Feta 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 21.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 16 items in this category, feta sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Cheddar at 76mg. 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
Goat Cheese
LimitedWith 402mg potassium per 100g, Goat Cheese earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, goat cheese also provides 26.9g protein and 392mg sodium per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Swiss Cheese at 242mg. 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
Ice Cream
LimitedWith 115mg potassium per 100g, Ice Cream earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, ice cream also provides 8.6g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Cheese and Cottage Cheese for potassium, ranking 5 of 16. 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
Mac and Cheese
LimitedWith 181mg potassium per 100g, Mac and Cheese earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 11.8g protein and 15g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Milk and Yogurt for potassium, ranking 11 of 16. 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
Milk
LimitedAt 156mg potassium per 100g, 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 Brie and Mac and Cheese for potassium, ranking 10 of 16. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk | 60kcal | 3.3g | 3.2g | 4.6g | 38mg | 150mg | 101mg |
| 2% Milk | 50kcal | 3.3g | 2g | 4.8g | 47mg | 140mg | 92mg |
| Skim Milk | 35kcal | 3.4g | 0.2g | 4.9g | 52mg | 166mg | 101mg |
Mozzarella
LimitedWith 106mg potassium per 100g, Mozzarella earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 31.7g protein and 743mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 16 items in this category, mozzarella sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Cheese at 112mg. 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
Parmesan
LimitedWith 600mg potassium per 100g, Parmesan earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, parmesan also provides 40g protein and 1150mg sodium per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Goat Cheese at 402mg. 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
Ricotta
LimitedWith 219mg potassium per 100g, Ricotta earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, ricotta also provides 7.5g protein and 10.2g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Yogurt at 204mg. 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
Swiss Cheese
LimitedAt 242mg potassium per 100g, Swiss Cheese falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, swiss cheese also provides 16.4g protein and 21.2g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Ricotta at 219mg. 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
Whipped Cream
LimitedAt 147mg potassium per 100g, Whipped Cream 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 22.2g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Cottage Cheese and Buttermilk for potassium, ranking 7 of 16. 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
Yogurt
LimitedAt 204mg potassium per 100g, Yogurt 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 Mac and Cheese and Ricotta for potassium, ranking 12 of 16. 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sodium | K+ | Phos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Whole Milk Yogurt | 61kcal | 3.5g | 3.3g | 4.7g | 46mg | 155mg | 95mg |
| Plain Low-Fat Yogurt | 63kcal | 5.3g | 1.6g | 7g | 70mg | 234mg | 144mg |
| Plain Nonfat Yogurt | 56kcal | 5.7g | 0.2g | 7.7g | 77mg | 255mg | 157mg |