Kidney-Friendly Protein Guide
18 items classified under standard Kidney-Friendly guidelines.
This guide covers all 18 protein classified under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. Kidney-Friendly evaluates foods primarily by sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein load, which determines how each item in this category is classified.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Potassium (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Allowed | — |
| Black Beans | Limited | 330mg |
| Chickpea Flour | Limited | 846mg |
| Collagen Peptides | Limited | 30mg |
| Edamame | Limited | 436mg |
| Gelatin | Limited | 7mg |
| Greek Yogurt | Limited | 129mg |
| Kidney Beans | Limited | 375mg |
| Lentil Pasta | Limited | 292mg |
| Pea Protein | Limited | 119mg |
| Protein Bars | Limited | 81mg |
| Protein Powder | Limited | 933mg |
| Protein Shakes | Limited | 224mg |
| Soy Protein | Limited | 81mg |
| Tempeh | Limited | 412mg |
| Tofu | Limited | 47mg |
| Veggie Burger | Limited | 236mg |
| Whey Protein | Limited | 2290mg |
Classification Breakdown
1 Allowed — These protein are low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. 17 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 Protein (1)
Eggs
AllowedEggs is classified as Allowed on Kidney-Friendly. This classification reflects that it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sodium | K+ | Phos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Egg (raw) | 143kcal | 12.6g | 9.5g | 0.7g | 142mg | 138mg | 198mg |
| Egg White (raw) | 52kcal | 10.9g | 0.2g | 0.7g | 166mg | 163mg | 15mg |
| Egg Yolk (raw) | 322kcal | 15.9g | 26.5g | 3.6g | 48mg | 109mg | 390mg |
Limited Protein (17)
Black Beans
LimitedBlack Beans is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 330mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 8.2g protein and 7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Lentil Pasta and Kidney Beans for potassium, ranking 11 of 17. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | 341kcal | 21.6g | 1.4g | 62.4g | 5mg | 1480mg | 352mg |
| Cooked (boiled) | 132kcal | 8.9g | 0.5g | 23.7g | 237mg | 355mg | 140mg |
| Canned | 91kcal | 4.8g | 1.3g | 15.4g | 970mg | 250mg | 75mg |
Chickpea Flour
LimitedChickpea Flour is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 846mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 22.4g protein and 6.7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Edamame at 436mg. 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
Collagen Peptides
LimitedWith 30mg potassium per 100g, Collagen Peptides earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 90g protein and 300mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 17 items in this category, collagen peptides sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Tofu at 47mg. 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
Edamame
LimitedEdamame is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 436mg potassium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.9g protein and 5.2g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Tempeh at 412mg. 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
Gelatin
LimitedWith 7mg potassium per 100g, Gelatin earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, gelatin also provides 7.8g protein and 466mg sodium per 100g. Among the 17 items in this category, gelatin sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Collagen Peptides at 30mg. 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
Greek Yogurt
LimitedGreek Yogurt is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 129mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 8.2g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Pea Protein and Protein Shakes for potassium, ranking 7 of 17. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain (whole milk) | 97kcal | 9g | 5g | 4g | 47mg | 141mg | 135mg |
| Plain (nonfat) | 61kcal | 10.3g | 0.4g | 3.6g | 36mg | 141mg | 136mg |
Kidney Beans
LimitedWith 375mg potassium per 100g, Kidney Beans earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, kidney beans also provides 8.1g protein and 7g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Black Beans and Tempeh for potassium, ranking 12 of 17. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | 337kcal | 22.5g | 1.1g | 61.3g | 12mg | 1360mg | 406mg |
| Cooked (boiled) | 127kcal | 8.7g | 0.5g | 22.8g | 238mg | 403mg | 142mg |
Lentil Pasta
LimitedAt 292mg potassium per 100g, Lentil Pasta falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, lentil pasta also provides 5.7g fat and 3.4g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Veggie Burger and Black Beans for potassium, ranking 10 of 17. 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
Pea Protein
LimitedAt 119mg potassium per 100g, Pea Protein falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, pea protein also provides 14g fat and 2.7g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Soy Protein and Greek Yogurt for potassium, ranking 6 of 17. 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
Protein Bars
LimitedWith 81mg potassium per 100g, Protein Bars earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, protein bars also provides 88.3g protein and 1000mg sodium per 100g. Among the 17 items in this category, protein bars sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Soy Protein at 81mg. 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
Protein Powder
LimitedWith 933mg potassium per 100g, Protein Powder earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, protein powder also provides 55.6g protein and 5.6g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Chickpea Flour at 846mg. 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
Protein Shakes
LimitedWith 224mg potassium per 100g, Protein Shakes earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Within this category, it falls between Greek Yogurt and Veggie Burger for potassium, ranking 8 of 17. 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
Soy Protein
LimitedSoy Protein is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 81mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 88.3g protein and 1000mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Protein Bars and Pea Protein for potassium, ranking 5 of 17. 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
Tempeh
LimitedWith 412mg potassium per 100g, Tempeh earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 20.3g protein and 10.8g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Kidney Beans at 375mg. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain | 192kcal | 20.3g | 10.8g | 7.6g | 9mg | 412mg | 266mg |
| Cooked | 195kcal | 19.9g | 11.4g | 7.6g | 14mg | 401mg | 253mg |
Tofu
LimitedTofu is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 47mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Among the 17 items in this category, tofu sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Protein Bars at 81mg. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firm | 144kcal | 17.3g | 8.7g | 2.8g | 14mg | 237mg | 190mg |
| Soft/Silken | 270kcal | 18.8g | 20.2g | 8.9g | 16mg | 146mg | 287mg |
Veggie Burger
LimitedVeggie Burger is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 236mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 13g protein and 5.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Protein Shakes and Lentil Pasta for potassium, ranking 9 of 17. 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
Whey Protein
LimitedAt 2290mg potassium per 100g, Whey Protein 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 11.7g protein and 968mg sodium per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Protein Powder at 933mg. 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