Black Beans

Potassium: HigherPhosphorus: HigherSodium: Lower

The bottom line

Like lentils: filling plant protein, high potassium and phosphorus ratings, and sodium only when the can adds it.

A healthier swap

Rinse canned beans well (cuts sodium, and a little potassium leaches out); if limits are tight, swap part of the beans for rice and vegetables.

Understand the nutrients

Frequently asked questions

Canned or dried — which is better?

Home-cooked from dried gives you control of salt entirely. Canned is fine when rinsed. Either way the potassium and phosphorus ratings of the bean itself are unchanged.

These pages are general education about eating with kidney disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant. They are not medical advice and do not replace your own care plan. Kidney diets are individual: what is right for you depends on your stage, your blood tests, your medicines and your other conditions. Always talk to your care team or renal dietitian before changing what you eat, and never stop or change a medicine because of something you read here.