Butter

Potassium: LowerPhosphorus: LowerSodium: Moderate

The bottom line

Almost pure fat, so minerals are low — salted butter's sodium is its only kidney footnote; calories are the bigger issue.

A healthier swap

Olive oil for cooking and spreading where the flavour fits — kinder to cholesterol, especially after transplant.

Understand the nutrients

Frequently asked questions

Is margarine better than butter?

For minerals, similar; for heart health, soft spreads made from unsaturated oils generally beat butter. After a transplant, when cholesterol matters, your team will usually favour oils.

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.