Coffee

Potassium: LowerPhosphorus: LowerSodium: Lower

The bottom line

Lower in potassium per cup — the National Kidney Foundation suggests keeping to about 8 ounces when potassium is tightly limited.

A healthier swap

No swap needed at a cup a day for most people; it still counts toward a fluid allowance.

Understand the nutrients

Frequently asked questions

Does coffee count as fluid?

Yes — on a fluid restriction, every drink counts, coffee included. It is not significantly dehydrating at normal intakes, whatever the folklore says.

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.