Onions

The bottom line
Lower in potassium and one of the best flavour investments in low-salt cooking — they make salt-free food taste cooked, not punished.
A healthier swap
No swap needed. Slow-caramelised onions replace salty sauces and gravies on meat and grains.
Understand the nutrients
Frequently asked questions
Do spring onions and leeks count the same?
Broadly yes — the onion family is generally lower in potassium and is used in small, flavouring amounts. Garlic belongs here too: flavour freely.
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.

