Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce

Potassium: HigherPhosphorus: LowerSodium: Lower

The bottom line

Fresh tomatoes are higher in potassium, and sauces, passata and juice concentrate it further; canned versions often add sodium too.

A healthier swap

Olive oil, garlic, herbs and roasted peppers make a pasta sauce with a fraction of the potassium; a few fresh cherry tomatoes flavour a salad without a sauce's load.

Understand the nutrients

Potassium

Frequently asked questions

Why is tomato sauce worse than fresh tomatoes?

Concentration. A sauce reduces many tomatoes into one portion, so the potassium multiplies — and commercial sauces add salt on top. Homemade, small-portion and diluted with other vegetables is the compromise.

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.