What are some high potassium-containing foods?

High Potassium-Containing Foods

For patients with normal kidney function seeking to increase potassium intake for blood pressure control or general health, focus on fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and select proteins—specifically bananas, potatoes, spinach, avocados, oranges, tomatoes, yogurt, fish, and legumes. 1, 2

Primary High-Potassium Food Categories

Fruits (Excellent Sources)

• Bananas: One medium banana contains approximately 450 mg (12 mmol) of potassium, making it one of the most concentrated dietary sources among commonly consumed fruits 2, 3
• Oranges and orange juice: Beneficial sources providing substantial potassium 1
• Other high-potassium fruits: Apricots, dates, grapes, grapefruit and grapefruit juice, mangoes, melons, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapples, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, and tangerines 1

Vegetables (Excellent Sources)

• Potatoes and potato chips: Among the highest dietary sources; potatoes are the single highest source of dietary potassium in the Western diet 1, 4
• Spinach: Unsalted boiled spinach contains approximately 840 mg per cup 2
• Sweet potatoes: High potassium content suitable for various dietary needs 1
• Other high-potassium vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, collards, green beans, green peas, kale, lima beans, squash, tomatoes and tomato products, peppers, lettuce 1

Dairy Products

• Yogurt: Recognized as a high-potassium food 1
• Low-fat or fat-free milk and dairy products: Major sources of potassium along with calcium and protein 1

Protein Sources

• Fish: Beneficial source of potassium and protein 1
• Poultry and lean red meat: Good sources of potassium 1

Other High-Potassium Foods

• Avocados: One mashed avocado contains approximately 710 mg per cup 2
• Legumes and lentils: High potassium content 1, 5
• Nuts and seeds: Rich in potassium 2, 6
• Chocolate: Contains significant potassium 1
• Tofu and soy products: Good potassium sources 2, 6

Practical Dietary Recommendations

Target Intake Levels

• General population: The adequate intake for adults is 4,700 mg/day (approximately 120 mmol/day) 2, 6
• For blood pressure control: 4-5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily can provide 1,500 to >3,000 mg of potassium 1, 2
• Optimal target: 4.7 g/day (120 mmol/day) achievable through the DASH diet pattern 6

Food Labeling Guidelines

Foods containing 200-250 mg or greater than 6% Daily Value are considered high in potassium 1. Foods containing less than 100 mg or less than 3% Daily Value are considered low in potassium 1.

Critical Contraindications and Warnings

Patients Who Must Restrict High-Potassium Foods

• Chronic kidney disease stages 2-5: Patients should avoid or strictly limit bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomato products, legumes, lentils, yogurt, and chocolate 1, 2
• Patients on potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene): At increased risk for hyperkalemia 2, 6
• Patients on ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers: Increased hyperkalemia risk requires careful monitoring 2
• Advanced chronic kidney disease: Excessive potassium intake should be avoided entirely 2, 6

Severe Hyperkalemia Risk

Severe hyperkalemia (serum potassium ≥5.0 mEq/L) can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, or paralysis of respiratory muscles, making dietary potassium control critically important in at-risk populations 1, 2.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not assume all patients can safely increase potassium intake: Always screen for renal function and medication interactions before recommending high-potassium foods 6
• Potassium content may not be listed on food labels: Absence of potassium information does not mean the food lacks potassium 1
• Salt substitutes often contain potassium: These can cause life-threatening hyperkalemia in susceptible individuals and should be avoided in patients requiring potassium restriction 1, 2
• Dietary sources are strongly preferred over supplements: Whole foods provide additional beneficial nutrients beyond potassium alone 1, 6, 7