Can I eat any cheese on a renal diet?: A dietitian's guide

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

For individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), managing dietary intake of phosphorus, sodium, and potassium is crucial. This often leads to the question, Can I eat any cheese on a renal diet?, and the answer is not a simple yes or no.

Quick Summary

Not all cheeses are created equal for kidney health due to varying levels of phosphorus and sodium. Smart choices, portion control, and avoiding certain processed products can make cheese part of a renal diet.

Key Points

Phosphorus and Sodium: Most cheeses are high in phosphorus and sodium, which are restricted on a renal diet to protect bones and manage blood pressure.
Best Choices: Softer, natural cheeses like cream cheese, brie, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, and Swiss are generally lower in phosphorus and sodium.
Worst Offenders: Avoid highly processed cheeses like American slices and cheese spreads, as they contain high levels of absorbed phosphorus additives and sodium.
Portion Control is Key: Even with lower-risk cheeses, moderation is critical. Small, controlled portions are recommended to manage intake.
Read Ingredients: Always check ingredient labels for added phosphorus, often listed as "phos" derivatives, and for potassium chloride in low-sodium varieties.
Consider Alternatives: For a cheesy flavor without dairy, nutritional yeast is an excellent low-sodium, low-phosphorus alternative.

The Role of Cheese in a Renal Diet

While a renal diet involves restrictions, it doesn't always mean eliminating favorite foods entirely. The key is understanding how certain nutrients in cheese can impact kidney function and learning to make informed choices. The primary concerns with cheese for individuals with kidney disease are its high levels of phosphorus and sodium, and in some cases, potassium.

Why Key Nutrients in Cheese Matter for Kidney Health

The Problem with Phosphorus For those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys cannot effectively remove excess phosphorus from the blood. Over time, high phosphorus levels can cause calcium to be pulled from bones, making them weak and fragile. High levels can also lead to dangerous calcium deposits in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is also important to note that inorganic phosphorus from additives in processed foods is absorbed much more readily than the organic phosphorus naturally found in cheese.
The Sodium Factor Too much sodium causes the body to retain fluid, which can lead to high blood pressure and swelling. This places extra strain on the kidneys and heart. Many cheeses, especially processed types, are very high in sodium. Reducing sodium intake is a key part of managing kidney disease.
Potassium Considerations While most natural cheeses are relatively low in potassium, some cheeses, particularly low-sodium versions, might contain potassium chloride as a salt substitute. It is crucial for those needing to limit potassium to check the ingredient list.

Kidney-Friendly Cheese Options

Some cheeses are better choices for a renal diet because they are naturally lower in phosphorus and sodium. When choosing, consider soft and mild cheeses and focus on portion control.

Best Kidney-Friendly Cheeses:

Cream Cheese: One of the lowest options for phosphorus, cream cheese can be used in small amounts for flavor.
Brie: A soft, creamy cheese that is also low in phosphorus.
Soft Goat Cheese (Chèvre): This cheese is low in both phosphorus and potassium, making it an excellent choice.
Ricotta Cheese: Can be a low-sodium option, especially if you choose a salt-free added variety.
Fresh Mozzarella: A good low-sodium choice, but be aware that more processed mozzarella can be higher in sodium.
Swiss Cheese: Natural Swiss cheese is surprisingly low in sodium.
Parmesan (Shredded): While higher in sodium, its strong flavor means a little goes a long way. Use sparingly.
Cottage Cheese (No-Salt-Added): Choose the salt-free version to control sodium, as regular cottage cheese can be high in sodium.

Cheeses to Limit or Avoid on a Renal Diet

Highly Processed Cheeses: These are often the biggest offenders due to the use of phosphate additives and high sodium content. Avoid American cheese slices, canned or jarred cheese spreads, and boxed macaroni and cheese.
Hard, High-Sodium Cheeses: Many aged and hard cheeses can have higher concentrations of sodium. While a small amount for flavor may be acceptable, large portions of cheeses like sharp cheddar, feta, and blue cheese should be limited.

Comparison of Cheeses for a Renal Diet


Cheese Type	Serving Size	Sodium (mg)	Phosphorus (mg)	Kidney-Friendly Rating
Cream Cheese	2 Tbsp (1 oz)	~108	~32	Excellent (Low)
Ricotta	1/4 cup	~55	~104	Good (Moderate P, Low S)
Goat Cheese (Soft)	1 oz	~138	~77	Excellent (Low)
Brie	1 oz	~188	~56	Excellent (Low)
Swiss (Natural)	1 oz	~54	~159	Good (Moderate P, Low S)
Mozzarella (Fresh)	1 oz	~106	~105	Good (Moderate P, Low S)
Processed Slices	1 slice (21g)	~381	~112	Poor (High S, P Additives)
Cheddar	1 oz	~194	~143	Fair (High S, Moderate P)

Values are approximate and can vary by brand. Always check the nutrition label.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Cheese Safely

Practice Portion Control: Stick to the recommended serving sizes, which are typically small (around 1 ounce). Using stronger-flavored cheeses can help you feel satisfied with less.
Read Ingredient Lists: Look for the word "phos" or related terms (like phosphoric acid) in the ingredients list, as these are artificial additives that increase phosphorus absorption.
Choose Lower-Sodium Varieties: Seek out "low sodium" or "no salt added" labels, especially for cottage cheese.
Consider Alternatives: If you need to avoid dairy entirely, nutritional yeast offers a savory, cheesy flavor with minimal sodium and no phosphorus, and is rich in B vitamins.
Consult a Dietitian: The best approach is to work with a renal dietitian who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific lab results and health stage.

Conclusion

While a renal diet requires careful consideration, it does not mean a complete farewell to cheese. By understanding the nutrient content of different types, prioritizing lower-phosphorus and lower-sodium options, and mastering portion control, you can still enjoy cheese safely. Always check labels for additives and consult with your healthcare provider or dietitian to ensure your choices align with your specific dietary needs. Making smart substitutions and enjoying cheese in moderation can help you manage your kidney health without sacrificing flavor.

For more information on nutrition and kidney disease, refer to the National Kidney Foundation at kidney.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Natural Swiss cheese and no-salt-added cottage cheese are among the lowest in sodium. Fresh mozzarella and ricotta also have lower sodium levels.

Yes, processed cheeses like American cheese slices and cheese spreads are generally poor choices. They contain high levels of phosphate additives, which are nearly 100% absorbed by the body.

Shredded Parmesan is relatively low in phosphorus per serving size, but it can be high in sodium. Use it sparingly for a strong flavor, controlling the portion size.

Portion sizes are crucial. A general guideline is one to two ounces of a kidney-friendly cheese, once or twice a week, but consult a dietitian for personalized advice.

Plant-based cheese alternatives can be a good option, but you should still check the nutrition label for sodium and added phosphorus. Nutritional yeast is another popular, low-sodium alternative.

Even with normal lab results, moderation and mindful selection are important. For early-stage CKD, a dietitian might suggest less restriction, but monitoring is still necessary.

Most natural cheeses are low in potassium. However, some manufacturers add potassium chloride to low-sodium varieties. Always check the ingredient list if you need to restrict potassium.