Does Basmati Rice Have Potassium? Understanding its Mineral Content

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Nutritionix, a 100-gram serving of cooked white basmati rice contains approximately 35mg of potassium. This confirms that yes, basmati rice does have potassium, though it is not considered a high-potassium food. The amount of this essential mineral present in the rice can vary based on whether it is the white or brown variety, with brown basmati rice typically containing more.

Quick Summary

Basmati rice contains potassium, with brown basmati providing significantly more than the white version. The milling process of white rice removes much of the mineral content. Though not a primary source of potassium, it contributes to overall dietary intake. The choice between white and brown basmati depends on individual dietary needs, especially for those managing potassium levels due to conditions like kidney disease.

Key Points

Low Potassium Content: Cooked white basmati rice contains a relatively low amount of potassium, with approximately 35mg per 100g.
Brown vs. White Basmati: Brown basmati rice has a higher potassium and overall nutrient content than the white variety because it retains the bran and germ.
Processing Matters: The milling process for white rice removes the outer layers where most of the minerals, including potassium, are stored.
Good for Restricted Diets: White basmati rice is often a suitable choice for individuals on a potassium-restricted diet, such as those with chronic kidney disease.
Not a Primary Source: Basmati rice should not be considered a primary source of potassium, and other foods should be used to meet daily mineral requirements.
Context is Key: For general healthy eating, the potassium content of basmati rice is not a major factor, but it is important for those managing specific health conditions.

Yes, Basmati Rice Contains Potassium

For many, the question of whether popular foods like basmati rice contain specific nutrients is a common one. The answer to 'does basmati rice have potassium?' is yes, it does, but in relatively small quantities compared to other potassium-rich foods like bananas or potatoes. The exact amount is influenced primarily by whether the rice is white or brown.

Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a critical role in many bodily functions, including nerve signaling, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. It is particularly important for regulating blood pressure and supporting heart and kidney health. For most people, basmati rice's modest potassium content is a minor contributor to their daily needs. However, for those on potassium-restricted diets, such as individuals with chronic kidney disease, this information is highly relevant.

The Difference Between White and Brown Basmati Rice

The mineral content of basmati rice, like all grains, is directly tied to how it is processed. White basmati rice undergoes a milling process that removes the bran and germ layers. These outer layers are where the majority of the nutrients, including fiber and many minerals, are concentrated. Brown basmati rice, as a whole grain, retains these layers. This difference explains why brown basmati rice is more nutrient-dense and has a higher potassium level than its white counterpart.

White Basmati Rice: A 100-gram serving of cooked white basmati contains approximately 35 mg of potassium. This is a very small amount, typically representing only about 1% of the daily value.
Brown Basmati Rice: In contrast, brown rice generally offers a higher nutrient profile. Some analyses show that a single cup of cooked brown rice can contain over 150 mg of potassium, significantly more than white basmati.
Other Minerals: The same milling process that reduces potassium also lowers the content of other minerals like magnesium and phosphorus in white basmati rice.

Comparing Basmati Rice with Other Foods

To put the potassium content of basmati rice into perspective, it is useful to compare it with other common foods. This comparison highlights that while basmati is not a major source, it still contributes to one's overall mineral intake.

A medium banana contains around 422 mg of potassium, nearly twelve times the amount in 100 grams of cooked white basmati rice.
A baked potato with skin is another excellent source, offering over 900 mg of potassium.
Foods like beans, spinach, and avocados are also well-known for their high potassium levels.

Basmati's Place in a Balanced Diet

For most healthy individuals, the low potassium content of basmati rice is not a concern and can be part of a balanced diet. Its mild flavor and fluffy texture make it a popular side dish that pairs well with a variety of protein and vegetable dishes, which can help increase the overall potassium content of the meal.

For those on a potassium-restricted diet, often recommended for managing kidney disease, white basmati rice is frequently recommended over other grains. The milling process reduces not only potassium but also phosphorus, another mineral that must be controlled in such diets. However, patients should always follow their doctor's or dietitian's specific advice regarding dietary restrictions.

White Basmati vs. Brown Rice: Nutritional Comparison


Nutrient	White Basmati Rice	Brown Basmati Rice
Processing	Refined, with bran and germ removed	Whole grain, with bran and germ intact
Potassium Content	Lower, typically ~35mg per 100g cooked	Higher, can be more than 150mg per cup cooked
Fiber Content	Low	High, nearly double that of white basmati
Magnesium & Zinc	Lower	Higher
Glycemic Index (GI)	Lower than other white rice varieties (50-58)	Lower than white basmati (40-50)
Health Considerations	Easier to digest; easier for low-mineral diets	Richer in nutrients; better for blood sugar control and heart health

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Diet

While basmati rice does contain potassium, it is not a significant source of this mineral. The key takeaway is the stark difference between the white and brown varieties due to the milling process. Brown basmati rice, as a whole grain, offers a higher concentration of potassium and other beneficial nutrients. The choice between white and brown basmati should be based on your specific dietary needs and health goals, particularly for those with health conditions requiring mineral management. For most people, both can be part of a healthy, varied diet, providing carbohydrates and energy while offering some nutritional benefits.

When considering your total potassium intake, it's always best to focus on fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which are much more potent sources of the mineral. This allows you to enjoy basmati rice without relying on it for your daily mineral requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while brown basmati rice has more potassium than white basmati, it is not considered a significant source compared to foods like bananas, potatoes, or spinach.

Brown basmati rice contains more potassium because it is a whole grain that retains its outer bran and germ layers, where most of the minerals are found. White basmati rice has these layers removed during the milling process.

Yes, white basmati rice is typically a good choice for individuals on a low-potassium diet due to its low mineral content. However, specific medical advice from a doctor or dietitian should always be followed.

A 100-gram serving of cooked white basmati rice has approximately 35 mg of potassium, which is a very low amount.

While there may be minor variations between brands, the potassium content is primarily determined by whether the rice is white or brown. Brown varieties will consistently have more than white ones, regardless of the brand.

Yes, rinsing raw rice before cooking and draining the excess water afterward can remove some of the mineral content, including arsenic. This practice is often recommended for reducing arsenic levels, but will also affect nutrient composition.

No, brown rice typically has higher inorganic arsenic levels because the mineral accumulates in the bran layer. However, brown basmati rice from specific regions like California, India, or Pakistan can have lower arsenic content than other brown rice types.