Does Cheese Increase Potassium? A Detailed Guide to Dairy Potassium Levels

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

The potassium content in cheese varies dramatically depending on the type, with some varieties containing minimal amounts while others are more substantial contributors to daily intake. The question, "Does cheese increase potassium?" is not a simple yes or no, but rather depends on the specific cheese and the quantity consumed.

Quick Summary

Cheese contains varying levels of potassium, with many hard and aged types having lower amounts, while some soft, processed, and whey-based cheeses have higher levels.

Key Points

Variable Content: The potassium level in cheese is not consistent across all types and can range from very low to moderate, with some varieties containing higher amounts.
Low-Potassium Varieties: Harder cheeses like goat, Swiss, and feta typically contain very low levels of potassium because the potassium-rich whey is removed during processing.
Higher-Potassium Varieties: Soft cheeses, such as ricotta and cottage cheese, retain more whey and therefore have higher potassium content.
Processed Cheese: Certain processed cheeses, especially low-sodium versions, may contain higher potassium due to the addition of potassium chloride as a salt substitute.
Dietary Considerations: For individuals with kidney disease, monitoring cheese intake and choosing low-potassium varieties are important for managing blood potassium levels.
Check Labels: Always check the nutritional information and ingredient list on cheese products, particularly processed versions, to identify any added potassium chloride.

Understanding Potassium in Dairy Products

Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. While many associate high-potassium foods with fruits and vegetables like bananas and spinach, dairy products also contain this vital mineral. However, the concentration of potassium in cheese is not uniform. The type of milk used, the aging process, and the specific manufacturing techniques can all influence the final potassium content. For most healthy individuals, the moderate amounts of potassium in cheese are not a concern. For those on a renal diet or needing to manage their intake carefully, understanding these differences is key.

How Potassium Content Varies in Different Cheeses

The potassium level in cheese can vary widely. Knowing which cheeses are lower in potassium and which are higher can help inform your dietary choices.

Low-Potassium Cheese Varieties

For individuals monitoring their potassium intake, several cheese options are considered low. These typically include many hard and semi-soft cheeses, as much of the potassium-rich whey is removed during processing.

Goat Cheese: Often cited as one of the lowest in potassium, providing as little as 7 mg per ounce.
Swiss Cheese: A low-sodium and low-potassium choice, with an ounce containing around 22-31 mg.
Feta Cheese: This tangy cheese is relatively low in potassium, with about 18 mg per ounce.
Fontina: Another hard cheese option with a low potassium count, around 18 mg per ounce.
Cream Cheese: A soft, full-fat cream cheese contains a modest 40 mg per two tablespoons.
Parmesan: Grated Parmesan has an exceptionally low amount of potassium, at just 5 mg per tablespoon.

Moderate- to High-Potassium Cheeses

Certain types of cheese, especially soft cheeses that retain more whey, can have a higher potassium count. Processed cheeses can also contain higher levels, sometimes due to the addition of potassium chloride as a salt substitute in low-sodium versions.

Cottage Cheese: This soft cheese can be a significant source of potassium, especially in larger portions. A half-cup serving can contain over 200 mg of potassium.
Ricotta Cheese: Similar to cottage cheese, ricotta contains a notable amount of potassium, with about 136 mg per quarter-cup.
Processed Cheese Slices: Some processed cheese slices can have a higher potassium content than their natural counterparts, with some sources reporting around 68 mg per slice. Check the label for additives like potassium chloride.
Gjetost Cheese: A Norwegian cheese made from whey, gjetost is exceptionally high in potassium, with some analyses showing over 1400 mg per 100g.

Factors Influencing Potassium Levels in Cheese

Several factors contribute to the variation in cheese potassium content:

Water Content and Whey: The process of making cheese involves separating milk into curds and whey. Whey, the liquid byproduct, is high in potassium. Softer cheeses like cottage and ricotta, which retain more whey, naturally have higher potassium concentrations. Harder cheeses like Parmesan have most of the whey pressed out, resulting in a lower potassium content.
Aging Process: As hard cheeses age, moisture is lost, and the mineral content becomes more concentrated. However, the overall removal of whey keeps the potassium levels relatively low compared to softer options.
Additives: Some specialty cheeses, particularly low-sodium versions, may have potassium chloride added to replace the flavor of table salt. This can significantly increase the potassium level in a product that would otherwise be low. Always check the ingredients list if you are on a restricted diet.

Cheese and Special Dietary Needs

For individuals with decreased kidney function, monitoring potassium intake is crucial to prevent the mineral from building up to dangerous levels in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia. For these individuals, cheese can still be part of a balanced diet, but proper selection and portion control are essential. Low-potassium cheese options like goat, Swiss, and feta are generally safer choices. A renal dietitian can provide personalized guidance.

Potassium Content of Popular Cheeses: A Comparison

To highlight the wide range of potassium in cheese, here is a comparison table based on a standard 1-ounce (28g) serving size, where data is available:


Cheese Type	Serving Size	Potassium (approx. mg)	Notes
Goat Cheese (soft)	1 oz	7	Lowest potassium option
Swiss Cheese	1 oz	22-31	Lower potassium than Cheddar
Feta Cheese	1 oz	18-19	A moderately low option, also lower sodium
Mozzarella Cheese	1 oz	22	Relatively low, popular option
Cheddar Cheese	1 oz	28	Common cheese, moderate potassium
Processed Cheese Slice	1 slice (21g)	68	Note the smaller slice size for this data point
Ricotta Cheese	1/4 cup	136	Higher in potassium due to whey content
Cottage Cheese	1/2 cup	149-200+	Higher potassium, especially with no-salt-added versions

Conclusion: Context is Key

So, does cheese increase potassium? Yes, cheese contains potassium, but the effect on overall dietary intake is dependent on the type and amount consumed. For the average person, cheese is a modest source of this mineral. However, for those on a low-potassium diet, particularly those managing kidney disease, making careful selections is important. Opting for hard cheeses like goat, Swiss, or Parmesan in moderation can be a low-potassium way to enjoy cheese. Conversely, soft cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese should be monitored more closely due to their higher mineral content.

Ultimately, knowing the nutritional profile of the specific cheese you are eating, checking product labels for added potassium chloride, and practicing portion control will allow most individuals to enjoy cheese while maintaining a balanced diet. Consulting a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian is always recommended for personalized dietary advice. You can find more information from authoritative health organizations such as the National Kidney Foundation on managing dietary intake for kidney health.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy individuals consuming a balanced diet, cheese is not a significant source of potassium and typically does not contribute to high blood potassium levels. It is only a concern for those with specific medical conditions like kidney disease who need to limit their intake.

Among common varieties, goat cheese is often one of the lowest in potassium, containing as little as 7 milligrams per ounce.

Yes, cottage cheese is one of the higher-potassium cheeses due to its higher whey content. A half-cup serving can contain over 200 mg of potassium, a notable amount for those on restricted diets.

Some manufacturers add potassium chloride as a salt substitute to low-sodium cheeses to improve the flavor. This can significantly increase the potassium content, so it's important to read the ingredients list.

Yes, people with kidney disease can often eat cheese, but they must choose specific types and control portion sizes. Low-potassium options like Swiss, feta, and goat cheese are generally better choices, but a renal dietitian should be consulted for personalized advice.

The potassium in cheese is not harmful for healthy people. However, if you have a medical condition affecting potassium regulation, such as kidney disease, consuming too much high-potassium cheese could be harmful and requires medical guidance.

During the aging process, moisture is removed and the whey is pressed out, which removes much of the potassium. This is why harder, aged cheeses tend to be lower in potassium than softer, fresher cheeses.