Finding a Soda Which Has No Phosphorus: Your Guide to Kidney-Friendly Choices

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

For those with kidney disease, managing phosphorus intake is crucial, as chronic kidney disease impacts how the body regulates this mineral. This is why people on a renal diet often ask: which soda has no phosphorus? The answer is not all sodas are equal, and by checking labels, you can find several tasty and safe options.

Quick Summary

Several sodas, particularly clear and some root beer varieties, are formulated without added phosphoric acid, the primary source of phosphorus in many soft drinks. Always check ingredient labels for clarity on phosphate additives.

Key Points

Clear Sodas are Safer: Lemon-lime and ginger ale sodas, like Sprite and 7UP, are generally phosphorus-free because they do not use phosphoric acid.
Dark Colas Contain Phosphorus: Most dark colas, including Coca-Cola and Pepsi, contain added phosphoric acid and should be avoided on a low-phosphorus diet.
Check Root Beer Labels: While A&W Root Beer is often phosphorus-free, other brands like Barq's are not. Always verify the ingredients list.
Read Ingredient Labels Carefully: Look for ingredients with "phosphate" or "phosphoric" in the name, as these are indicators of added phosphorus.
Consider Alternative Brands: Brands such as Zevia and Green Cola are specifically formulated without phosphoric acid, offering a wide range of flavor options.
Diet Versions Aren't Always Better: While diet clear sodas are often phosphorus-free, some diet varieties of other brands may contain phosphate additives, so checking the label is essential.

Why Phosphorus in Soda Matters

Phosphorus is a mineral essential for healthy bones and overall body function. However, for individuals with kidney disease, high phosphorus levels can cause serious health issues, including heart and bone problems. The issue with many popular sodas, especially dark-colored colas, is the addition of phosphoric acid, which is used to add tartness and extend shelf life. This additive is different from naturally occurring phosphorus in food and is absorbed almost entirely by the body, making it particularly dangerous for those with compromised kidney function.

Clear Sodas: Often the Safest Bet

In general, many clear or light-colored sodas do not contain phosphoric acid. Instead, they rely on citric acid for their flavor profile. This makes them a more suitable choice for a low-phosphorus diet. However, it is vital to always verify the ingredient list, as formulations can vary by brand and product line.

7UP: Both regular and diet versions of 7UP are listed as free from phosphate additives, relying on citric acid for its lemon-lime flavor.
Sprite: Similar to 7UP, Sprite and its diet version are also clear and typically phosphorus-free. Always double-check the label, but it's a reliable choice.
Ginger Ale: Most brands of ginger ale, such as Canada Dry, do not contain phosphoric acid. It's a popular and low-risk option for many on a renal diet.

Root Beer: A Note on Brands

Root beer is a notable exception to the dark-colored soda rule. While many dark sodas contain phosphorus, most root beer brands are naturally free of it. A&W Root Beer is often cited as a good example. However, vigilance is key, as some brands, like Barq's, historically have contained phosphoric acid. For this reason, checking the label is the only way to be certain.

Diet Sodas and Alternatives

When looking for low-phosphorus options, diet versions of the clear sodas mentioned above (Sprite, 7UP, Ginger Ale) are excellent choices. Additionally, several newer or alternative brands have prioritized the removal of phosphoric acid.

Zevia: This brand uses stevia as a natural sweetener and explicitly states that it does not use phosphoric acid in its soda varieties, making it an ideal option for those on dialysis.
Green Cola: A newer entry into the market, Green Cola proudly advertises that its product is 0% phosphoric acid.
Crush and Sunkist Diet Orange Sodas: The diet versions of these orange sodas are often acceptable for a kidney diet as they do not contain phosphate additives, unlike their full-sugar counterparts.

Comparison of Common Sodas


Soda Type/Brand	Contains Phosphoric Acid?	Color	Notes
Coca-Cola	Yes	Dark	High in phosphorus due to phosphoric acid.
Diet Pepsi	Yes	Dark	Uses phosphoric acid as an additive.
Sprite	No	Clear	A safe, lemon-lime option.
Diet 7UP	No	Clear	Also a reliable low-phosphorus choice.
Canada Dry Ginger Ale	No	Clear	A standard choice for a phosphorus-free beverage.
A&W Root Beer	No	Dark	An exception to the dark soda rule; check labels.
Zevia (all flavors)	No	Varies	Uses stevia and is free of phosphoric acid.
Mountain Dew (Original)	Varies	Yellow/Green	Some versions do not, but labels must be checked.

Reading the Ingredients Label

To be absolutely sure about any soda's phosphorus content, reading the ingredient label is your best and most reliable method. Look specifically for additives that contain the word "phosphate" or "phosphoric". These are the added, more easily absorbed forms of phosphorus you want to avoid. Common examples include:

Phosphoric acid
Calcium phosphate
Sodium phosphate
Pyrophosphate

Conclusion

Finding a soda which has no phosphorus is achievable, particularly by focusing on clear, lemon-lime, and specific root beer varieties. While dark colas generally contain high levels of phosphoric acid, many alternative brands, including Zevia and Green Cola, are intentionally formulated to be free of this additive. Always verify product labels for added phosphates to ensure your choice aligns with your dietary needs, especially for those managing kidney health. For more guidance on managing phosphorus intake, consult a healthcare professional or a renal dietitian. The National Kidney Foundation offers excellent resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear sodas like Sprite and 7UP typically do not contain phosphoric acid. Many brands of ginger ale and certain root beers (like A&W) are also phosphorus-free.

No, not all root beer is phosphorus-free. While A&W Root Beer is generally a safe choice, some brands, like Barq's, have historically used phosphoric acid. You should always check the ingredient label to be certain.

Phosphoric acid is a common additive in many dark sodas, particularly colas like Coke and Pepsi, where it provides a sharp, tart flavor. It is not necessarily in all dark sodas, but it is highly prevalent.

To determine if a soda contains added phosphorus, look at the ingredient list on the label. Search for any ingredient containing the word "phosphate" or "phosphoric," such as phosphoric acid or sodium phosphate.

Yes, diet versions of clear sodas like Sprite and 7UP are generally phosphorus-free. Brands like Zevia, which use alternative sweeteners, are also made without phosphoric acid across all their flavors.

For individuals with kidney disease, high phosphorus intake from sodas can be dangerous because their kidneys cannot effectively remove excess phosphorus from the blood. High levels can lead to heart and bone problems over time.

Excellent low-phosphorus alternatives include flavored sparkling water (like La Croix or Bubly), plain water with fruit slices, and some fruit juices in moderation. Zevia soda is another option using natural sweeteners.