How much potassium is in unsalted saltine crackers?

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, unsalted saltine crackers contain a very small amount of potassium, typically ranging from 16 to 20 mg per five-cracker serving. This makes them a useful and often recommended option for individuals following a low-potassium diet, particularly those managing kidney disease or other health conditions.

Quick Summary

Unsalted saltine crackers have a minimal amount of potassium, making them a suitable dietary choice for individuals needing to limit their mineral intake. A typical serving contains less than 1% of the daily recommended value, but content can vary by brand. Their low-potassium profile is beneficial for specific health regimens, while their bland, low-fiber nature aids those with digestive upset.

Key Points

Low Potassium Content: Unsalted saltine crackers typically contain a very low amount of potassium, around 16-20 mg per 5-cracker serving.
Useful for Restricted Diets: Their low potassium level makes them suitable for people with kidney disease or other health issues requiring a low-potassium diet.
Not a Nutrient-Dense Food: While low in potassium, they are also low in fiber and other micronutrients, aside from small amounts of iron and folate from fortified flour.
Brand Variation Exists: Potassium content can differ slightly between brands, so checking the nutrition label is recommended, though the overall amount remains very small.
Gentle on the Stomach: The crackers' bland, low-fat, and easy-to-digest properties are beneficial for managing nausea and upset stomach.
Different from Regular Saltines: While unsalted versions primarily differ from regular ones in their sodium content, both are similarly low in potassium.

Understanding Potassium in Unsalted Saltine Crackers

Unsalted saltine crackers are known for their bland taste and use in settling upset stomachs, but what about their mineral content, specifically potassium? The amount of potassium is remarkably low, which is a significant reason for their frequent recommendation in restricted diets. A five-cracker serving generally provides only about 16 to 20 milligrams (mg) of potassium, which is well under 1% of the recommended daily intake for a healthy adult. It is important to note that the unsalted label refers to the salt sprinkled on top, and while it significantly reduces the sodium content compared to regular saltines, it does not substantially alter the small amount of naturally occurring potassium.

Nutritional Composition of Unsalted Saltines

Unsalted saltine crackers are primarily made from enriched wheat flour, oil, and leavening agents. The manufacturing process and ingredients contribute to their minimal mineral profile. The refined white flour used is not a significant source of potassium, unlike whole grains or many fruits and vegetables. This low mineral content is why unsalted saltines, along with other plain, white-flour-based products like white bread and pasta, are staples in many low-potassium meal plans.

Comparing Brands of Unsalted Saltine Crackers

While most brands of unsalted saltine crackers have a similarly low potassium content, there can be slight variations. It is always wise to check the nutrition facts on the packaging, especially for those on strict dietary restrictions. The differences are typically minor and do not alter the overall low-potassium nature of the product. The table below provides a comparison of the typical potassium content based on publicly available data for various brands per a standard five-cracker serving:


Brand	Potassium (mg) per 5 crackers	Sodium (mg) per 5 crackers	Notes
Nabisco Premium Unsalted Tops	17 mg	60 mg	A widely available benchmark brand.
Great Value (Walmart) Unsalted	20 mg	85 mg	Slightly higher potassium, but still very low.
Big Y Foods, Inc. Unsalted Tops	16 mg	60 mg	Comparable to Nabisco, with similar low levels.
Zesta Unsalted (Kellogg's)	10 mg	45 mg	Notably lower potassium and sodium than other brands.

How Unsalted Saltines Fit into a Low-Potassium Diet

For individuals with kidney disease or other conditions requiring a low-potassium diet, snacking can be challenging. Many common snack foods like nuts, dried fruits, and whole-grain crackers are higher in potassium. Unsalted saltines provide a safe and simple alternative. Here is a list of ways they can be incorporated into a restricted diet:

Pairing with low-potassium spreads: Use unsalted saltines with options like cream cheese, butter, or certain types of jam.
As a soup accompaniment: Their blandness and texture make them an excellent addition to low-sodium and low-potassium broths or clear soups.
In stuffing or as a binder: Crushed unsalted saltines can be used in recipes for stuffing or meatloaf to provide texture without significantly increasing the potassium load.
With low-potassium toppings: Consider pairing with thinly sliced raw carrots, cucumber, or a small amount of lean meat.

Considering other Nutritional Information

While the potassium content is low, unsalted saltines are not a powerhouse of nutrition. They are primarily a source of carbohydrates and contain minimal fiber, protein, or other vitamins. However, they do offer small amounts of iron and folate due to the fortification of the flour. Their blandness is a key therapeutic property, particularly for those experiencing nausea or an upset stomach, as they are easy to digest and less likely to provoke discomfort. For those not on a restricted diet, it's beneficial to pair them with a more nutrient-dense food, such as a nut butter or cheese, to make a more complete snack.

Conclusion

In summary, unsalted saltine crackers are a very low-potassium food, making them an excellent choice for individuals managing their potassium intake due to kidney disease or other medical conditions. A standard five-cracker serving contains approximately 10 to 20 mg of potassium, a negligible amount compared to the daily dietary recommendation. While they are not a nutrient-dense food, their value lies in their bland, easily digestible nature and their compatibility with low-potassium dietary restrictions. For those seeking healthy, balanced snacking, pairing them with other low-potassium foods can enhance their nutritional value.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, unsalted saltine crackers are not completely potassium-free, but they contain only a trace amount. Most brands provide about 16 to 20 mg of potassium per five-cracker serving, which is less than 1% of the daily recommended value.

No, the potassium content can vary slightly by brand, though all remain very low. For example, some brands may have 17 mg per serving while others have 20 mg. Always check the specific nutrition label on the package for the most accurate information.

There is no significant difference in the potassium level between unsalted and regular saltine crackers. The primary nutritional distinction is that the unsalted version has much less sodium, as it lacks the salt on top.

Unsalted saltine crackers are recommended because they are a reliable and palatable low-potassium snack option, especially for those managing kidney issues. Many other snack foods like nuts and whole grains are higher in potassium.

Given the very low potassium content per serving, it is extremely difficult to significantly increase your potassium levels by eating unsalted saltine crackers alone. However, they should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Besides a minimal amount of potassium, unsalted saltine crackers are mainly a source of carbohydrates. They contain very little fiber and protein but often include small amounts of iron and folate due to the use of enriched flour.

To maximize their nutritional use on a low-potassium diet, pair unsalted saltines with low-potassium spreads like cream cheese or use them as a simple complement to clear broths or soups. This adds texture and calories without adding much potassium.