How Much Potassium Is In White Cake? A Complete Guide

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

A typical slice of homemade white cake contains approximately 70 milligrams of potassium, which is a very low percentage of the recommended daily intake. This makes white cake a dessert with a minimal amount of the essential mineral, an important fact for those monitoring their dietary intake.

Quick Summary

The potassium content in white cake is minimal, with standard slices offering a low percentage of the daily value. The mineral primarily comes from minor sources like eggs and milk, with the final amount varying by recipe. It's a relatively low-potassium dessert option.

Key Points

Low Potassium Content: A standard slice of white cake contains a minimal amount of potassium, around 70mg.
Minor Ingredient Sources: The potassium present comes from trace amounts in ingredients like eggs and milk, not a concentrated source.
Recipe Varies Potency: Potassium content can differ slightly between homemade recipes and boxed mixes; always check specific labels.
Additions Significantly Increase Potassium: Cakes with high-potassium add-ins like dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate have substantially more potassium.
Relatively Low Compared to Other Cakes: Compared to fruit or chocolate cakes, white cake is a much lower potassium dessert choice.
Safe for Most Restrictive Diets: Due to its low concentration, white cake is often acceptable on medically prescribed low-potassium diets.

Understanding the Potassium Content in White Cake

When evaluating the nutritional profile of a baked good like white cake, potassium content is a common question, especially for those managing kidney health or certain medical conditions. The amount of potassium found in a slice of white cake is generally quite low and is primarily influenced by the specific ingredients used, such as eggs and milk. Unlike foods such as bananas, potatoes, or dried fruits, which are famously high in potassium, a standard white cake contains only trace amounts.

Potassium Amounts by Serving Size

Nutritional data shows variations based on serving size and preparation. Here's a breakdown of typical potassium levels based on common sources:

Per 100g: A 100-gram serving of white cake can contain roughly 95 to 99mg of potassium.
Per Slice (Homemade): One piece (1/12 of a 9" cake) prepared from a recipe might have around 70mg of potassium.
Per Slice (Commercial/Mix): A slice from a boxed mix or commercial cake may contain anywhere from 40mg to 50mg of potassium, depending on the brand and recipe.

For most people on an unrestricted diet, this amount is insignificant. However, for those on a low-potassium diet, it's a key detail to consider when planning dessert options.

The Ingredients That Contribute Potassium

The potassium found in a white cake doesn't come from a single major source but rather from a combination of ingredients that contain trace amounts. A standard recipe for white cake typically includes flour, sugar, butter, egg whites, and milk. Each of these contributes to the final mineral content, though none are particularly high in potassium.

Here are the primary ingredients and their potassium contributions:

Eggs (specifically the yolk): Whole eggs are a modest source of potassium, but many white cake recipes use only egg whites, which contain very little of the mineral. Recipes that use whole eggs will have slightly higher potassium content.
Milk: A small amount of potassium comes from the milk used in the recipe. The type of milk can also play a role, but the overall contribution remains minor.
Enriched Flour: White flour contains a minimal amount of potassium. The flour is not considered a significant source.
Sugar and Fat: Ingredients like sugar and butter contribute virtually no potassium to the cake.

Homemade vs. Boxed Mixes

The preparation method can slightly alter the total potassium content. A boxed cake mix, which often contains added ingredients and different ratios, can have a different nutritional profile than a cake made from scratch. Some dry cake mixes contain significant amounts of potassium, but this represents the entire package, not a single serving. For instance, some mixes list over 600mg of potassium per package, but once prepared and divided into servings, the individual portion remains low. Always check the nutritional label of the specific product for accurate information.

Comparison of Potassium in Common Cakes

To put the potassium content of white cake into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other popular desserts. The table below illustrates how different ingredients can dramatically change the mineral profile.


Cake Type	Estimated Potassium per 100g	Key Ingredients Increasing Potassium	Notes
White Cake	~99 mg	Eggs, milk	Relatively low potassium content.
Sponge Cake	~80 mg	Eggs	A plain sponge cake is also very low.
Fruit Cake	~390 mg	Dried fruit, nuts	High potassium due to dried fruit and nuts.
Chocolate Fudge Cake	~330 mg	Chocolate, cocoa powder	High potassium due to cocoa content.
Cheesecake	~120 mg	Dairy products (cheese, milk)	Moderate potassium due to dairy.

As the table shows, cakes containing ingredients naturally rich in potassium, such as dried fruits, chocolate, and nuts, will have a much higher potassium load. For those needing to limit potassium, a simple white cake is a much safer choice than a chocolate or fruit-based cake.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "how much potassium is in white cake?" is that it's a relatively low amount. A single slice of white cake is not a significant source of the mineral, making it a permissible treat for most people, including those on a low-potassium diet. The small amounts present come primarily from ingredients like eggs and milk, rather than from a concentrated source. Anyone monitoring their mineral intake should be mindful of toppings and mix-ins, such as chocolate or fruit, which can significantly increase the overall potassium content. For most, white cake represents a low-risk option from a potassium perspective, but it is always wise to consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice, especially concerning kidney health concerns.

Important Considerations for Healthier Choices

For those looking to reduce or manage their potassium intake while still enjoying dessert, consider these tips:

Choose Plain: Opt for simple white cake with minimal or no frosting rather than varieties with chocolate, dried fruit, or nuts.
Portion Control: Even with low-potassium options, portion control is key to managing overall nutrient intake. Enjoy a small slice.
Make Substitutions: In homemade recipes, using only egg whites instead of whole eggs can further minimize potassium. Similarly, using a low-potassium milk alternative could also help. However, given the already low level, this may not be necessary for most.

For more detailed nutritional information and the health benefits of maintaining proper potassium levels, you can consult reputable sources like UCLA Health.

UCLA Health - Why you need potassium and how to get more of it

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a standard white cake is not considered a high-potassium food. It contains a relatively low amount of the mineral, especially compared to other foods like bananas, potatoes, or some other cakes.

The small amount of potassium in white cake comes from minor sources like eggs and milk used in the recipe. Enriched white flour and other standard ingredients contribute very little.

Yes, plain white cake is generally suitable for a low-potassium diet because of its low mineral content. However, you should avoid cakes with high-potassium additions like dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate.

A dry boxed mix might show a higher potassium count on its label, but this is for the entire package. Once prepared and divided into servings, the potassium per slice is still low, similar to a homemade cake. Always check the specific product label.

Simple white frosting, typically made from sugar, butter, and vanilla, adds very little potassium. However, chocolate frosting or frosting containing nuts can increase the overall potassium.

White cake has significantly less potassium than chocolate cake. The cocoa powder in chocolate cake is naturally high in potassium, making it a higher mineral choice.

For most people, the small amount of potassium in cake is not an issue. High blood potassium levels are primarily a concern for people with impaired kidney function, who may need to restrict their intake.