Is Chicken Soup High in Potassium? A Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, a healthy adult should aim for 4,700 mg of potassium daily. However, the question of 'is chicken soup high in potassium?' does not have a single answer, as the nutritional profile is heavily influenced by how it is prepared and the specific components used.

Quick Summary

Chicken soup's potassium content is not uniformly high and fluctuates depending on whether it is homemade or canned and the inclusion of high-potassium vegetables and other additives.

Key Points

Variable Potassium Levels: The potassium content of chicken soup is not fixed and depends on the specific ingredients and preparation method, with homemade versions often containing more.
Ingredients Matter Most: High-potassium ingredients like potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and certain beans will significantly increase the total potassium in your soup.
Canned vs. Homemade: Store-bought canned soups typically have moderate potassium but very high sodium, while homemade versions can be customized for specific dietary needs.
Risks for Kidney Patients: Individuals on a low-potassium diet, such as those with kidney disease, need to be cautious with all types of chicken soup and consult a doctor.
The Base Affects Content: Simple chicken broth contains very little potassium, but the total soup content increases with solid additions like chicken, vegetables, and noodles.
Check Labels and Control Ingredients: The best way to manage potassium intake from chicken soup is to check nutrition labels on canned products or control ingredients when cooking from scratch.

The myth of chicken soup being a cure-all for common colds and ailments has led many to question its specific nutritional makeup. For those monitoring their potassium intake, determining if this comforting food fits into their diet is crucial. The truth is, the potassium level in a bowl of chicken soup is highly variable, influenced by its base, protein, and vegetable ingredients.

The Ingredients That Influence Potassium Levels

Several components contribute to the total potassium in your soup. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed choice.

Broth or Stock Base

Plain chicken broth is typically quite low in potassium, with some store-bought options containing as little as 45-60 mg per cup. However, the potassium content can increase significantly when vegetables are added during cooking. For individuals on a low-potassium diet, a low-sodium broth is often recommended, but it's important to read the label carefully. Some manufacturers replace sodium with potassium chloride, which can dangerously increase the potassium level for those with kidney disease.

Chicken Meat

Chicken breast is a moderate source of potassium. A cooked, skinless chicken breast serving (about 80g) contains around 256mg of potassium, contributing to the soup's overall mineral content without being exceptionally high on its own. The potassium from the chicken is primarily concentrated in the meat itself rather than the broth.

Vegetable Additions

This is where the biggest fluctuations in potassium occur. Many traditional soup vegetables are rich in potassium. For example, adding potatoes, carrots, celery, or a large amount of tomato-based ingredients can substantially increase the soup's potassium. One medium baked potato contains over 500mg of potassium, and a cup of tomato sauce can have over 700mg. Other high-potassium vegetables to be mindful of include spinach and mushrooms. To reduce potassium, you can choose lower-potassium vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or cauliflower.

Additives and Noodles

Store-bought canned soups often contain various additives to enhance flavor and shelf life. While the potassium in some canned versions is only moderate, the sodium content is usually very high. It's important to read labels to determine the precise nutritional information. The type of noodles or pasta used also influences the final potassium count, with whole wheat varieties generally containing more than white pasta.

Homemade vs. Canned Chicken Soup: A Comparison

The primary difference between homemade and canned soup is control over ingredients. Here is a comparison of typical nutritional values:


Feature	Homemade Chicken Soup (Control)	Canned Chicken Soup (Typical)
Potassium per Serving	Highly variable (can be 200mg-1000mg+)	Moderate (e.g., condensed chicken noodle ~298mg)
Sodium per Serving	Lower, if unsalted broth is used (e.g., <200mg)	Very high (e.g., some condensed versions >2000mg)
Ingredient Quality	Control over fresh vegetables and seasonings.	May contain additives, preservatives, and higher sodium.
Dietary Control	Easily adaptable for low-potassium or low-sodium diets.	Requires careful label reading and brand selection.

Customizing Your Chicken Soup for Dietary Needs

For those needing to manage their potassium intake, there are several ways to adjust your chicken soup recipe.

Tips for a Low-Potassium Soup

Choose the right base: Start with a low-sodium chicken broth or make your own stock without adding salt. Be sure the low-sodium option doesn't use potassium chloride as a replacement.
Leach high-potassium vegetables: For ingredients like potatoes, you can peel and chop them, then boil them in a large pot of water before adding them to the soup. This can reduce the potassium content.
Substitute vegetables: Use low-potassium vegetables like onions, garlic, cabbage, bell peppers, or zucchini instead of potatoes, tomatoes, and spinach.
Control seasonings: Opt for fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley instead of potassium-rich salt substitutes.

Tips for a Higher-Potassium Soup

If you are looking to boost your potassium intake, chicken soup can be a great vehicle. Simply include more of the high-potassium ingredients:

Add potatoes and root vegetables: Include sweet potatoes, carrots, or parsnips.
Use beans and lentils: Lentils and kidney beans are excellent sources of potassium and fiber.
Add spinach: A handful of spinach can significantly increase the potassium content.
Use tomato paste: For a richer flavor and higher potassium, add a small amount of tomato paste.

The Role of Chicken Soup in a Kidney-Friendly Diet

For individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), managing potassium and sodium intake is critical. Because store-bought canned soups are typically high in both, they are often discouraged. However, homemade versions can be adapted to fit a renal diet. The National Kidney Foundation offers several low-sodium, kidney-friendly recipes that allow patients to enjoy the comfort of chicken soup safely. Always consult with a doctor or dietitian before making significant changes to a renal diet.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether chicken soup is high in potassium is not a simple yes or no. The final potassium count is a result of a combination of factors, including the type of broth, the amount of chicken, and the choice of vegetables and additives. While a basic chicken and broth soup is low in potassium, adding common ingredients like potatoes and tomatoes can increase it dramatically. For those with dietary restrictions, such as kidney disease, understanding and controlling these variables is key to enjoying a nutritious and safe bowl of soup. Reading labels on commercial products and cooking from scratch are the most effective strategies for managing your potassium intake.

Visit the National Institutes of Health for more information on potassium

Frequently Asked Questions

Homemade chicken soup's potassium content is variable. If you add high-potassium ingredients like potatoes, spinach, or lots of carrots, the potassium will be higher. A basic broth with just chicken is typically lower in potassium.

Canned chicken noodle soup generally contains a moderate amount of potassium, though it is often very high in sodium. For example, some condensed versions contain around 298mg of potassium per serving.

Plain chicken broth is typically low in potassium. One cup can contain as little as 45-60mg of potassium. However, some store-bought broths, particularly low-sodium versions, may use potassium chloride as a salt substitute, which increases potassium and can be a concern for some.

Yes, many common soup vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes contain potassium. Including a variety of these vegetables will increase the overall potassium level of the soup significantly.

Chicken breast itself is a moderate source of potassium, with around 256mg per 80-gram serving. It is not considered a high-potassium food on its own but contributes to the total amount in the soup.

Individuals with kidney disease or those on a medically advised low-potassium diet should be mindful of their soup choices. High-potassium ingredients should be limited or managed, and it is crucial to consult a doctor or dietitian.

To make a low-potassium chicken soup, use a low-sodium chicken broth base, opt for low-potassium vegetables like onions, garlic, and cabbage, and control portion sizes. Avoid large amounts of potatoes, tomatoes, and certain leafy greens.

Rinsing canned chicken is primarily done to reduce sodium content. While it may remove a negligible amount of potassium, it won't have a major impact on the overall potassium level of the soup.

Good low-potassium vegetable substitutes for potatoes in soup include white rice, noodles, green beans, cauliflower, or turnip. These alternatives offer bulk and texture without the high potassium load of potatoes.