Is Horseradish High in Potassium? Nutritional Facts and Benefits

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

With its distinctive, pungent flavor, horseradish has long been a staple condiment, but many people are unaware of its nutritional content. This potent root vegetable contains a variety of essential minerals, including potassium, though its concentration depends heavily on whether it is consumed raw or prepared.

Quick Summary

Horseradish is not particularly high in potassium in a typical serving size, containing only small amounts. Its spicy taste means most people only eat it in tiny quantities, limiting its contribution to daily potassium intake. While the root does contain the mineral, it is not a significant source compared to other foods like potatoes or bananas.

Key Points

Moderate Potassium Content: While containing potassium, a typical 1-tablespoon serving of prepared horseradish provides a very small amount (~44mg).
Not a Primary Source: Due to its potent taste, horseradish is not consumed in quantities large enough to be a significant source of daily potassium intake.
Raw vs. Prepared: Raw horseradish has a higher potassium concentration per 100 grams (~246mg), but prepared horseradish, which is more commonly used, is less concentrated.
Other Nutrients Present: Horseradish also provides other beneficial nutrients, including vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and has antibacterial properties.
Richer Potassium Sources: Better dietary sources of potassium include foods like bananas, baked potatoes, spinach, dried apricots, and beans.
Flavorful Addition, Not Staple Food: Horseradish is best used as a condiment for its flavor and minor nutritional benefits, not relied upon to fulfill daily mineral requirements.

Understanding the Potassium Content in Horseradish

Horseradish is a root vegetable known for its fiery kick, often used in small amounts as a condiment. The amount of potassium you get from horseradish is influenced by how it's consumed—fresh or prepared. A typical 1-tablespoon serving of prepared horseradish, a common way to eat it, provides a modest amount of potassium, about 44 mg. In contrast, a 100-gram portion of fresh, raw horseradish would provide a more substantial 246 mg of potassium.

To put this into perspective, the daily recommended intake for potassium for adult men is 3,400 mg and for women is 2,600 mg. Given the small serving sizes in which horseradish is typically eaten, it's not a go-to source for meeting your daily potassium needs. For example, you would need to eat a significant amount of the root to get the same potassium as from a single banana or baked potato, which are much richer sources.

Comparing Horseradish to Other Potassium-Rich Foods

While horseradish does contain potassium, it is far outpaced by other vegetables and fruits. For individuals looking to increase their potassium intake, relying on horseradish would be inefficient due to its potent flavor and small serving size. Incorporating a variety of potassium-rich foods is the most effective strategy for boosting mineral consumption.

Other Nutritional Benefits of Horseradish

Beyond its modest potassium content, horseradish offers other nutritional advantages, particularly when consumed in its raw form. It is a good source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. It also contains folate, magnesium, and manganese. The root's pungent flavor comes from compounds called isothiocyanates, which are known for their antibacterial properties.

How Potassium Supports Your Health

Potassium is a vital mineral and electrolyte that plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions. It works to balance fluid levels inside your cells and is essential for proper nerve and muscle function, including the muscles of the heart. A diet rich in potassium can also help lower blood pressure, especially for those with high sodium intake. The mineral helps relax blood vessel walls and promotes the excretion of excess sodium through urine.

Common dietary sources of potassium include:

Fruits: Bananas, dried apricots, oranges, cantaloupe
Vegetables: Baked potatoes, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes
Legumes: Lentils, kidney beans, soybeans
Dairy: Milk and yogurt
Other: Nuts, seeds, certain types of fish

Potassium Comparison: Horseradish vs. Other Foods


Food	Typical Serving	Potassium Content	Comparison
Horseradish, prepared	1 tbsp (15g)	~44 mg	A small amount, not a primary source
Banana	1 medium	~422 mg	Excellent source, significantly higher
Potato, baked	1 medium	~940 mg	Very high, especially with skin
Dried Apricots	½ cup	~755 mg	Excellent, concentrated source
Spinach, cooked	½ cup	~419 mg	Good source of potassium

The takeaway: A condiment, not a primary source

When considering horseradish's role in a balanced diet, it is best viewed as a flavor-enhancer and a source of various nutrients rather than a primary potassium powerhouse. While it contributes a small amount, especially in its raw form, its intense flavor dictates that it will never be a staple food for meeting your daily mineral needs. To maintain optimal potassium levels, focus on including a diverse array of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy products in your meals. This approach ensures you receive a broader spectrum of nutrients essential for overall health.

For more detailed nutritional information on dietary minerals, refer to reliable sources like the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical 1-tablespoon serving of prepared horseradish contains approximately 44 milligrams of potassium.

No, prepared horseradish is not a significant source of potassium because it is typically consumed in very small quantities.

Foods much higher in potassium include bananas, baked potatoes, spinach, dried apricots, and various beans and legumes.

Yes, horseradish is rich in vitamin C and has antibacterial properties due to compounds like allyl isothiocyanate.

Some studies suggest horseradish may help lower blood pressure, primarily due to its potassium content which helps regulate fluid and relax blood vessel walls.

It is highly unlikely to get too much potassium from horseradish alone, as its strong flavor prevents it from being consumed in large enough amounts to cause an issue.

Yes, raw horseradish has a higher concentration of potassium per gram. For example, 100 grams of raw horseradish has about 246 mg of potassium, while prepared versions have less per serving.