Is Rice Milk Good for Your Kidneys? The Renal Diet Guide

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, managing the intake of certain minerals is crucial for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Understanding how dietary choices like plant-based milks fit into this plan is essential, leading many to ask: is rice milk good for your kidneys?.

Quick Summary

Rice milk is often recommended as a low-potassium and low-phosphorus milk substitute for those on a renal diet. However, it is also low in protein and can be high in carbohydrates, so selecting an unfortified brand and checking labels for additives is vital.

Key Points

Low Potassium and Phosphorus: Unenriched rice milk is naturally low in potassium and phosphorus, making it a viable dairy alternative for those on a renal diet.
Check for Additives: Always read the ingredient list for fortified versions that may contain added potassium or phosphate additives, which are harmful for CKD patients.
Low Protein Content: Rice milk offers very little protein, which can be beneficial for pre-dialysis patients but insufficient for those on dialysis.
High Carbohydrates: Its high carbohydrate content and glycemic index mean individuals with diabetes must consume it with caution and monitor blood sugar levels.
Potential Arsenic Exposure: As rice can contain arsenic, moderate consumption and alternating with other plant-based milks is a prudent strategy.
Personalized Advice Needed: Always consult a healthcare provider or renal dietitian to determine the best milk alternative for your specific health needs.

The Role of Minerals in a Renal Diet

For individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys cannot effectively filter excess minerals like potassium and phosphorus from the blood. This can lead to serious health complications, making dietary management a critical part of treatment. Cow's milk is naturally high in both potassium and phosphorus, so many people with kidney concerns are advised to seek dairy-free alternatives.

Rice Milk: A Low-Mineral Alternative

Unenriched rice milk is generally a good option for individuals managing CKD because it is naturally low in potassium, phosphorus, and protein. For someone on a renal diet, choosing a beverage with lower levels of these specific minerals can help reduce the workload on the kidneys. However, it is essential to be a diligent label-reader. Many commercial rice milk products are fortified with added calcium and other vitamins to mimic the nutritional profile of cow's milk. This fortification can also include phosphate additives (look for ingredients containing "phos") which would make the product unsuitable for a low-phosphorus diet. Always choose an unfortified or organic version when possible, and check the ingredient list carefully for any added minerals or supplements.

Other Nutritional Considerations

While the low mineral content is a major benefit, rice milk has other nutritional aspects to consider, particularly for those with additional health conditions.

Low Protein: Rice milk is significantly lower in protein than cow's milk and soy milk. While this is beneficial for some on a pre-dialysis renal diet where protein intake is limited, it is a drawback for those who need to maintain or increase their protein, such as dialysis patients.
High Carbohydrates and Glycemic Index: Compared to cow's milk, rice milk is relatively high in carbohydrates and has a higher glycemic index. This means it can cause a faster rise in blood sugar levels, which is a key consideration for those with diabetes, a common comorbidity with CKD.
Arsenic Risk: Rice is known to absorb more arsenic from soil and water than other grains. While commercial rice milk in the US is monitored for safety, moderate consumption is recommended, especially for children. A varied diet of plant-based milks can help mitigate this risk.

Choosing the Best Plant-Based Milk for Kidney Health

Selecting the best milk alternative depends on an individual's specific needs and blood test results. Consulting with a registered dietitian specializing in kidney health is the most reliable way to create a tailored plan.


Feature	Rice Milk (Unenriched)	Almond Milk (Unenriched)	Soy Milk (Unenriched)	Cow's Milk (Full Fat)
Potassium	Low (20-80 mg per cup)	Moderate (150-250 mg per cup)	High (250-440 mg per cup)	High (322-410 mg per cup)
Phosphorus	Low (approx. 50 mg per cup)	Low (approx. 20 mg per cup)	Moderate (80-150 mg per cup)	High (220-230 mg per cup)
Protein	Very low (<1 g per cup)	Low (1 g per cup)	High (8 g per cup)	High (8 g per cup)
Glycemic Index	High	Low	Low	Low
Other Considerations	Low allergen, potential arsenic risk	Low carb, can be high in oxalates	Comparable protein to dairy	Higher fat, contains lactose

Practical Advice for Incorporating Rice Milk

Read Labels: Always check the ingredient list for hidden phosphate additives, which can be listed as disodium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, or phosphoric acid.
Manage Portions: Although it is a low-mineral option, moderation is still key. Discuss appropriate serving sizes with your healthcare provider.
Vary Your Diet: To limit potential arsenic exposure, consider rotating between different kidney-friendly plant-based milks like certain brands of almond milk, macadamia milk, or coconut milk, after confirming with a professional.
Monitor Blood Sugar: Due to its high glycemic index, individuals with diabetes should be particularly mindful of their carbohydrate intake when consuming rice milk.

Conclusion

For many people managing their mineral intake on a renal diet, unfortified rice milk is a suitable alternative to cow's milk because of its naturally low levels of potassium, phosphorus, and protein. However, the product's high carbohydrate content and the potential for added fortifying minerals necessitate careful label reading and portion control. Given the varied nutritional profiles of different milk alternatives, the best choice is a highly personalized decision that should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider or a renal dietitian. They can help balance the benefits of lower mineral content with other dietary needs and potential drawbacks like arsenic exposure.

Visit the DaVita website for more information on kidney-friendly diets and milk alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for many individuals with kidney disease, unfortified rice milk is a better option than cow's milk. This is because cow's milk is high in phosphorus and potassium, which can be harmful when the kidneys are unable to filter them properly.

To identify phosphate additives, read the ingredients list on the product label. Look for any words containing "phos," such as phosphoric acid, tricalcium phosphate, or disodium phosphate.

No, rice milk is very low in protein, typically containing less than 1 gram per cup. This can be advantageous for some renal diets but may not be suitable for dialysis patients with higher protein needs.

Yes, its high carbohydrate content and glycemic index can cause blood sugar spikes, making it less ideal for people with diabetes. Careful monitoring and moderation are recommended.

One potential risk is arsenic exposure, as rice tends to absorb more arsenic from the environment. Rotating your choice of plant-based milk can help minimize this risk.

The best milk varies by individual. Unfortified rice milk and certain low-oxalate coconut and macadamia milks are often good choices due to their lower mineral content. A dietitian can provide a personalized recommendation.

Homemade rice milk, made from rice and water, guarantees no additives. For store-bought, choosing an unfortified or organic version and checking the label for added phosphates is essential.