Is Shredded Cheese High in Potassium? A Complete Nutritional Guide

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

On average, a one-ounce serving of cheddar cheese contains only around 28 milligrams of potassium, which is not considered high for a standard diet. The question of whether shredded cheese is high in potassium depends largely on the specific type of cheese, as most common varieties are quite low in this mineral.

Quick Summary

Shredded cheese is generally not high in potassium, with common varieties like cheddar containing low to moderate amounts per serving. The potassium level varies by type, but overall cheese contributes only a small fraction of the daily recommended intake.

Key Points

Low Potassium: A one-ounce serving of common shredded cheeses like cheddar contains a low amount of potassium, typically less than 30 mg.
Minimal Nutritional Difference: Pre-shredded cheese has a similar nutritional profile to block cheese, with anti-caking agents having no significant impact on potassium content.
Sodium Is a Bigger Factor: Cheese is generally much higher in sodium than potassium, a more important dietary factor for managing blood pressure.
Consider Your Cheese Type: For those on low-potassium diets, options like Swiss and goat cheese offer particularly low potassium levels.
Portion Control Is Key: Since cheese is high in calories and saturated fat, moderation and portion control are essential for a healthy diet.
Suitable for Special Diets: With careful selection and portioning, cheese can be included in low-potassium diets, such as those recommended for people with kidney disease.

Understanding Potassium in Cheese

Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. For most healthy individuals, dietary potassium levels from cheese are not a concern. However, for those on a low-potassium diet, such as individuals with kidney disease, understanding the potassium content in different foods is crucial. The good news is that most natural cheeses, whether in block or shredded form, are not considered a primary source of potassium.

How Processing and Shredding Affect Potassium

Some people wonder if the process of shredding cheese changes its nutritional profile. The short answer is no, not in any significant way related to mineral content. The cheese is simply grated into smaller pieces. Packaged pre-shredded cheese, however, may contain anti-caking agents like cellulose or cornstarch to prevent clumping. These additives are present in negligible amounts and do not have a meaningful impact on the overall potassium level. The biggest difference is one of convenience versus cost and potential texture variation, as freshly grated cheese often melts more smoothly.

Comparing Potassium Levels in Common Shredded Cheeses

While most cheeses are not high in potassium, the levels do vary. Hard and semi-hard cheeses tend to have lower potassium content than some softer, high-moisture cheeses. Understanding these variations can help you make informed dietary choices.

Here is a list of common shredded cheeses and their approximate potassium content per one-ounce serving:

Cheddar: Approximately 28 mg.
Swiss: Approximately 22 mg.
Mozzarella: Approximately 23 mg.
Monterey Jack: Approximately 25 mg.
Feta: Approximately 19 mg.
Grated Parmesan: Approximately 5 mg per tablespoon.

For context, the daily adequate intake for potassium for adults is around 4,700 mg, making a one-ounce serving of any of these cheeses a very minor contributor to your total intake.

Sodium vs. Potassium in Shredded Cheese

When evaluating the nutritional profile of cheese, it is often more important to focus on the sodium content rather than potassium, especially for those concerned with blood pressure. Most cheeses contain significantly more sodium than potassium. A one-ounce serving of cheddar, for example, contains about 184 mg of sodium, while a one-ounce serving of Swiss has much less at 54 mg. Individuals with high blood pressure or those monitoring sodium intake should be mindful of their cheese portions.

What About Processed Cheese?

Processed cheese slices and products are known for having higher sodium and, in some cases, higher potassium levels than their natural cheese counterparts. It is always best to check the nutritional label of any processed cheese product to see the specific levels of potassium, sodium, and other nutrients.

Making the Best Choice for Your Diet

For most people, including cheese in a balanced diet is perfectly healthy. It is a good source of calcium and protein. However, portion control is key, as cheese can also be high in calories and saturated fat. For those with specific health needs, such as managing kidney health or blood pressure, considering the type of cheese is beneficial. Lower-sodium and lower-potassium cheeses like Swiss, feta, goat cheese, or ricotta can be excellent alternatives.


Cheese Type	Potassium (mg) per 1 oz serving	Sodium (mg) per 1 oz serving	Suitability for Low-Potassium Diet
Cheddar	~28 mg	~176 mg	Good, but monitor sodium
Swiss	~22 mg	~54 mg	Excellent, low in both
Mozzarella	~23 mg	~213 mg	Good, but watch sodium
Feta	~19 mg	~275 mg	Excellent for potassium, but high in sodium
Goat Cheese	~8 mg	~138 mg	Excellent, very low potassium

Conclusion: Shredded Cheese and Potassium

In summary, shredded cheese is not a high-potassium food. The amount of potassium in a typical serving of most common cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella, is relatively low compared to the daily recommended intake. While the processing for pre-shredded cheese involves anti-caking agents, these do not substantially alter the nutritional value. The more pertinent nutritional consideration for many types of cheese is their sodium and saturated fat content. By being mindful of serving sizes and choosing varieties that fit your dietary needs, you can easily incorporate shredded cheese into a healthy eating plan without worrying about a significant potassium increase.

For more detailed nutritional information on dairy products, you can consult resources from the National Kidney Foundation, especially if managing a specific health condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the lowest potassium cheese options include feta, goat cheese, and Parmesan. For example, a one-ounce serving of feta contains about 19 mg of potassium, while goat cheese offers just 8 mg.

No, the process of shredding cheese does not affect its potassium content. Any nutritional differences between block and pre-shredded cheese are insignificant, primarily due to minimal anti-caking agents in the packaged version.

No, shredded cheddar cheese is not high in potassium. A typical one-ounce serving contains around 28 milligrams of potassium, which is a very small percentage of the daily recommended intake.

People with specific medical conditions, particularly kidney disease, are often advised to monitor their potassium intake. While cheese is generally not a high-potassium food, it is important for these individuals to consider total intake and consult a dietitian.

For most healthy individuals, cheese is not a significant source of potassium. High-potassium foods include vegetables like potatoes and fruits like bananas, which contribute far more to daily intake.

Yes, different types of cheese have varying levels of potassium. Soft cheeses and processed cheeses can sometimes have higher levels than hard or semi-hard natural cheeses. For example, cottage cheese and some processed slices can contain more potassium than cheddar or Swiss.

For most cheese types, the primary nutritional concern is sodium content, which is often high, rather than potassium. For example, a one-ounce serving of cheddar has around 176 mg of sodium but only about 28 mg of potassium.