Is slice cheese high in potassium? The surprising truth about processed dairy

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

A typical one-ounce slice of American processed cheese contains between 37 and 60 mg of potassium, representing a very small fraction of the daily recommended intake. So, is slice cheese high in potassium? The answer is generally no, especially when compared to other potassium-rich foods like potatoes or bananas.

Quick Summary

Processed slice cheese contains a low amount of potassium per serving, though certain low-sodium varieties might include potassium chloride. The primary nutritional concerns often relate to the higher sodium and phosphorus content in these processed options. Awareness is particularly important for those following a low-potassium diet due to health conditions like kidney disease.

Key Points

Low Potassium Content: Most processed slice cheeses contain a low amount of potassium per slice, far below the threshold for a high-potassium food.
High Sodium and Phosphorus: The main nutritional concerns with processed cheese are typically its higher levels of sodium and phosphorus, particularly for those on renal diets.
Check for Additives: Be cautious of low-sodium varieties, as some may use potassium chloride as a salt substitute, which increases potassium content.
Natural vs. Processed: Natural cheeses generally offer a better nutritional profile, often with lower sodium and phosphorus compared to processed versions.
Suitable Alternatives: Naturally low-potassium cheeses like Swiss, goat cheese, and brie are excellent alternatives for those managing their intake.
Not a Rich Source: Slice cheese is not a recommended food for increasing potassium intake if you are experiencing a deficiency.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Processed Slice Cheese

For those monitoring their potassium intake, understanding the nutritional profile of processed slice cheese is crucial. A single, one-ounce slice of American-style processed cheese contains a modest amount of potassium, typically ranging from 37 to 60 mg. To put this into perspective, the recommended daily value for potassium for adults is 4,700 mg, meaning one slice provides only about 1% of your daily needs. This low potassium level is a result of the manufacturing process, which involves blending natural cheeses with other dairy ingredients, emulsifiers, and preservatives.

While the potassium content is low, it's essential to look at the bigger picture. Processed cheese is often high in sodium, which is added for flavor and preservation. A single slice can contain a significant portion of the recommended daily sodium limit. It also tends to be higher in phosphorus compared to many natural cheeses, another nutrient that people with certain health conditions, particularly kidney issues, need to monitor carefully.

Potential for Hidden Potassium

While most processed slice cheeses are low in potassium, there is a key exception to be aware of. Some companies produce low-sodium versions and add potassium chloride as a salt substitute to maintain a salty flavor without the high sodium content. For individuals specifically instructed to follow a low-potassium diet, it is vital to read the ingredients list and nutritional information carefully to ensure the product does not contain added potassium chloride.

How Slice Cheese Compares to Natural Cheese

Natural and processed cheeses differ significantly in their nutritional makeup and processing. This comparison can help in making informed dietary choices. Natural cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella, is made directly from milk through a process of curdling and aging. Processed cheese involves additional steps, including heating and adding emulsifiers and other dairy products.


Feature	Processed Slice Cheese	Natural Cheese
Potassium Content	Generally low (e.g., 37–60 mg per slice).	Varies, but often low (e.g., Swiss at ~22 mg/oz).
Sodium Content	Often significantly higher due to additives.	Typically lower, with some exceptions.
Phosphorus Content	Generally higher due to added phosphates.	Lower, depending on the variety.
Ingredients	A blend of cheese, milk, emulsifiers, and other ingredients.	Primarily milk, starter cultures, and enzymes.
Texture	Soft, smooth, and melts evenly.	Can be dense, firm, creamy, or grainy.

Considerations for a Low-Potassium Diet

For individuals with kidney disease or other conditions requiring a low-potassium diet, cheese selection is an important aspect of meal planning. While the low potassium content of processed slice cheese may seem favorable, its high sodium and phosphorus levels often present a greater risk. The combination of these nutrients can be problematic for kidney health, as impaired kidneys struggle to filter out excess minerals.

For those on restricted diets, it's often better to opt for natural cheese varieties known for their low potassium content. Low-potassium options include Swiss, goat cheese, and certain types of hard cheese. Small quantities of these can be incorporated into meals to add flavor without significantly impacting potassium levels, as long as phosphorus and sodium are also managed. Consulting a renal dietitian is the best approach for personalized dietary guidance.

Low-Potassium Cheese Alternatives

If you're managing your potassium intake, several natural cheeses make for excellent alternatives to processed slices. These options provide flavor and texture while keeping potassium levels in check.

Swiss Cheese: Known for being a very low-potassium option, with about 22 mg per ounce. It's a great choice for sandwiches and recipes.
Goat Cheese: One of the cheeses lowest in potassium, providing only around 14 mg per ounce. Its distinct tangy flavor makes it a versatile ingredient for salads and spreads.
Brie Cheese: Contains less phosphorus than many other cheeses and is another low-potassium choice.
Feta Cheese: Can be a suitable low-potassium addition to salads or quiches.

Choosing these options over processed cheese can also help reduce intake of potentially high levels of sodium and phosphorus, contributing to a healthier overall diet. For more information on food and nutrient content, consult authoritative sources such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The Bottom Line: Context is Key

In summary, processed slice cheese is not considered a high-potassium food. However, this is only part of the story. Its low potassium content is often overshadowed by high levels of sodium and phosphorus, which are significant dietary concerns for many people. While slice cheese may be safe in moderation for most, those with specific health conditions like kidney disease should prioritize natural, lower-sodium, and lower-phosphorus alternatives like Swiss or goat cheese. Always check the nutrition label, especially for low-sodium products, to ensure no potassium chloride additives are present.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a typical one-ounce slice of American cheese contains a small amount of potassium, usually between 37 and 60 mg, which is not considered high.

Manufacturers add sodium-based additives and emulsifiers during the processing of cheese to enhance its flavor, texture, and extend its shelf life.

Potassium chloride is a salt substitute sometimes used in low-sodium cheese products to maintain a salty flavor without using sodium chloride. This increases the potassium content.

Foods like potatoes, bananas, dried apricots, and beans contain significantly more potassium per serving than a single slice of processed cheese.

For individuals on a renal diet, it's crucial to monitor intake of sodium and phosphorus, which are often high in processed cheese. Consulting a renal dietitian is recommended.

Naturally low-potassium options include Swiss cheese, goat cheese, and brie.

No, the color of processed slice cheese (e.g., yellow American vs. white American) does not indicate a difference in its potassium content. The variation is mainly due to added coloring.