Is There High Potassium in Coffee? What You Need to Know

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

An 8-ounce cup of plain black coffee contains around 116 mg of potassium, a modest amount. While a single cup is not considered high in this mineral, the question "is there high potassium in coffee?" becomes more complex with multiple servings and the addition of milk or cream.

Quick Summary

This article explores the potassium content in coffee, detailing how brewing methods, additives, and consumption frequency influence your overall intake. It addresses the implications for general health and for individuals needing to monitor potassium levels, especially those with kidney disease.

Key Points

Low Per Cup: A standard 8-ounce cup of black coffee has a relatively low potassium content, around 116-124 mg.
Additives Increase Intake: Adding milk, cream, or certain creamers can substantially raise the potassium level of your coffee.
Frequency Matters: Drinking multiple large cups of coffee throughout the day can lead to a high overall daily potassium intake.
Concern for Kidney Health: Those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) need to monitor their potassium intake carefully, as their kidneys may not regulate it effectively.
Brewing Method Affects Content: Techniques like cold brewing can result in lower potassium levels compared to drip or French press methods.
Dietary Balance is Key: For most, coffee contributes to a balanced diet, but potassium needs should be met primarily through a variety of whole foods.
Timing Matters for Labs: Drinking black coffee on an empty stomach right before lab work can cause a temporary, non-problematic spike in blood potassium readings.

Understanding Potassium in Coffee

Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte critical for nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining a healthy heart rhythm. For most healthy individuals, the potassium content in coffee is not a concern; in fact, it can contribute to your daily intake. However, those with kidney issues or who are advised to limit their potassium must pay close attention to their coffee consumption. The total amount of potassium you consume from coffee depends on several factors, including the type of coffee, brewing method, and any added ingredients.

Factors That Influence Coffee's Potassium Content

Several variables can affect how much potassium ends up in your cup. Understanding these can help you better manage your daily intake.

Brewing Method: The method you use to prepare your coffee can alter the final potassium concentration. For example, cold brew often contains less potassium than drip or French press coffee because the extraction process is different. An AeroPress can also yield high potassium levels due to its efficient extraction.
Coffee Type and Origin: The mineral content in coffee beans is influenced by the soil composition where they are grown. Ethiopian Arabica beans, for instance, are sometimes noted for their higher mineral content due to volcanic soil. Differences also exist between Arabica and Robusta beans, with Arabica often having slightly more potassium.
Additives: This is one of the most significant factors in increasing coffee's potassium. While black coffee is relatively low, adding milk or certain creamers drastically increases the potassium and phosphorus content. For instance, an 8-ounce latte with milk can contain over 300 mg of potassium, far more than black coffee. Plant-based creamers can also add to the total, though some low-potassium options exist.
Serving Size and Frequency: The most common way to accumulate a high intake from coffee is by drinking multiple, large servings throughout the day. While one 8-ounce cup is low in potassium, drinking three or four can lead to a considerable cumulative dose. For individuals on a restricted diet, monitoring total daily consumption is crucial.

Decoding Potassium: Black Coffee vs. Additives

To better illustrate the difference in potassium intake, consider the comparison below:


Item	Serving Size	Approximate Potassium (mg)	Notes
Black Coffee	8 fl oz (1 cup)	116–124	Varies by bean type and brew method.
Espresso Shot	1 shot (~1 fl oz)	~63	Concentrated amount in a small volume.
Coffee with Milk	8 fl oz (1 cup)	~200+	Depends on the type and amount of milk added.
Café Latte (made with milk)	8 fl oz	~328	Milk and other additives significantly increase levels.

How Coffee Fits into a Healthy Diet

For most people with normal kidney function, the potassium in coffee is not a concern and can contribute positively to overall intake. However, it is essential to remember that coffee should not be your primary source of this vital mineral. The best way to meet your daily potassium needs (around 3,500–4,700 mg for adults) is through a balanced diet rich in unprocessed, whole foods like leafy greens, bananas, sweet potatoes, and avocados. Pairing your morning coffee with a banana, for example, is a great way to boost your potassium intake effectively.

Special Considerations for Kidney Health

For those with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys cannot effectively remove excess potassium from the blood, leading to a condition called hyperkalemia. This can be dangerous and cause irregular heart rhythms. In this case, a doctor or renal dietitian may recommend limiting potassium intake. This might involve reducing coffee consumption, avoiding high-potassium additives like milk, or switching to beverages with lower potassium content. Timing coffee consumption with meals that contain carbohydrates and protein may also help manage potassium levels more effectively. For more detailed information on managing potassium with kidney disease, the National Kidney Foundation is an excellent resource, offering specific dietary guidelines and lists of low-potassium foods.

Conclusion

While a single cup of black coffee contains a relatively low amount of potassium, frequent consumption or the addition of milk and creamers can increase the overall intake significantly. For healthy individuals, this is not an issue, and coffee can be a welcome source of this essential mineral. However, individuals with kidney disease should be mindful of their total daily intake and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. By understanding the factors that influence coffee's potassium content, you can make informed choices to support your overall health while still enjoying your daily brew.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a single 8-ounce cup of black coffee is not considered high in potassium, containing approximately 116-124 mg. This is a modest amount and a small fraction of the daily recommended intake.

Some decaf coffee contains more potassium than regular coffee due to the decaffeination process. Some reports state that a cup of decaf can have around 216 mg of potassium.

Yes, for some individuals, drinking three or more cups of coffee per day can lead to an elevated potassium intake. While the body can manage this in most healthy people, it is a concern for those with kidney disease.

Black coffee is the best choice for a low-potassium diet. Additionally, some evidence suggests cold brewing may extract less potassium from the beans, making it another potentially low-potassium option.

Yes, adding milk or creamers significantly increases the potassium content of your coffee. A latte, for instance, can contain over 300 mg of potassium due to the milk.

Not necessarily. For people with kidney disease, moderate black coffee consumption is often acceptable, but they should consult a healthcare provider or renal dietitian to determine safe amounts based on their specific health needs and potassium levels.

Yes, drinking black coffee on an empty stomach can cause a temporary, non-clinical rise in blood potassium levels, which can affect lab test results. It is often recommended to have blood drawn later in the day after eating.