Is toad-in-the-hole high in potassium?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

Despite its hearty reputation, a typical serving of toad-in-the-hole is not considered high in potassium for most healthy individuals. The total amount of potassium is largely influenced by the type and number of sausages used and the serving size.

Quick Summary

Toad-in-the-hole is not a significant source of potassium, with the mineral coming primarily from the meat and dairy in the recipe. The overall potassium load is typically low per serving.

Key Points

Low in Potassium: A standard serving of toad-in-the-hole is not considered a high-potassium food for most individuals.
Varying Content: The exact potassium level depends on the recipe, particularly the type of sausages and the portion size.
Sausages are Key: Sausages are the main source of potassium in the dish, but even high-potassium versions do not typically make the meal high-potassium overall.
Check Your Sources: Recipes from sources like Kidney Care UK specifically develop and recommend low-potassium variations of the dish.
Portion Control is Important: Larger servings or adding high-potassium sides like potatoes will naturally increase the total mineral intake.
Dietary Considerations: Those on restricted diets, especially for kidney health, should consult a professional to ensure the dish fits their needs.

Is toad-in-the-hole high in potassium? Understanding the facts

For those monitoring their mineral intake, particularly individuals with specific dietary requirements, understanding the nutritional composition of favorite dishes is essential. The question, "Is toad-in-the-hole high in potassium?" is a common one. Based on standard recipes and nutritional data, toad-in-the-hole is generally categorized as a low-potassium meal. However, the total potassium content is not zero and varies depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes. The primary sources of this mineral are the sausages and the milk used in the batter, while the flour contributes very little.

The potassium profile of toad-in-the-hole ingredients

To fully understand the dish's potassium level, it helps to examine its core components individually:

Sausages: These are the main contributor of potassium in the dish. However, the amount varies significantly by the type and quality of sausage. For instance, a 4-ounce serving of pork sausage contains around 286mg of potassium, which is approximately 6% of the 4,700mg Daily Value (DV). This is not a high amount, but multiple sausages in one large portion will increase the total. Recipes using reduced-fat or vegetarian sausages may also alter the overall mineral count.
Yorkshire Pudding Batter: The batter is made from flour, eggs, and milk. Eggs and milk contain potassium, but in moderate amounts. For example, a single Yorkshire pudding typically contains very little potassium, sometimes as low as 10-75mg, depending on the preparation. Plain flour, the base of the batter, is a minimal source of potassium.
Gravy: While not always included in the base recipe analysis, gravy often accompanies toad-in-the-hole and can contain potassium, particularly if made from stock. However, its contribution is usually not substantial enough to drastically change the overall meal's classification.

Comparing potassium levels in different recipes

As nutritional data from different sources shows, the potassium content per serving can vary. This is a crucial point for dietary planning.


Source	Recipe Description	Potassium per Serving	Notes
Kidney Care UK	Kidney-friendly recipe	Low potassium	Specifically formulated to be low in potassium.
Eat This Much	Toad in the hole (550 calories)	461mg (10% DV)	A moderate but not high level.
Taste.com.au	Standard Toad in the hole	504.4mg	A higher estimate, but still not an excessive amount.
The Spruce Eats	Family-Sized recipe	233mg (5% DV)	A lower estimate, likely reflecting a smaller serving or specific ingredients.

This table illustrates that while a standard serving is not high in potassium, variations can exist. It is essential to consider the portion size and the specific ingredients used, especially the sausages. Compared to foods notoriously high in potassium, such as potatoes (up to 776mg in a medium fast-food portion) or bananas (around 422mg in one medium fruit), a standard portion of toad-in-the-hole is relatively low.

Factors that influence potassium in your dish

When preparing toad-in-the-hole, several choices can affect the final potassium content:

Sausage Selection: Opting for lower-fat or chicken sausages over larger, processed pork sausages can reduce both the potassium and sodium content. For a meat-free option, vegetarian sausages can also be considered.
Portion Size: Simply eating a larger portion with more sausages will increase the total potassium intake. Be mindful of serving sizes, especially if on a restricted diet.
Accompaniments: The rest of the meal can play a significant role. Adding high-potassium vegetables like potatoes can increase the overall mineral load. For a lower potassium side, consider steamed green beans or roasted parsnips in moderation.

Managing potassium intake

For most people, the potassium in toad-in-the-hole is not a concern. The average healthy person requires a certain amount of potassium daily for proper body function, and this dish can contribute positively to that intake. However, for those with conditions like chronic kidney disease, monitoring mineral intake is critical. In such cases, professional dietary advice is recommended. Kidney-friendly recipes, like those developed by Kidney Care UK, offer specifically tailored versions of traditional dishes to manage mineral levels effectively. You can find resources from Kidney Care UK for low-potassium recipes.

Conclusion: Is toad-in-the-hole high in potassium?

In summary, toad-in-the-hole is not considered a high-potassium food for most individuals. While the dish does contain potassium, primarily from the sausages and dairy, the amount per serving is generally low compared to the recommended daily intake. The specific mineral content varies based on the recipe and portion size. For those with medical conditions requiring controlled mineral intake, choosing lower-fat sausages, controlling portion sizes, and being mindful of side dishes are all effective strategies for enjoying this classic meal responsibly. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.

List of ingredients contributing potassium:

Sausages (the most significant source)
Milk (used in the Yorkshire pudding batter)
Eggs (also part of the batter)
Gravy (depending on the type of stock used)
Common side dishes like potatoes or certain vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, toad-in-the-hole does contain potassium. The main sources are the sausages and the milk used in the Yorkshire pudding batter, although the total amount per serving is generally not considered high.

Yes, toad-in-the-hole can be suitable for a low-potassium diet if prepared carefully. Choosing lower-fat sausages, controlling the portion size, and being mindful of high-potassium side dishes are all effective strategies.

The potassium in sausages varies by type and brand. For example, a 4-ounce serving of pork sausage contains approximately 286mg of potassium, which is not particularly high.

Yes, to reduce the potassium content, you can use lower-fat or chicken sausages, or even vegetarian sausages, which often have different mineral profiles. Kidney-friendly recipes are also available.

When compared to high-potassium foods like bananas or large portions of potatoes, a standard serving of toad-in-the-hole contains a relatively low amount of potassium.

The sausages are the most significant source of potassium in toad-in-the-hole. The eggs and milk in the Yorkshire pudding batter also contribute, but to a lesser extent.

For most healthy people, the potassium level in toad-in-the-hole is not a cause for concern and is part of a normal, balanced diet. Individuals on medically restricted diets should seek advice from a professional.