Nutrition Diet: What drinks do not have phosphorus? A Comprehensive Guide

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, excessive phosphorus intake can be particularly harmful for individuals with chronic kidney disease, stressing the importance of knowing what drinks do not have phosphorus. Choosing the right beverages is a simple yet effective strategy to manage dietary phosphorus intake and protect your health.

Quick Summary

This guide identifies beverages free or low in phosphorus, explains why managing intake is important, and provides tips for finding hidden phosphorus in packaged drinks.

Key Points

Plain Water is Best: The safest and healthiest choice for hydration, containing zero phosphorus.
Brewed is Better: Choose fresh-brewed coffee and tea over instant mixes or bottled varieties to avoid hidden phosphate additives.
Clear vs. Dark Sodas: Clear sodas like ginger ale and lemon-lime are typically low in phosphorus, while dark colas contain high levels of phosphoric acid.
Read Labels Carefully: Look for words containing 'phos' or 'phosphate' in the ingredients list, as these inorganic additives are highly absorbable.
Know the Risks: For people with kidney disease, high phosphorus can lead to weak bones, artery calcification, and increased risk of heart problems.
Limit Processed Drinks: Many processed juices, flavored waters, and energy drinks contain hidden phosphorus and high sugar content.

The Importance of Managing Phosphorus Intake

Phosphorus is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in building strong bones and teeth, creating energy, and supporting many other physiological functions. For a healthy individual, the kidneys efficiently regulate blood phosphorus levels by excreting any excess into the urine. However, for the millions of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), this regulatory system is compromised.

When kidney function declines, excess phosphorus builds up in the blood. This can trigger a hormonal response that pulls calcium from the bones, weakening them over time. High phosphorus levels can also lead to painful calcium deposits in soft tissues, arteries, and joints, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death. Given the prevalence of phosphorus additives in modern diets, being mindful of beverage choices is a critical step in a nutritional strategy for kidney health.

Naturally Low-Phosphorus and Phosphorus-Free Beverages

Making informed choices starts with understanding which beverages are naturally low in phosphorus or contain none at all. Focusing on whole, unprocessed options is always the safest bet.

Plain Water: The best and simplest option for hydration. It contains zero phosphorus and is essential for helping the kidneys filter waste. For variety, infuse it with slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries.
Brewed Tea and Coffee: Freshly brewed tea and coffee are naturally low in phosphorus, especially when consumed black. Avoid instant varieties or bottled versions, which often contain phosphate additives. If you use creamer, choose a non-dairy option without added phosphates.
Herbal Tea: Caffeine-free herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, and ginger, are excellent low-phosphorus choices. They provide flavor without added minerals or chemicals.
Sparkling Water/Seltzer: Unflavored sparkling water and seltzer are a great alternative to soda, offering carbonation without added phosphoric acid. Look for brands that explicitly state they have no added potassium or phosphorus.

Low-Phosphorus Juices and Sodas

While many processed drinks are high in phosphorus, some options can be included in a low-phosphorus diet with caution. Reading ingredient labels is non-negotiable.

Clear Sodas: Clear or light-colored carbonated drinks like ginger ale, lemon-lime soda (Sprite, 7Up), and root beer typically do not contain phosphoric acid. It's best to choose the diet versions to avoid excessive sugar, but always check the label for any other phosphate additives.
Fruit Juices (Unsweetened): Unsweetened apple, cranberry, and grape juices are generally low in phosphorus. However, most store-bought juices are heavily processed and contain high levels of sugar and additives. Opt for 100% unsweetened juice and enjoy in moderation due to sugar content.
Low-Calorie Lemonade: Light, low-calorie lemonade can be a good option, provided it does not contain added phosphates.
Water Flavor Enhancers: Some water enhancers, like True Lime, do not contain added potassium or phosphorus. However, other brands may contain additives, so checking the label is essential.

Decoding Labels: The Trouble with Additives

One of the biggest challenges in a low-phosphorus diet is the prevalence of inorganic phosphate additives in processed beverages. These additives are nearly 100% bioavailable, meaning the body absorbs them almost entirely, unlike naturally occurring phosphorus. They are used as preservatives, flavor enhancers, and for color stabilization.

To identify these hidden additives, look for words containing "phos" or "phosphate" in the ingredients list. Examples include:

Phosphoric acid
Sodium phosphate
Potassium phosphate
Calcium phosphate
Sodium hexametaphosphate

Phosphorus in Beverages: A Comparison Table


Beverage Type	Phosphorus Content	Considerations/Best Choices
Water (Plain)	0 mg	Best choice for hydration. Infuse with fruit for flavor.
Brewed Coffee/Tea	Low	Choose black or with non-dairy creamer without added phosphates. Avoid instant mixes.
Herbal Tea	Low (some are 0 mg)	A naturally caffeine-free and low-phosphorus option.
Clear Sodas (Ginger Ale, 7Up)	Low (often 0 mg)	Check labels for additives. Opt for diet versions to control sugar.
Dark Colas (Coke, Pepsi)	High	Avoid due to phosphoric acid.
Fruit Juices (100% Unsweetened)	Low to Moderate	Choose unsweetened varieties. Consume in moderation due to sugar.
Processed Iced Teas (Bottled/Canned)	Variable (Often High)	Frequently contain phosphate additives. Read labels carefully.
Dairy Milk	High	Contains significant natural phosphorus. Often restricted in kidney diets.
Plant-Based Milks (Almond, Rice)	Low (if unsweetened)	Check labels for fortified calcium phosphate. Avoid sweetened varieties.
Energy Drinks/Sports Drinks	High	Avoid due to high sugar, caffeine, and mineral additives.

Tips for Smart Hydration on a Low-Phosphorus Diet

Prioritize Plain Water: Make plain water your primary source of hydration. If you find it boring, add slices of fruit or herbs for natural flavor.
Brew Your Own: Opt for freshly brewed coffee and tea instead of processed or instant versions to avoid hidden additives.
Become a Label Detective: Always check the ingredients list for words with "phos." Even seemingly harmless flavored waters can contain these additives.
Know Your Soda: Understand that dark colas are high in phosphorus, while clear sodas are often safe, but still require label checks.
Limit Processed Juices and Sugary Drinks: Many fruit punches and sweet drinks are loaded with both sugar and phosphate additives, making them poor choices for kidney health.

Conclusion

For individuals managing their phosphorus intake, especially those with chronic kidney disease, beverage choices are just as important as food selections. By understanding what drinks do not have phosphorus, you can actively protect your bones, arteries, and overall health. Plain water, freshly brewed teas, and certain clear sodas or unsweetened juices are safe options, but the most crucial step is to be a vigilant label reader. Avoiding dark colas, processed teas, and other high-additive drinks is a simple yet powerful way to make a positive impact on your nutritional diet and well-being.

For more information on managing chronic kidney disease through diet, consult authoritative sources like the National Kidney Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear sodas are generally low in phosphorus because they do not contain phosphoric acid. Good options include ginger ale, Sprite, 7Up, and root beer. Always choose diet versions if possible and check the label for any additives, as some variations can contain them.

Some unsweetened fruit juices, such as apple, cranberry, and grape, are naturally low in phosphorus. However, portion control is important due to the sugar content, and it's best to avoid processed fruit punches or nectars, which often have high sugar and added phosphates.

Instant and many bottled iced teas often contain phosphate additives as preservatives or flavor enhancers. These additives are highly absorbable and can significantly increase your phosphorus intake, even if the label doesn't specify the exact amount.

Unsweetened plant-based milks like almond or rice milk can be a low-phosphorus alternative to dairy milk. However, you must read the ingredients list to ensure they have not been fortified with calcium phosphate, which would increase the phosphorus content.

You can easily infuse plain water with fresh ingredients like sliced lemons, cucumbers, strawberries, or mint for a refreshing and naturally phosphorus-free beverage. This allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any additives found in store-bought flavored waters.

Dark colas and many pepper-type sodas contain phosphoric acid, which is added for flavor and preservation. This inorganic phosphorus is almost completely absorbed by the body, making these drinks poor choices for a low-phosphorus diet.

When reading ingredient labels, look for any word containing "phos" or "phosphate". Common examples include phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate, and calcium phosphate. If you see these listed, it's best to avoid the product.