Nutrition Diet: What Fruit Has the Least Phosphorus for a Healthy Lifestyle?

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, most fresh fruits are naturally low in phosphorus and are considered kidney-friendly. If you are wondering what fruit has the least phosphorus, some of the top contenders per half-cup serving include pineapple, cranberries, and applesauce, making them excellent choices for a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

Many fruits are naturally low in phosphorus and are a healthy part of a balanced diet. Particularly low options include pineapple, cranberries, and berries. This is beneficial for general wellness and managing dietary needs for conditions affecting kidney function, as plant-based phosphorus is absorbed less efficiently by the body.

Key Points

Pineapple and Cranberries are Exceptionally Low: Per half-cup serving, pineapple (6 mg) and cranberries (7 mg) contain some of the lowest amounts of phosphorus among all fruits.
Apples, Pears, and Berries are Great Options: Many other common fruits like apples, pears, blueberries, and raspberries are also naturally low in phosphorus and suitable for most diets.
Source Matters for Phosphorus Absorption: The body absorbs phosphorus from plant-based foods less efficiently than phosphorus from animal sources or additives in processed foods.
Choose Fresh or Canned in Juice: Opt for fresh fruits or canned versions packed in their own juice to avoid phosphorus additives and high sugar content.
Work with a Renal Dietitian for Kidney Health: For individuals with chronic kidney disease, a personalized diet plan created with a renal dietitian is the best approach to managing phosphorus intake effectively.

Understanding Phosphorus and Diet

Phosphorus is an essential mineral that works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth. However, for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), managing blood phosphorus levels is crucial. Healthy kidneys remove excess phosphorus from the blood, but when kidney function is impaired, high levels can cause health problems like bone weakening and calcium deposits in soft tissues. Therefore, monitoring dietary phosphorus is important, and choosing naturally low-phosphorus fruits can be a simple, effective strategy.

So, What Fruit Has the Least Phosphorus?

Based on nutritional data, some fruits are exceptionally low in phosphorus. For those strictly counting milligrams, pineapple and cranberries stand out. A half-cup serving of canned or fresh pineapple contains around 6 mg of phosphorus, while a half-cup of fresh cranberries has about 7 mg. Applesauce is another incredibly low-phosphorus option, with about 6 mg per half-cup. These fruits provide minimal phosphorus, making them ideal for individuals who need to strictly limit their intake.

Other Excellent Low-Phosphorus Fruits

Beyond the lowest, many other fruits are also fantastic choices due to their naturally low phosphorus content. These include:

Apples: A medium apple contains around 20 mg of phosphorus and is also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
Berries: Blueberries and raspberries are both great options, with a half-cup containing only 8 mg of phosphorus. Strawberries are also a solid choice.
Pears: Nutritionally comparable to apples, pears are also low in phosphorus.
Grapes: A half-cup of grapes contains approximately 11 mg of phosphorus.
Peaches and Cherries: These are generally low in phosphorus and can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or canned in their own juice.
Melons: Cantaloupe and honeydew are good choices.

Phosphorus Absorption: Natural vs. Additive

It's important to understand the difference in how the body processes different types of phosphorus. Phosphorus occurs naturally in many foods but is also added to many processed items as an additive. The body absorbs almost 100% of phosphorus from additives, whereas it only absorbs 40-70% of naturally occurring phosphorus, and even less from plant-based sources. This is why fresh, unprocessed fruits are a superior choice over processed snacks that may contain phosphorus additives.

Comparison Table: Phosphorus Content in Common Fruits

To make comparing options easier, here is a table showing the approximate phosphorus content for a half-cup serving of various fruits:


Fruit (1/2 cup serving)	Approximate Phosphorus (mg)	Notes
Pineapple (canned or fresh)	6	An excellent, very low option
Applesauce	6	Plain, unsweetened is best
Cranberries (fresh)	7	Often used for juice or sauces
Blueberries	8	Also low in potassium and sodium
Raspberries	8	A flavorful, low-phosphorus choice
Apple (sliced from medium)	10	A versatile and kidney-friendly snack
Grapes	11	A popular and easy-to-snack-on option
Cantaloupe	12	A refreshing choice for a low-phosphorus diet
Strawberries	16	Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants
Honeydew	16	Another refreshing melon choice

Tips for Incorporating Low-Phosphorus Fruits

Adding these fruits to your daily diet is simple. Consider these ideas:

Snack on them: A fresh apple, pear, or a handful of grapes makes a quick and easy snack.
Add to breakfast: Mix berries or sliced pineapple into oatmeal or low-phosphorus cereal.
Make your own: Prepare homemade applesauce without added sugar to control ingredients. This is a great way to use up fresh apples.
Enjoy frozen: Blend frozen berries or pineapple into a smoothie with a low-phosphorus milk alternative. You can even enjoy frozen grapes for a cool treat.
Try canned: When fresh options are out of season, choose canned fruits like pears or fruit cocktail, ensuring they are packed in their own juice rather than syrup to minimize additives.

The Role of a Renal Dietitian

While this guide provides general information, those with kidney disease should work with a renal dietitian. A dietitian can help tailor a nutrition plan to meet your specific needs, which may change as kidney disease progresses. They can offer personalized advice on portion sizes and help you find the right balance of nutrients. The National Kidney Foundation offers resources to help you find a qualified dietitian.

Conclusion

For anyone monitoring their phosphorus intake, focusing on fresh fruits is a great strategy. If you need the absolute lowest options, pineapple and cranberries are strong contenders, but many common fruits like apples, pears, and berries are also excellent, low-phosphorus choices. Choosing fresh, unprocessed foods is key to controlling not only phosphorus but also sodium and other nutrients that are important for overall health, especially for those with kidney concerns. A varied diet of these fruits, combined with guidance from a healthcare professional, can support a healthy lifestyle.

Authoritative Source

For more information on kidney-friendly diets and specific nutrient guidelines, visit the National Kidney Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

While fresh fruits are all generally low in phosphorus, pineapple, and applesauce are among the lowest, with around 6 mg per half-cup serving. Cranberries are also very low at 7 mg per half-cup.

Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may need a low-phosphorus diet. Impaired kidney function can lead to a buildup of excess phosphorus in the blood, which can cause bone weakening and other health complications.

No, dried fruits like raisins are not low in phosphorus. Because the water is removed, the nutrients, including phosphorus, become more concentrated. For example, a half-cup of raisins contains 71 mg of phosphorus, significantly more than fresh fruits.

Yes, you can eat canned fruit, but it's important to choose varieties packed in their own juice rather than syrup. Always check the ingredients list for added phosphorus, and draining the liquid can help reduce potassium levels if necessary.

Phosphorus in fruits is plant-based, meaning the body absorbs it less effectively than phosphorus from animal sources or additives in processed foods. This makes fruit a safer choice for managing phosphorus levels.

While many low-phosphorus fruits are also low in potassium (like apples and blueberries), some may have moderate levels. It is important to consult a healthcare provider or renal dietitian to understand your specific potassium needs, as they vary with different stages of kidney disease.

When choosing fruit juice, stick to varieties like apple or cranberry juice, as they are lower in potassium and phosphorus than juices like orange or prune. Always check labels and consider portion sizes.