What Beans Can I Eat on a Low Potassium Diet?

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, plant-based foods like beans are now encouraged for many on a renal diet due to their high fiber and protein content, and the fact that potassium is less absorbed from plant sources. This guide will explain exactly what beans can I eat on a low potassium diet and provide actionable tips for preparation.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines kidney-friendly bean options, detailing their potassium content and offering preparation methods to minimize mineral levels. It also explains why plant-based potassium is absorbed differently by the body, debunking old myths about beans and kidney disease.

Key Points

Low Potassium Choices: Green beans and properly rinsed canned chickpeas are generally the best options for a low potassium diet.
Soaking and Rinsing Reduces Potassium: Soaking dried beans overnight and then cooking them in fresh water significantly reduces their potassium content.
Canned Beans are Lower in Potassium: The canning process leaches out some potassium, but it is essential to rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and some remaining potassium.
Portion Control is Key: Even with lower potassium beans, mindful portioning is crucial for managing daily potassium intake.
Plant vs. Animal Minerals: The body absorbs potassium and phosphorus less efficiently from plant-based sources like beans compared to animal products and additives, a key insight from recent research.
Consult a Professional: Always work with a doctor or renal dietitian to create a personalized meal plan, especially when dealing with kidney health.

Understanding Potassium in Beans for a Renal Diet

For a long time, beans and legumes were often restricted for those on a low-potassium diet, particularly individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The concern stemmed from their naturally high mineral content. However, modern nutritional science has brought about a significant shift in understanding. Recent research has shown that the potassium and phosphorus from plant-based foods are less bioavailable—or less absorbed by the body—compared to the minerals found in animal products and food additives. This means many people on a low-potassium diet can safely incorporate beans into their meals, with some careful planning and preparation. The amount of potassium you can have will depend on your specific health needs and the stage of kidney disease, so consulting with a registered dietitian is always the best first step.

Top Low-Potassium Bean Options

Several types of beans are naturally lower in potassium, making them excellent choices for a renal diet. For reference, a typical serving size is about ½ cup cooked.

Green Beans (Fresh or Frozen): Often the lowest potassium option among common beans. A ½ cup serving contains about 90 mg of potassium, making them a safe and versatile choice.
Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): A ½ cup serving of cooked chickpeas has around 238 mg of potassium. Canned chickpeas, when properly drained and rinsed, are an even lower potassium option.
Kidney Beans (Canned): While dried kidney beans are higher in potassium, the canning process can help leach out some of the minerals. Always choose low-sodium versions and drain and rinse them thoroughly to reduce potassium and sodium content. A ½ cup serving of canned, drained, and rinsed kidney beans can be part of a well-planned low-potassium meal.
Black-Eyed Peas: With about 345 mg of potassium per ½ cup cooked, these are on the moderate side but can be included in smaller portions. Their high fiber content offers great health benefits.
Mung Beans: These small beans are a good source of plant-based protein and can be included in a low-potassium diet with mindful portioning.

How to Further Reduce Potassium in Beans

For those who need to strictly limit their potassium intake, there are preparation methods that can significantly reduce the mineral content of dried beans.

Soak Overnight: Place dried beans in a large bowl with at least four times the amount of water. Soak for 12 hours or more.
Rinse Thoroughly: After soaking, discard the soaking water. It will now contain a significant amount of the leached potassium. Rinse the beans well under fresh running water.
Boil in Fresh Water: Cook the soaked and rinsed beans in a large pot with a high volume of fresh water. Discard this cooking water after boiling to remove additional potassium.
Consider Canned: As mentioned, canned beans are often lower in potassium due to the canning process. Always rinse them thoroughly before use. For maximum reduction, you can also soak and re-boil canned beans in fresh water.

Comparison of Potassium Content in Common Beans (per ½ cup cooked)


Bean Type	Potassium (mg)	Notes for Renal Diet
Green Beans	~90	Safest, lowest potassium option.
Chickpeas (Cooked)	~238	Good choice, lower absorption of minerals.
Black Beans (Cooked)	~305	Moderate potassium, can be enjoyed in smaller portions.
Kidney Beans (Cooked)	~356	Moderate-to-high, use rinsed canned or soaked/boiled dried.
Pinto Beans (Cooked)	~372	Higher potassium, requires careful portion control.
White Beans (Cooked)	~414	Highest potassium on this list, use sparingly and with proper prep.

Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on preparation method.

Incorporating Beans into a Low-Potassium Diet

Once you’ve selected and prepared your low-potassium beans, there are many ways to enjoy them. Beans are a versatile ingredient that adds fiber and plant-based protein to a renal-friendly diet.

Salads: Add a small portion of rinsed canned chickpeas or green beans to a salad with low-potassium vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, and carrots.
Soups and Stews: Enhance your favorite soups with green beans or a small amount of prepared kidney beans. Remember to make your own low-sodium broth base.
Side Dishes: Serve green beans as a simple, nutritious side dish, either steamed, sautéed, or roasted. Try a seasoning blend of garlic and onion powder instead of salt.
Dips and Spreads: Make a modified hummus using rinsed canned chickpeas and tahini. Be mindful of portion size to keep potassium levels in check.
Stir-fries: Add green beans or water chestnuts to a vegetable stir-fry for added texture and nutrients.

Conclusion

Navigating a low-potassium diet doesn't mean you have to eliminate beans entirely. By understanding which beans are naturally lower in potassium and using effective preparation techniques, you can safely incorporate these nutritious, fiber-rich foods into your meals. Options like green beans and properly prepared canned chickpeas are excellent starting points. Always prioritize communication with your healthcare provider or a renal dietitian to ensure your dietary plan is tailored to your specific health needs, allowing you to enjoy a variety of delicious and kidney-friendly foods.

For additional guidance on kidney-friendly nutrition, consult resources from organizations like the National Kidney Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can eat beans on a low potassium diet. While some beans are naturally higher in potassium, options like green beans and properly prepared chickpeas are excellent choices. Furthermore, the potassium from plant-based foods is less absorbed by the body compared to animal sources, making beans a viable option with careful portioning and preparation.

To reduce the potassium in dried beans, soak them in a large pot of water for at least 12 hours. Discard the soaking water, rinse the beans thoroughly, and then cook them in a fresh pot of water. This process significantly leaches out the potassium.

Canned beans are often lower in potassium than dried beans because some of the mineral is removed during the canning process. For the best results, choose low-sodium canned beans and always drain and rinse them well before use.

Green beans are one of the lowest potassium options, with about 90 mg per ½ cup cooked. After green beans, chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are another excellent low-potassium choice, especially when canned and rinsed.

Many common beans like pinto, kidney, and lima beans are naturally rich in potassium. While this is a concern for some, recent research highlights that the body absorbs less potassium from plant-based foods, making them manageable in a low-potassium diet with mindful portion control and preparation.

This is a common myth based on older dietary guidelines. Current understanding shows that the potassium and phosphorus from plant-based foods are poorly absorbed. For many with kidney disease, particularly those not on dialysis or with moderate potassium levels, beans can be a beneficial part of a high-fiber, kidney-friendly diet.

You can incorporate low-potassium beans like green beans and rinsed chickpeas into salads, soups, stews, or use them as a side dish. Green beans can be steamed or sautéed with low-sodium seasonings, and chickpeas can be added to salads or made into a modified, lower-potassium hummus.