What can I drink for high potassium?: Navigating Your Beverage Choices

October 16, 2025 •

5 min read

More than 2 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels, which requires careful dietary management. Knowing what can I drink for high potassium is an essential part of controlling your intake to avoid serious health risks, particularly for those with kidney conditions.

Quick Summary

This guide covers low-potassium drinks like water and select fruit juices to manage hyperkalemia. It explains which beverages, such as high-potassium juices and certain milks, to limit or avoid.

Key Points

Water is Best: Plain water is the safest and most effective drink for managing high potassium levels as it contains no potassium.
Check Tea Varieties: Brewed green, white, and herbal teas (like ginger or chamomile) are low in potassium, but limit black tea and avoid high-potassium herbal blends.
Avoid High-Potassium Juices: Fruit and vegetable juices such as orange, tomato, carrot, and prune are highly concentrated with potassium and should be avoided.
Choose Milk Alternatives Carefully: Opt for rice or unsweetened almond milk, which are typically low in potassium, and limit soy milk and cow's milk.
Be Wary of Hidden Potassium: Check labels on processed beverages, salt substitutes, and diet sodas for potassium additives like potassium chloride.
Practice Portion Control: For moderate-potassium drinks like certain fruit juices, adhere strictly to recommended serving sizes to prevent potassium overload.
Limit Coffee and Avoid Energy/Sports Drinks: Restrict coffee intake and completely avoid energy drinks and sports drinks due to high potassium and other additives.

Safe and Low-Potassium Drink Options

For those managing high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), beverages are a critical part of a low-potassium diet. Water is the best choice, but other options can add variety without compromising your health. Portion control is key for almost all drinks, and it is always important to check nutrition labels for hidden potassium additives.

Water: As the foundation of healthy hydration, water is free of potassium and is the safest and best choice for individuals with high potassium. Staying properly hydrated helps the kidneys filter waste, including excess potassium. For variety, try infusing water with low-potassium fruits or herbs like cucumber, mint, or lemon.
Tea: Most brewed teas are low in potassium. Green, white, and oolong teas are safe choices. Plain, brewed black tea is also generally low in potassium, but be mindful of total daily intake. If you're prone to kidney stones, drinking black tea with milk may be advised due to the oxalate content, but remember to count the potassium from the milk. Avoid excessive consumption of any one type of tea.
Herbal Teas: Many herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and low in potassium, such as ginger, peppermint, spearmint, chamomile, and rooibos. Always check ingredients, as some herbal blends can include citrus or other high-potassium additions.
Squash or Cordial: Diluted fruit squashes or cordials, particularly those that are sugar-free, are good low-potassium choices. Be aware that some fruit varieties or those with high fruit content may contain more potassium.
Fizzy Drinks: Plain fizzy drinks and carbonated water are generally acceptable. Opt for sugar-free or diet versions if you also need to manage blood sugar. However, avoid dark-colored colas, which often contain phosphorus additives that are highly absorbable by the body and can be detrimental to kidney health.
Lemonade: When made with a small amount of lemon juice and water, lemonade can be a low-potassium option. Some store-bought varieties may be high in sugar, so check labels or make it fresh.

Milk and Dairy Alternatives

For many, dairy products like milk are a significant source of dietary potassium. Fortunately, several plant-based alternatives exist, but labels must be checked carefully.

Rice Milk: Often one of the lowest potassium milk alternatives available, rice milk is a good choice for those needing strict control of their intake. Look for unsweetened versions to avoid added sugars.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is another low-potassium option, but potassium levels can vary between brands. Check labels for any added phosphates or potassium.
Oat Milk: Oat milk's potassium content can vary, but it's generally a lower-potassium choice compared to cow's milk.
Soy Milk: While a good protein source, soy milk is naturally higher in potassium than rice or almond milk and may need to be limited, depending on your dietary plan.
Cream: For those who need a touch of cream in their coffee or recipes, a small amount of heavy cream or crème fraîche is low in potassium.

Drinks to Limit or Avoid with High Potassium

Certain beverages, though seemingly healthy, are naturally high in potassium and should be limited or avoided entirely by individuals with hyperkalemia.

Fruit and Vegetable Juices: Most fruit and vegetable juices are high in potassium. This includes orange, tomato, carrot, grapefruit, and prune juices. The concentration of potassium is much higher in juice than in the whole fruit or vegetable.
Coconut Water: Despite being marketed as a healthy drink, coconut water is extremely high in potassium and should be avoided.
Malted and Chocolate Drinks: Beverages like Horlicks, Ovaltine, and hot chocolate are rich in potassium and should be restricted.
Coffee: Many dietitians recommend limiting coffee intake to no more than one cup per day due to its potassium content.
Milk and Dairy: Cow's milk is relatively high in potassium and phosphorus, especially for those with advanced kidney disease. Intake is often limited to a certain amount per day (e.g., ½ pint). Condensed, evaporated, and powdered milks are particularly concentrated in potassium.
Alcoholic Drinks: High intake of alcohol can strain the kidneys and contribute to imbalances. Some types, like stout and cider, are higher in potassium.
Salt Substitutes: Avoid drinks containing salt substitutes, which often contain potassium chloride. Always check food labels for additives.

Comparison of Common Beverages


Beverage Type	Potassium Level (per serving)	Recommendation for Hyperkalemia
Water	0 mg	Excellent choice, drink freely
Black/Herbal Tea	Low (varies, check blends)	Generally safe, but monitor total daily intake
Squash/Cordial	Very Low	Good alternative to juice
Carbonated Water	Very Low	Safe, good for variety
Rice Milk	Very Low (e.g., ~30 mg/cup)	One of the lowest potassium milk alternatives
Almond Milk	Low (e.g., ~170 mg/cup)	Lower than cow's milk, check for additives
Grape/Apple Juice	Moderate (Small Portion)	Limit to small quantities; avoid large portions
Cow's Milk (Skim)	High (e.g., ~409 mg/cup)	Limit intake as advised by a dietitian
Coffee	High (in excess)	Limit to 1-2 cups per day
Orange/Prune Juice	Very High (e.g., ~496 mg/cup)	Avoid completely
Coconut Water	Very High (e.g., ~600 mg/cup)	Avoid completely

Practical Strategies for Managing Your Drinks

Managing your fluid intake with high potassium levels involves more than just choosing the right drinks. Cooking methods and overall dietary habits play a crucial role.

The Importance of Portion Control

Even with low-potassium drinks, portion control is vital. A large serving of a moderate-potassium beverage can quickly become a high-potassium intake. For instance, a half cup of fruit juice may be acceptable, but a full glass could put you over your daily limit. Always adhere to the serving sizes recommended by your dietitian or doctor.

Understanding Labels for Additives

Many packaged drinks contain additives that are sources of potassium. Look for terms like "potassium chloride," "potassium phosphate," or numbers such as "E202" (potassium sorbate) on the ingredients list. Choosing products labeled "no salt added" or making fresh beverages at home can help you avoid these hidden sources of potassium.

Fluid Management and Kidney Function

If you have chronic kidney disease, your doctor may also recommend restricting your overall fluid intake. This can be especially challenging, so making every drink count is important. Focus on water as your primary fluid source and use low-potassium flavored drinks sparingly to enhance enjoyment without risking your health.

Conclusion

Managing high potassium involves making mindful beverage choices and understanding the potassium content of what you drink. While water remains the safest and most reliable option, a variety of other low-potassium drinks can be incorporated into your diet with proper knowledge and portion control. By limiting high-potassium juices, sodas with additives, and excessive milk or coffee, you can effectively manage your potassium intake through fluids. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice tailored to your specific health needs.

For more resources and information on managing kidney health, visit the National Kidney Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is generally recommended to limit your coffee intake to no more than one or two small cups per day, as excessive amounts can contribute to your overall potassium intake. Check with your dietitian for specific guidance.

No, but most are. You should avoid high-potassium juices like orange, prune, and tomato juice. Low-potassium fruit juices like apple, grape, or cranberry can be consumed in small, controlled portions.

Rice milk is typically the lowest in potassium, with unsweetened almond milk also being a low-potassium choice. Soy milk has higher potassium levels and should be limited.

No, coconut water is very high in potassium and should be avoided if you have hyperkalemia.

Plain carbonated water and clear, diet fizzy drinks are generally low in potassium. However, avoid dark-colored colas, which often contain phosphorus additives detrimental to kidney health.

Yes. Most traditional herbal teas like ginger, peppermint, or chamomile are safe. However, check labels on herbal blends for ingredients that might be high in potassium, such as certain root extracts or high citrus content.

No, sports drinks are designed to replenish electrolytes and are often high in potassium and other minerals that can be harmful when managing hyperkalemia. It's best to avoid them.

Your doctor may advise restricting overall fluid intake if you have chronic kidney disease, as poor kidney function can lead to fluid retention. For those with high potassium alone, maintaining proper hydration with low-potassium fluids like water is usually beneficial for kidney function.