What Cheese Has No Phosphorus? A Guide to Low-Phosphate Options

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

A common misconception is that some cheeses are completely free of phosphorus; however, as a dairy product, all cheese naturally contains some amount of this mineral. Understanding what cheese has no phosphorus is best reframed as identifying low-phosphorus options, particularly for those managing chronic kidney disease.

Quick Summary

No cheese is completely phosphorus-free, but some varieties contain significantly lower amounts of this mineral than others, making them more suitable for those following a low-phosphate diet.

Key Points

No Cheese Is Phosphorus-Free: All cheese, as a dairy product, naturally contains some phosphorus.
Opt for Soft Cheeses: Varieties like cream cheese, brie, soft goat cheese, and ricotta have lower phosphorus levels.
Avoid Processed Cheese: These products often contain phosphate additives that are more readily absorbed by the body, significantly increasing phosphorus intake.
Read Food Labels: Look for and avoid ingredients with 'phos,' such as phosphoric acid or disodium phosphate, which indicate added phosphorus.
Practice Portion Control: For those on a restricted diet, measuring small servings of low-phosphorus cheese is key to managing intake.
Balance Your Diet: Pair cheese with fresh, low-phosphorus foods like fruits and vegetables to create kidney-friendly meals.
Natural vs. Added Phosphorus: The body absorbs added phosphate much more effectively than natural phosphorus, making label-checking crucial.

The Truth About Phosphorus in Cheese

Phosphorus is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in building strong bones and teeth, nerve function, and filtering waste from the body. For healthy individuals, the kidneys effectively regulate phosphorus levels. However, for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys cannot remove excess phosphorus, leading to high levels in the blood, which can weaken bones and cause calcium deposits in soft tissues. This is why dietary management of phosphorus is crucial for kidney health. The search for a cheese with no phosphorus is common, but it's based on a misunderstanding of dairy. As a natural component of milk, phosphorus is present in all types of cheese. The goal, therefore, is not to find a zero-phosphorus cheese, but to identify varieties that are naturally lower in this mineral.

Why a Low-Phosphorus Diet is Necessary for Some

Patients with CKD are often advised to follow a low-phosphate diet to prevent complications associated with hyperphosphatemia (high blood phosphorus). This involves limiting foods that are naturally high in phosphorus, such as dairy products, nuts, legumes, and whole grains, as well as avoiding foods with added phosphate preservatives. The body absorbs more phosphorus from animal-based foods and added phosphate additives than from plant-based sources. Given that cheese is a primary source of animal protein and phosphorus, it's vital for those on a renal diet to make careful choices.

The Best Low-Phosphorus Cheese Choices

Fortunately, cheese lovers don't have to give up their favorite food entirely. By focusing on soft, natural cheese varieties and controlling portion sizes, cheese can still be part of a kidney-friendly diet.

Cream Cheese: With only about 32 mg of phosphorus per two tablespoons, cream cheese is one of the lowest options available. It's a great choice for a bagel or as a creamy base for sauces.
Soft Goat Cheese (Chèvre): A one-ounce serving contains around 72 mg of phosphorus and offers a unique tangy flavor.
Brie and Camembert: These soft, creamy cheeses are lower in phosphorus, with brie containing about 53 mg per ounce.
Feta: While higher in sodium, feta has a relatively low phosphorus content at around 96 mg per ounce, making it a good choice for salads in moderation.
Ricotta: A quarter-cup serving of ricotta can have as little as 49 mg of phosphorus, making it a versatile ingredient for lasagna or toast toppings.
Shredded Parmesan: Used sparingly, a tablespoon of shredded parmesan contains only around 40 mg of phosphorus, providing a burst of flavor without a high mineral load.

Processed Cheese: A Hidden Phosphorus Danger

While some natural cheeses are lower in phosphorus, processed cheese products are a different story. These items often contain phosphate additives, which are preservatives and emulsifiers that are absorbed much more efficiently by the body than naturally occurring phosphorus. A single ounce of processed cheese can contain significantly more phosphorus than a comparable serving of natural cheese. When shopping, it's crucial to read the ingredient list and look for anything containing 'phos,' such as phosphoric acid or disodium phosphate.

How to Incorporate Cheese into a Kidney Diet

For those on a low-phosphorus diet, enjoying cheese requires mindfulness and portion control. Here are some key strategies:

Measure Portions: Stick to small, measured servings, typically one ounce or less, as recommended by a renal dietitian.
Focus on Flavor, Not Volume: Use strongly flavored cheeses like feta or parmesan as a garnish rather than a main component of a meal.
Pair Wisely: Combine low-phosphorus cheeses with other kidney-friendly foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. For instance, a cracker with a smear of cream cheese and a slice of cucumber makes a perfect snack.
Check Labels: Always scrutinize the ingredients list for phosphate additives, especially on processed and pre-shredded cheese products.
Consult a Dietitian: Work with a renal dietitian to understand your specific dietary needs and how cheese can fit into your meal plan.

Comparison of Cheese Phosphorus Content


Cheese Type	Serving Size	Approximate Phosphorus (mg)	Notes
Cream Cheese	2 tbsp (1 oz)	32	Very low in phosphorus and sodium.
Soft Goat Cheese	1 oz	72	Tangy flavor, lower phosphorus content.
Brie	1 oz	53	Soft and creamy with low phosphorus.
Feta	1 oz	96	Pungent flavor, but higher in sodium.
Ricotta	1/4 cup	49	Versatile for cooking and snacking.
Shredded Parmesan	1 tbsp (1/2 oz)	40	Use as a flavoring garnish.
Processed Cheese Slice	1 slice (21 g)	112	Often has added phosphates and high sodium.
Cheddar	1 oz	143	Significantly higher in phosphorus.
Swiss	1 oz	159	Higher phosphorus than soft cheeses.

Conclusion

While no cheese has zero phosphorus, many delicious and flavorful options exist that are naturally low in this mineral. For individuals on a low-phosphate diet, the key is mindful portion control, careful label reading to avoid additives, and choosing natural, soft cheeses over processed varieties. By understanding the differences between cheeses, it is possible to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced, kidney-friendly nutrition plan. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is always the best approach to ensure your dietary choices align with your specific health needs. For further information on managing kidney health, the National Kidney Foundation provides extensive resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most dairy products are relatively high in phosphorus, but the amount can vary significantly by type. Cheeses like cream cheese and ricotta are lower, while milk, yogurt, and processed cheeses tend to be higher.

Processed cheese is often high in phosphorus because it contains phosphate additives. These are used as emulsifiers and preservatives, which are absorbed very efficiently by the body and can cause phosphorus levels to spike.

The best cheese options for a low-phosphate diet are typically soft, natural cheeses consumed in small, controlled portions. Some of the lowest options include cream cheese, brie, ricotta, and soft goat cheese.

Yes, people with chronic kidney disease can often eat cheese in moderation, provided they choose low-phosphorus varieties and practice strict portion control. It is always best to consult a renal dietitian to determine appropriate amounts.

Vegan and dairy-free cheeses are not necessarily phosphorus-free. The phosphorus content depends on their ingredients. Some plant-based milks and cheeses may contain calcium phosphate additives, so it's important to read the labels carefully.

To reduce phosphorus from cheese, choose natural, soft varieties over processed ones, control your portion sizes, and use strongly flavored cheeses as a garnish rather than a main ingredient. Always check ingredient lists for 'phos' additives.

Shredded parmesan is one of the lower-phosphorus hard cheese options. One tablespoon contains around 40 mg of phosphorus, making it suitable for use as a flavoring garnish in moderation.