What Cheeses Are Lowest in Potassium?

October 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, most dairy products, including cheese, are lower in potassium compared to other food groups. When managing potassium intake, knowing which varieties to choose is essential for balancing flavor and nutritional needs. We explore what cheeses are lowest in potassium to help you make informed decisions, especially for dietary restrictions like a renal diet.

Quick Summary

This article explores low-potassium cheese options, explaining how potassium is separated during cheese making. It highlights specific cheeses like goat cheese and feta with low potassium content and provides a comparison table for various types. Practical tips are also included for incorporating cheese into a low-potassium diet safely.

Key Points

Goat cheese is extremely low in potassium: With only 7-8 mg per ounce, soft goat cheese (chèvre) is one of the top low-potassium choices.
Parmesan is a great low-potassium topping: Just 1-2 tablespoons of shredded parmesan contains a minimal 5-10 mg of potassium, perfect for adding flavor.
Feta offers low potassium with intense flavor: Use this salty cheese in moderation, as one ounce has only about 18-19 mg of potassium.
Most cheeses are naturally low in potassium: The cheesemaking process removes most potassium with the liquid whey, leaving the curd-based cheese with a low concentration.
Monitor sodium and phosphorus levels: While low in potassium, some cheeses like feta can be high in sodium, and overall dairy is higher in phosphorus, so check labels for your specific dietary needs.
Portion control is key: Even with low-potassium cheeses, moderation is important to avoid overconsuming other minerals like sodium and phosphorus.
Cottage cheese and processed cheese are higher in potassium: Be mindful of portion sizes for these types, as they tend to have higher potassium levels than hard or soft curd-based cheeses.

Understanding Potassium in Cheese

Before diving into the lowest potassium cheeses, it is helpful to understand why some cheeses contain less of this mineral. Potassium is a water-soluble mineral. During the cheesemaking process, milk is separated into curds (solids) and whey (liquid). Most of the potassium from the original milk remains in the liquid whey, which is typically drained away. This process results in the solid cheese curds—and the final cheese—having a much lower potassium concentration than other dairy products like milk or yogurt.

One exception is Gjetost cheese, a Norwegian variety made from boiling whey, which concentrates the minerals and results in a very high potassium content. For most cheese lovers, however, the curd-based varieties offer many low-potassium choices.

The Lowest Potassium Cheese Options

Several types of cheese are particularly low in potassium, making them ideal for a controlled diet. These options offer flavor and versatility without significantly increasing your potassium intake.

Goat Cheese (Chèvre): This soft, tangy cheese is often cited as one of the lowest in potassium. A one-ounce serving contains as little as 7-8 mg of potassium, making it an excellent choice for a low-potassium diet.
Parmesan: Grated or shredded parmesan is another very low-potassium option. At only about 5-10 mg per 1-2 tablespoon serving, it's perfect for adding a burst of salty, savory flavor to dishes.
Feta: Known for its salty and briny flavor, feta is also low in potassium, with roughly 18-19 mg per one-ounce serving. Because its flavor is so potent, a small amount goes a long way.
Fontina: This mild, creamy, and hard Italian cheese is also low in potassium, with a one-ounce serving containing around 18 mg, similar to feta.
Swiss Cheese: A popular low-sodium option, Swiss is also a low-potassium choice, containing approximately 22-23 mg per one-ounce slice.
Mozzarella: This versatile cheese, found in fresh or shredded forms, provides about 22-27 mg of potassium per one-ounce serving.
Monterey Jack: A semi-hard American cheese, Monterey Jack, has a moderate potassium content of about 25 mg per one-ounce serving.

Comparison of Potassium in Common Cheeses


Cheese Type	Serving Size	Potassium (mg)	Notes
Goat Cheese (Soft)	1 oz (30g)	7-8	Tangy flavor; excellent for salads.
Parmesan (Shredded)	1-2 Tbsp	5-10	Savory and salty; ideal for toppings.
Feta	1 oz (30g)	18-19	Salty and potent; a little goes a long way.
Fontina	1 oz (30g)	18	Creamy and mild; great for melting.
Swiss	1 oz (30g)	22-23	Nutty and mild; good for sandwiches.
Mozzarella	1 oz (30g)	22-27	Versatile; suitable for many recipes.
Cheddar	1 oz (30g)	23-28	Sharp flavor; common and versatile.
Ricotta	1/4 cup	69	Moderately low; important to watch portion size.
Cottage Cheese	1/2 cup	~110-200	Higher potassium; check label and portion size.
Processed Cheese	1 slice (21g)	68	Generally higher due to additives.

Cooking Tips and Considerations

While selecting low-potassium cheeses is important, how you incorporate them into your diet also matters. Be mindful of portion sizes, as even low-potassium options can add up if overconsumed. For individuals with a renal diet, it is also crucial to consider the sodium and phosphorus content, as these levels can vary significantly between cheese types. For example, feta is low in potassium but can be high in sodium, while some low-sodium cheeses may have added potassium chloride. Always read the nutrition label to confirm the mineral content and ensure it fits your dietary needs.

Pairing Low-Potassium Cheeses

To make your meals more enjoyable while keeping potassium low, pair these cheeses with other low-potassium foods:

Sprinkle grated parmesan over white pasta or rice.
Add crumbled feta to a salad with low-potassium vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers.
Use soft goat cheese on top of a low-potassium bagel or crackers.
Melt mozzarella or Swiss cheese on white bread for a sandwich.
Serve cream cheese with sliced cucumber.

Conclusion

Choosing low-potassium cheese is a straightforward strategy for managing your mineral intake while enjoying flavorful dairy products. With varieties like goat cheese, parmesan, and feta at the lower end of the potassium scale, and other options like Swiss and mozzarella also being good choices, there is plenty of room for culinary creativity. However, for those with specific health concerns, particularly kidney disease, it is vital to monitor overall intake and consider the content of other minerals like sodium and phosphorus. Always consult a dietitian or healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice. This comprehensive approach ensures you can safely incorporate your favorite cheeses into a healthy, balanced diet. For more information on kidney-friendly diets, visit the National Kidney Foundation's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soft goat cheese, also known as chèvre, often has the lowest potassium content, with as little as 7-8 mg per one-ounce serving.

Yes, shredded or grated parmesan cheese is very low in potassium, with a typical serving of 1-2 tablespoons containing only 5-10 mg.

Yes, most people can include low-potassium cheeses in their diet. Cheese contains less potassium because the majority of the mineral is removed with the whey during processing.

No, not all cheeses are low in potassium. For example, some cottage cheese varieties and processed cheeses can have moderate to high potassium content, and Gjetost cheese is very high due to its production method.

Cottage cheese is considered a higher-potassium cheese compared to many others. A half-cup serving can contain 110-200 mg of potassium, so portion control and checking the label are essential.

You can use low-potassium cheese options like goat cheese, feta, or parmesan as flavorful toppings or ingredients in moderation, while pairing them with other low-potassium foods like white rice or low-potassium vegetables.

No, people with kidney disease do not need to avoid all cheese. Many low-potassium cheese options exist, but it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and also consider sodium and phosphorus content, which can be high in some varieties. A dietitian can provide personalized guidance.