What foods should I avoid copper in a low-copper diet?

November 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Wilson's disease, a rare genetic disorder where the body retains excess copper, affects approximately 1 in 30,000 people globally and necessitates a strictly controlled diet. Learning what foods should I avoid copper is critical for managing this condition and preventing dangerous copper buildup in the body's organs.

Quick Summary

A low-copper diet is vital for managing certain health conditions by restricting high-copper foods. This includes avoiding shellfish, organ meats, nuts, seeds, and chocolate. Refined grains, low-copper dairy, and certain vegetables are safe alternatives for maintaining a healthy diet.

Key Points

Avoid Organ Meats and Shellfish: Foods like liver, oysters, and shrimp are extremely high in copper and should be eliminated from the diet.
Limit Nuts, Seeds, and Legumes: Cashews, sunflower seeds, and most beans contain high copper levels, requiring careful monitoring.
Restrict Cacao and Chocolate: Dark chocolate and other cocoa products are concentrated sources of copper and should be avoided.
Favor Refined Grains over Whole Grains: Processed grains like white flour products contain significantly less copper than whole wheat and bran cereals.
Check Water and Supplements: Hidden copper sources can include tap water from copper pipes and certain vitamin supplements; always verify content.
Consult a Professional: A low-copper diet should be medically supervised, as it is a critical component of managing specific health conditions.

Why a Low-Copper Diet Is Sometimes Necessary

For most healthy individuals, getting enough copper is not a concern, and toxicity from dietary sources is rare. However, for those with conditions that impair the body's ability to excrete excess copper, such as Wilson's disease, strict dietary restrictions are essential. The goal is to limit the total daily intake of copper to prevent its accumulation in the liver, brain, eyes, and other vital organs. A physician or registered dietitian should supervise any dietary changes related to copper intake.

Organ Meats and Shellfish

These are some of the most concentrated sources of copper and are typically at the top of the 'avoid' list for anyone on a low-copper diet.

Liver and other organ meats: Beef liver, chicken liver, and other organ meats contain exceptionally high levels of copper.
Shellfish: Oysters, crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and clams are extremely rich in copper and should be completely avoided.

Nuts, Seeds, and Legumes

While healthy for most people, many vegetarian protein sources and snacks are naturally high in copper.

Nuts: Especially cashews, almonds, and walnuts are high in copper.
Seeds: Sunflower and sesame seeds are notable copper sources.
Legumes: Dried beans (including soybeans), lentils, and chickpeas contain significant copper.
Soy products: Tofu, soy milk, and other soy-based foods are high in copper.

Cacao, Chocolate, and Some Sweets

Chocolate and cocoa-based products are often cited for their high copper content, especially darker varieties.

Dark chocolate and cocoa: The higher the cocoa content, the more copper it contains.
Chocolate milk and soy-based beverages: These should also be avoided due to cocoa and soy content.

Certain Grains and Vegetables

Some whole-grain and starchy vegetable options also contribute to dietary copper levels and need to be restricted.

Whole grains and bran: Wheat bran cereals, whole-grain pasta, and wholemeal bread are typically higher in copper than their refined counterparts.
Potatoes (with skin): The skin of the potato contains a high concentration of copper.
Mushrooms: Shiitake and other mushrooms can have considerable copper content.
Avocados: This fruit is a surprisingly high source of copper.
Dried fruits: Raisins, prunes, and other commercially dried fruits concentrate copper during processing.

High-Copper vs. Low-Copper Foods

A low-copper diet involves making mindful substitutions. Below is a comparison table to help differentiate between high-copper and low-copper food choices.


Food Category	High-Copper Options (To Avoid)	Low-Copper Options (Safer Choices)
Protein	Organ meats, shellfish, nuts, seeds, tofu	Beef, white meat chicken/turkey, eggs, cottage cheese
Grains	Whole grains, wheat bran, soy flour	White bread, white rice, white pasta, plain rice/corn cereals
Dairy	Soy milk, chocolate milk	Cow's milk, cheese, yogurt (non-chocolate), cottage cheese
Fruits	Dried fruits (raisins, prunes), avocados	Apples, melons, oranges, berries, canned fruit
Vegetables	Mushrooms, potatoes with skin, vegetable juices	Broccoli, carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, cauliflower, onions
Sweets	Chocolate, cocoa products, trail mix	Jam, honey, maple syrup, carob

Hidden Sources of Copper

Beyond specific foods, other items and practices can contribute to copper intake and should be considered during a low-copper diet.

Water: The copper content in tap water can vary, especially if the plumbing is copper. Flushing the water for a few minutes before use can help, or switching to demineralized bottled water may be necessary.
Supplements: Many multivitamins and other mineral supplements contain copper. Always check labels and consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplement.
Cooking Utensils: Copper cookware can leach trace amounts of copper into food, so it is best to avoid it.

Conclusion: A Managed Approach is Key

Following a low-copper diet is not a casual effort and should always be done under medical supervision, especially for managing conditions like Wilson's disease. By carefully avoiding high-copper foods like liver, shellfish, nuts, and chocolate, and choosing safer alternatives like refined grains, white meats, and many fruits and vegetables, individuals can effectively manage their condition. Consistent monitoring of dietary intake and regular consultations with a healthcare team are essential for long-term health and well-being. For comprehensive and up-to-date guidance, the Wilson Disease Association is an excellent resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common reason for a medically supervised low-copper diet is Wilson's disease, a genetic disorder where the body cannot properly excrete excess copper, leading to toxic buildup.

Yes, most nuts and seeds, such as cashews, almonds, and sunflower seeds, are high in copper and should be avoided or severely restricted. Your doctor can provide specific guidance.

Most plain cow's milk products like cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese are low in copper. However, you should avoid chocolate-flavored dairy and soy milk.

Yes, many vegetables are low in copper, including broccoli, carrots, onions, lettuce, and cauliflower. High-copper vegetables like mushrooms and potatoes with skin should be avoided.

If you have copper plumbing, you can have your water tested for copper content. A temporary solution is to run the water for a few minutes before use, but bottled demineralized water might be necessary.

Many supplements contain copper. It is crucial to check the labels of all vitamins and minerals and only take supplements that are free of copper, as directed by a healthcare professional.

No, while dietary restriction is a vital part of treatment, it is usually not enough on its own. Patients with Wilson's disease also require medication, like chelating agents, to help excrete the excess copper.