What foods should you avoid on a low-protein diet?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, limiting your protein intake can reduce the workload on your kidneys and help delay kidney failure. For this reason, knowing what foods should you avoid on a low-protein diet is critical for managing various health conditions and improving overall well-being.

Quick Summary

A low-protein diet requires limiting high-protein foods like meat, dairy, eggs, and legumes to manage kidney disease or other health conditions. This guide details specific food groups to reduce, provides low-protein alternatives, and offers essential tips for maintaining a balanced diet while restricting protein intake.

Key Points

Animal Proteins: Limit intake of meats, poultry, fish, and eggs, as they are high in concentrated protein.
Dairy Products: Avoid or severely restrict milk, cheese, and yogurt due to high protein and phosphorus levels.
Legumes and Soy: Moderate consumption of plant-based protein sources such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, and tempeh.
Nuts and Seeds: These items are protein-dense and should be limited to small amounts or avoided entirely.
Whole Grains: Choose refined white grains over whole grains, which contain more protein and phosphorus.
Read Labels: Pay close attention to protein content on nutrition labels and check ingredient lists for hidden protein sources.
Consult a Professional: Always work with a doctor or dietitian to create a personalized low-protein meal plan and avoid malnutrition.

Understanding the Purpose of a Low-Protein Diet

Protein is an essential macronutrient, but for certain medical conditions, restricting it can be a vital part of treatment. A low-protein diet is often prescribed for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or liver disease, as it reduces the buildup of nitrogenous waste products like urea, which these organs would typically filter. By limiting protein, you can alleviate symptoms like fatigue and loss of appetite and potentially slow the progression of the disease. However, such a diet must be carefully planned and monitored by a healthcare professional to prevent malnutrition.

Animal-Based Foods to Limit or Avoid

Animal proteins are considered 'complete' proteins, containing all the essential amino acids, but they are also very concentrated sources. For someone on a low-protein diet, these items should be heavily restricted and used as a small accent to a meal rather than the main feature.

Meat and Poultry: Red meats (beef, pork), processed meats (bacon, sausage), and poultry (chicken, turkey) are dense in protein. Limiting your portion size to 2–3 ounces (about the size of a deck of cards) or reducing intake to just a few times per week is often recommended.
Fish and Shellfish: While often a healthier option due to their fat content, fish like tuna and salmon are still high in protein. Shellfish should also be limited.
Eggs: A classic protein source, eggs are packed with protein. The National Kidney Foundation suggests limiting them, and a dietitian can help determine an appropriate frequency.
Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are significant sources of protein and often phosphorus, which also needs to be controlled in many kidney conditions. Strong-flavored cheeses like sharp cheddar or parmesan can be used in tiny amounts for flavor.

Plant-Based Foods to Consume in Moderation

While plant-based proteins are generally less taxing on the kidneys than animal proteins, many still contain significant amounts and must be moderated on a low-protein diet.

Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas are known for their high protein content. This includes common varieties like chickpeas, kidney beans, and black beans.
Soy Products: Tofu, tempeh, and soy milk are popular alternatives but are protein-dense and must be limited.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds are calorie-dense and high in protein. Nut butters should also be used sparingly.
Whole Grains: Whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread have more protein and phosphorus than their refined counterparts and should be controlled.

Comparison of High-Protein and Low-Protein Foods

This table provides a quick reference for common high-protein foods to avoid and their potential low-protein alternatives.


Food Category	High-Protein Examples (to limit)	Low-Protein Alternatives (to prefer)
Protein Source	Beef, Chicken, Fish, Pork	Use very small portions as a side dish or opt for vegetable-focused meals with flavorful sauces.
Dairy	Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, Ice Cream	Unsweetened almond or rice milk, fruit sorbet, non-dairy creamer.
Legumes	Chickpeas, Lentils, Beans, Peas	Green beans, wax beans (in limited quantities), or very small portions of other legumes.
Grains	Whole Wheat Bread, Brown Rice, Oatmeal	White bread, white rice, pasta, crackers made from white flour.
Snacks	Nuts, Seeds, Jerky, Cheese Crackers	Fresh fruits, unsalted popcorn, plain rice cakes, vegetable sticks.

Tips for Following a Low-Protein Diet

Read Labels Carefully: Learn to check nutrition labels for protein content in grams. Be aware that a manufacturer can claim 0 grams of protein if a serving has less than 0.5 grams, so check the ingredient list for high-protein ingredients.
Prioritize Fruits and Vegetables: Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in protein and are a great way to add nutrients, flavor, and fiber to your diet.
Use Calorie Boosters: Since reducing protein can also decrease your calorie intake, use healthy fats like olive oil, mayonnaise, and sugar-based treats like honey, jelly, and hard candy to maintain your energy.
Modify Recipes: Center meals around low-protein staples like pasta, rice, and vegetables, using high-protein items as a flavorful addition rather than the bulk of the dish.

Conclusion

For individuals with conditions like chronic kidney disease, controlling protein intake is a fundamental part of managing health. By focusing on low-protein alternatives for common foods like meat, dairy, eggs, and certain plant-based proteins, you can create a safe and satisfying diet. Always remember to work closely with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to ensure your nutritional needs are met while following a restrictive diet.

National Kidney Foundation: Low-Protein Diet and Chronic Kidney Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

A low-protein diet is primarily used to reduce the workload on the kidneys and liver. For conditions like chronic kidney disease, it minimizes the accumulation of waste products, such as urea, in the bloodstream, helping to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

Meat and dairy are typically restricted on a low-protein diet because they are very concentrated sources of protein. If included, they should be consumed in very small, controlled portions as an accompaniment to a meal, not the main component.

While often better than animal proteins, many plant-based sources like legumes, soy products, nuts, and seeds are still high in protein. They must be consumed in moderation, and smaller, less protein-dense portions should be prioritized.

To prevent unplanned weight loss, it is important to replace the calories lost from restricting protein. You can do this by increasing your intake of healthy fats, such as olive oil and avocado, and adding calorie boosters like honey, jams, and hard candy.

Unsweetened rice milk and almond milk are excellent low-protein alternatives to traditional dairy milk. It's important to check the label to ensure no extra protein has been added.

Refined grains are generally lower in protein and phosphorus than whole grains. Choosing options like white rice, white bread, and pasta made from refined flour is often recommended.

Yes, following a low-protein diet without proper medical guidance can be dangerous. It requires careful planning to prevent nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the supervision of a doctor or registered dietitian.