What fruits should I avoid with high potassium?

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 37 million adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and managing potassium intake is crucial for these individuals. Elevated potassium levels, or hyperkalemia, can lead to serious health complications. This article explores what fruits should I avoid with high potassium to help manage the condition.

Quick Summary

This guide identifies high-potassium fruits that pose health risks, particularly for those with kidney issues or hyperkalemia. Specific fruits to limit or avoid and safe alternatives are provided.

Key Points

High potassium levels can lead to hyperkalemia, which poses a risk of heart problems
Bananas, avocados, oranges, and dried fruits are typically high in potassium
Berries, apples, and pineapple are generally safe and low in potassium
Portion control is important, as even low-potassium fruits can become problematic in large quantities
Star fruit contains a neurotoxin that should be avoided by individuals with kidney disease

The Role of Potassium in Health

Potassium is an essential mineral that supports vital bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function and maintaining a regular heartbeat. Healthy kidneys maintain potassium balance by filtering excess amounts from the blood and excreting them in urine. However, individuals with CKD may experience a buildup of potassium, known as hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeats, and other severe health problems.

To manage potassium levels, healthcare professionals often recommend a low-potassium diet. This typically restricts potassium intake to between 2,000 and 3,000 milligrams daily, depending on the severity of the condition. The general recommendation for healthy adults is around 4,700 mg of potassium per day.

Fruits High in Potassium: What to Limit or Avoid

Fruits are a significant source of dietary potassium. To effectively manage potassium levels, it is crucial to be aware of the potassium content in different fruits. Fruits with over 200-250 milligrams of potassium per serving are typically recommended to be avoided or limited.

Here are some of the high-potassium fruits to avoid:

Bananas: One medium banana contains approximately 422 milligrams of potassium.
Avocados: Avocados are very rich in potassium; a single medium avocado can have nearly 1,000 mg.
Oranges and Orange Juice: One medium orange has about 240 mg, and a half-cup of orange juice contains approximately 235 mg.
Dried Fruits: These are highly concentrated sources of potassium. A quarter-cup of raisins has around 270 mg, and five dried apricots can contain over 200 mg.
Melons: Cantaloupe and honeydew melons contain significant amounts of potassium, with a half-cup of cantaloupe having about 215-247 mg.
Kiwifruit: One medium kiwi contains approximately 240 mg.
Papaya: Half of a papaya can contain up to 390 mg.
Pomegranates and Prunes: Both are high in potassium; prune juice is also a concentrated source.

Why Dried Fruits and Juices are Problematic

Dried fruits and fruit juices have highly concentrated levels of potassium compared to their fresh counterparts. Furthermore, specific fruits, such as star fruit (carambola), must be entirely avoided by those with kidney disease because they contain a neurotoxin that impaired kidneys cannot filter, potentially leading to severe neurological symptoms.

Moderate Potassium Fruits: Consumption in Moderation

Some fruits have a moderate amount of potassium (50-200 mg per serving) and may be included in a low-potassium diet in small portions. Always consult a renal dietitian before incorporating these fruits:

Peaches: One small peach (or 1/2 cup canned) contains approximately 185 mg.
Pears: One small pear contains about 200 mg.
Grapes: A serving of 12-15 grapes is typically low to moderate (around 145-191 mg per 100g).

Low-Potassium Fruit Alternatives for a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Focusing on low-potassium fruits (less than 200 mg per serving) is a crucial aspect of managing a kidney-friendly fruit intake.

Tips for Managing Fruit Intake

Portion Control: Even low-potassium foods can become high-potassium if consumed in large quantities.
Canned Fruit: When using canned fruits like peaches or pears, drain and discard the liquid, and rinse the fruit to remove some potassium and added sugars/salts.

Comparison of High vs. Low Potassium Fruits


Fruit Category	High-Potassium Examples (>200mg/serving)	Low-Potassium Alternatives (<200mg/serving)
Tropical Fruits	Banana, Papaya, Mango	Pineapple, Canned Guava
Melons	Cantaloupe, Honeydew	Watermelon
Citrus	Oranges, Orange Juice, Grapefruit Juice	Mandarin Oranges, Lemon, Lime
Dried/Processed	All Dried Fruits (Raisins, Dates, Prunes)	Fruit Cocktail (drained), Cherries
Other	Avocado, Kiwi, Pomegranate	Apples, Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries)

Serving size is typically 1/2 cup or one small piece of fruit.

Conclusion

For individuals with impaired kidney function, managing potassium intake is crucial to prevent hyperkalemia and related heart risks. Being mindful of what fruits should I avoid with high potassium, such as bananas, avocados, and dried fruits, and choosing lower-potassium options like berries and apples within the appropriate portion sizes can support a healthier diet. Always consult with a renal dietitian to develop a personalized eating plan based on individual medical needs and blood test results.

For more information on managing kidney health, visit the National Kidney Foundation website at https://www.kidney.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions

A fruit serving is considered high in potassium if it contains more than 200 milligrams (mg) per serving, which is often a 1/2 cup or one medium piece.

Bananas have high potassium content, with one medium banana containing approximately 422 mg, which can easily exceed daily limits for those on a restricted diet for kidney disease.

No, dried fruits should be avoided due to the high concentration of potassium during the drying process, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia.

Fruits such as apples, berries (strawberries, blueberries), cherries, grapes, and pineapple are generally low in potassium and safe when consumed in the recommended serving sizes (1/2 to 1 cup).

Yes, many fruit juices, especially orange, prune, and grapefruit juice, are high in potassium and should be avoided on a low-potassium diet. Lower alternatives include apple and cranberry juice.

Individuals with kidney disease who must restrict potassium are usually advised to limit their intake to 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams per day, although the specific amount can depend on the condition and doctor's recommendations.

Draining and rinsing canned fruits may reduce potassium content. While cooking vegetables can reduce potassium, this is less common with fruits; choosing low-potassium fruits is generally safer.