What Protein Has the Lowest Amount of Potassium?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, egg whites are an exceptionally low-potassium protein source, containing just 108 mg per 66-gram serving. For individuals managing hyperkalemia or kidney disease, understanding what protein has the lowest amount of potassium is crucial for creating a safe and balanced diet. This guide will detail various low-potassium protein options and provide practical tips for meal planning.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of protein sources low in potassium, identifying options like egg whites, unprocessed meats, and specific fish. It outlines how to select and prepare these foods to manage dietary potassium intake effectively for individuals on a controlled diet.

Key Points

Egg Whites: Offer one of the lowest potassium counts among protein sources, making them ideal for restricted diets.
Fresh, Unprocessed Meats: Fresh chicken, turkey, and lean pork cuts are excellent low-potassium options compared to processed alternatives.
Canned Tuna (Drained): Light tuna canned in water is a convenient, low-potassium protein source when thoroughly drained.
Specific Fish Varieties: Flounder and sole are examples of fish with lower potassium levels suitable for inclusion in a renal diet.
Plant-Based Options: Rinsed canned chickpeas and steamed tofu are viable vegetarian choices, with potassium reduced by preparation.
Cooking Methods Matter: Boiling certain foods and discarding the water is an effective strategy for lowering potassium levels.
Consult a Dietitian: It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to create a safe and effective low-potassium eating plan.

Why Limiting Potassium in Protein is Important

For individuals with kidney disease, hyperkalemia (high blood potassium) is a serious concern that can affect heart rhythm. The kidneys are responsible for balancing potassium levels, and impaired function can lead to accumulation. Managing dietary potassium is a key part of treatment, which involves careful selection of protein, as many high-protein foods can also be high in this mineral. Choosing the right protein is essential for meeting nutritional needs without exacerbating the condition.

The Lowest Potassium Animal-Based Proteins

Unprocessed, fresh animal proteins are generally excellent choices for a low-potassium diet. Here are some of the best options:

Egg Whites: As mentioned, egg whites are among the lowest potassium protein sources available. They are also rich in high-quality protein and low in phosphorus, making them a staple in renal diets.
Chicken and Turkey Breast (Skinless): Skinless poultry breast is a lean meat with a relatively low potassium content. A three-ounce serving of cooked, skinless chicken breast contains approximately 220 mg of potassium.
Pork: Lean pork cuts, such as pork chops, are also moderate in potassium. A three-ounce portion of braised pork chops contains around 220 mg of potassium.
Canned Tuna (in water, drained): Canned tuna is a convenient, low-potassium option. Draining the tuna after rinsing can further reduce its potassium content. A three-ounce serving of light tuna canned in water has about 201 mg of potassium.
Selected Fish: Certain types of fish, like cooked flounder or sole, are low in potassium, with a three-ounce serving containing approximately 167 mg. Be mindful that some fish, like salmon, may have higher potassium levels.
Cottage Cheese: Depending on the brand and serving size, cottage cheese can be a low-potassium dairy option. Always check the nutritional information to ensure it fits your dietary requirements.

Low Potassium Plant-Based Proteins

For those following a vegetarian or vegan low-potassium diet, there are several viable protein sources. Some plant-based proteins can be high in potassium, so proper preparation is key.

Rinsed and Canned Chickpeas: Canned beans and pulses are often lower in potassium than dried ones because some potassium leaches into the canning liquid. Rinsing and draining them thoroughly before use further reduces potassium content. Tinned chickpeas are a good example.
Steamed Tofu: Tofu is a versatile protein that can be suitable for a low-potassium diet, especially when steamed. Be aware that the potassium content can vary by preparation and brand.
Quorn® Pieces: This meat substitute is often listed as a lower-potassium option in renal diet guidelines.

Comparison of Protein Sources by Potassium Content

This table illustrates the approximate potassium content for a standard 3-ounce (85g) serving of various protein sources.


Protein Source	Potassium (mg) per 3 oz	Notes
Egg Whites (from 2 large eggs)	~108 mg	Excellent, low-phosphorus option.
Corned Beef Brisket	123 mg	Lower end of the meat spectrum.
Cooked Flounder or Sole	167 mg	Good, lean fish choice.
Roasted Chicken Breast (skinless)	218 mg	A reliable, common choice.
Braised Pork Chops	220 mg	Moderate-potassium meat.
Cooked Shrimp	220 mg	A good option for seafood lovers.
Cooked Ground Beef	270 mg	Higher than chicken or fish, but manageable in moderation.
Lentils (cooked)	~365 mg	Soaking and boiling can reduce content.

Cooking Methods for Lowering Potassium

The way you prepare food can impact its potassium content. For some vegetables and proteins, boiling can help reduce the amount of potassium. For individuals with kidney health concerns, it's advised to avoid using the cooking water from boiling to make gravies or soups, as the potassium leaches into the water. Canned and processed meats should be limited, as they often contain potassium chloride as a salt substitute and other additives that can elevate potassium levels. Choosing fresh over processed is always a safer bet. When preparing beans or lentils, soaking them overnight and then boiling them in fresh water, which is then discarded, can also lower potassium.

Conclusion

While no protein source is completely devoid of potassium, options like egg whites, skinless chicken breast, and certain fish stand out as having the lowest amounts. By being mindful of food choices and preparation methods, individuals on a low-potassium diet can confidently meet their protein needs. It is always best to consult with a dietitian or healthcare provider to develop a personalized eating plan that is both safe and nutritionally sound.

Planning a Low-Potassium Protein Diet

Consult a Professional: Always work with a doctor or registered dietitian to tailor a low-potassium diet to your specific health needs.
Focus on Unprocessed: Opt for fresh meats, fish, and poultry instead of processed varieties like deli meats and cured hams.
Rinse Canned Goods: If using canned proteins like tuna or chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly to reduce potassium levels.
Control Portions: While a protein may be low in potassium, excessive intake can still contribute to a high overall potassium load. Adhering to recommended serving sizes is crucial.
Explore Egg Whites: Egg whites are a versatile, very low-potassium base for many meals, from scrambled eggs to frittatas.
Use Low-Potassium Cooking Methods: Boiling certain foods can help reduce their potassium content, but remember to discard the cooking water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among common fresh meats, corned beef brisket and skinless chicken breast are among the lowest in potassium. It is important to choose fresh, unprocessed options over cured or processed meats.

Yes, eggs are generally safe on a low-potassium diet, particularly the egg whites. Egg whites are a high-quality protein source that is very low in potassium, while egg yolks contain slightly more.

Canned beans and pulses can be part of a low-potassium diet. However, it is crucial to drain and rinse them thoroughly before cooking to reduce the potassium that leaches into the canning liquid.

Some fish varieties are lower in potassium than others. For example, flounder, sole, and canned light tuna (in water) are good low-potassium choices. Other fish, like salmon, can be higher.

For some foods like potatoes, boiling and discarding the water can reduce the potassium content. While this method is most common for vegetables, choosing fresh, unprocessed proteins over canned options is the best practice for managing potassium.

Most nuts and seeds are high in potassium and should be limited. Macadamia nuts, however, are a notable exception and are lower in potassium than almonds or peanuts, but portion control is still important.

Steamed tofu and Quorn® pieces are often considered lower-potassium plant-based alternatives. Checking labels is always wise, as potassium content can vary.