Which Fruit Has the Lowest Potassium Level?

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, some of the lowest potassium fruits per serving include blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries. For individuals managing chronic kidney disease or hyperkalemia, monitoring dietary potassium is crucial, and certain fruits offer a safer way to enjoy sweet and flavorful options. This guide breaks down the best low-potassium fruit choices to help you make informed decisions for your health.

Quick Summary

A guide to the fruits lowest in potassium for individuals needing to manage their intake. It provides detailed nutritional information, serving recommendations, and comparisons of common fruits. The content focuses on practical advice for incorporating these options into a low-potassium diet.

Key Points

Blueberries are a top low-potassium fruit: At 77 mg per 100 grams, blueberries are one of the lowest potassium fruits and rich in antioxidants.
Cranberries are another excellent choice: With only 80 mg of potassium per 100 grams, cranberries are great for juices or sauces.
Apples are a safe bet: A medium-sized apple contains a low amount of potassium and is a versatile snack.
Portion control is critical: Even with low-potassium fruits, controlling portion sizes is necessary to avoid exceeding daily intake limits.
Rinse canned fruits thoroughly: Draining and rinsing canned fruits significantly reduces their potassium content.
Consult a healthcare provider: Always speak with a doctor or dietitian before changing your diet, especially if you have a condition like kidney disease.

Understanding Potassium and Why a Low-Level Diet is Necessary

Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in nerve function, muscle contractions, and maintaining fluid balance. The kidneys are responsible for filtering excess potassium from the body. However, for people with kidney disease or other medical conditions that impair kidney function, high potassium levels can build up in the blood, a dangerous condition called hyperkalemia. In these cases, it becomes necessary to limit high-potassium foods, including certain fruits.

Many fruits are naturally high in potassium, but there are numerous delicious and nutritious alternatives that are safe for a low-potassium diet. It is important to pay attention to portion sizes, as eating too much of even a low-potassium food can increase your overall intake.

The Lowest of the Low: Top Fruit Choices

When aiming for the lowest potassium options, berries and some specific citrus fruits stand out. Blueberries are exceptionally low, containing only about 77 mg per 100 grams, while cranberries are slightly lower with 80 mg per 100 grams. This makes them excellent choices for snacking, adding to cereals, or blending into smoothies.

Blueberries: A fantastic low-potassium option, blueberries also provide powerful antioxidants.
Cranberries: Often consumed as a juice or in sauce, cranberries are very low in potassium.
Canned Peaches (drained): While fresh peaches are moderate in potassium, the canned version, when the liquid is drained, has a lower concentration.
Canned Pears (drained): Similar to canned peaches, draining the liquid helps lower the potassium content.
Lemons and Limes: The juice from these citrus fruits is very low in potassium and can be used to flavor dishes.

Comparing Low-Potassium Fruits

To better visualize the differences, here is a comparison table of several popular fruits based on their potassium content per 100 grams. This data helps illustrate which options offer the most significant potassium savings.


Fruit	Potassium (mg) per 100g	Notes
Blueberries	77	An excellent, antioxidant-rich choice.
Cranberries	80	Often used in juices or sauces.
Limes	102	Used for flavoring; very low potassium.
Apples	107	Applesauce is another safe option.
Pineapple	109	Can be eaten fresh or canned.
Watermelon	112	A hydrating choice, but watch portion size.
Pears	116	A single fresh pear is also a good option.
Grapefruit	135	Limit to ½ fruit serving.
Lemons	138	Used primarily for juice and zest.
Raspberries	151	Excellent for adding flavor and fiber.

Incorporating Low-Potassium Fruits into Your Diet

Managing your potassium intake doesn't mean you can't enjoy a variety of fruits. The key is to control portions and choose wisely. Here are some tips:

Create a Low-Potassium Fruit Salad: Combine fresh blueberries, strawberries, and small pieces of pineapple for a colorful and safe dessert or snack.
Make Low-Potassium Smoothies: Blend low-potassium fruits like berries and pineapple with low-potassium milk alternatives (like rice milk) and ice.
Rinse Canned Fruits: Always rinse canned fruits thoroughly and drain the liquid, as the canning liquid often contains higher concentrations of potassium.
Enjoy Fruit Juices Sparingly: While some juices like grape and apple are lower in potassium than others, they lack the fiber of whole fruit and should be consumed in moderation.

Potential Issues and Considerations

While sticking to a low-potassium diet is necessary for some, it's not a one-size-fits-all approach. For those without kidney issues, a diet rich in potassium from sources like fruits and vegetables is beneficial for regulating blood pressure and heart health. Over-restricting potassium unnecessarily can lead to its own health issues, a condition known as hypokalemia. Always consult a doctor or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific health needs and test results.

Beyond the Numbers: The Importance of Portion Control

Even the lowest potassium fruits can become a concern if consumed in large quantities. For example, a single cup of fresh watermelon contains 112 mg of potassium, but if you eat three cups in one sitting, you've tripled your intake. This is why healthcare professionals often emphasize portion control as much as food selection. Half-cup servings are frequently recommended as a standard for those needing to monitor their potassium levels closely.

Conclusion

For individuals seeking to minimize their dietary potassium, blueberries and cranberries are some of the best fruit choices available. Apples, pears, and pineapple are also excellent low-potassium options. By prioritizing these fruits, controlling portion sizes, and being mindful of canned goods and juices, those with kidney health concerns can maintain a safe and delicious diet. Remember to consult a healthcare professional to ensure your dietary choices align with your specific medical needs.

Low-Potassium Recipes

Easy Berry Parfait: Layer low-fat Greek yogurt with fresh blueberries, raspberries, and a sprinkle of low-potassium granola.
Cranberry and Apple Salad: Combine finely chopped apples with a handful of fresh or dried cranberries, a light lemon juice vinaigrette, and a touch of parsley.
Pineapple and Berry Skewers: Thread chunks of fresh pineapple and whole strawberries and blueberries onto skewers for a simple, refreshing snack.
Low-Potassium Fruit Smoothie: Blend ½ cup blueberries, ½ cup ice, and ½ cup apple juice for a quick, hydrating treat.

Other Low-Potassium Fruits to Consider

Plums: One whole plum is a low-potassium choice.
Grapes: A half-cup serving of grapes or grape juice is low in potassium.
Strawberries: A half-cup serving of strawberries is a safe and healthy addition.
Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarin oranges, with the liquid drained, are a low-potassium option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among common berries, blueberries contain one of the lowest levels of potassium, with about 77 mg per 100 grams. Cranberries are also exceptionally low, while raspberries and blackberries are slightly higher but still considered low-potassium options in moderation.

Yes, plain applesauce is a good low-potassium choice. A half-cup serving typically contains a very low amount of potassium, making it a safe and convenient option for those on a restrictive diet.

No, dried fruits should generally be avoided on a low-potassium diet. The drying process concentrates potassium, so items like dried apricots, prunes, and raisins are very high in this mineral.

Cooking methods that involve boiling and draining can help reduce the potassium content of fruits. However, for most fruits, the raw form is preferred. For canned fruits, make sure to drain and rinse the liquid to reduce the potassium levels.

Some fruit juices, like cranberry and grape, are lower in potassium than others. However, it is crucial to consume them in moderation and be mindful of serving sizes. Whole fruits offer more fiber and are generally a better choice.

For those on a low-potassium diet, a serving is typically defined as a half-cup and should contain less than 200 mg of potassium. However, always follow the specific guidance provided by your healthcare provider.

Some melons, like watermelon and honeydew, contain moderate amounts of potassium, but cantaloupe is generally higher. Portion control is essential for these fruits; limit consumption to a one-cup serving for watermelon.