Which is not high in protein? Your guide to low-protein foods

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, foods low in protein often become the cornerstone of diets for individuals with certain health conditions. So, which is not high in protein? The answer lies mostly within specific categories of fruits, vegetables, grains, and fats, where protein content is naturally minimal.

Quick Summary

This guide details low-protein food categories, including specific fruits, vegetables, and fats. It contrasts these with high-protein sources, offering clarity for managing dietary protein intake without confusion.

Key Points

Fruits and Vegetables: Most fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in protein, with the main exceptions being dried fruits and legumes like peas.
Grains and Starches: Refined grains such as white rice and pasta have lower protein content compared to whole grains. Low-protein starches like cornstarch are also good options.
Fats and Sugars: Healthy fats like olive oil and simple sugars like honey contain negligible amounts of protein and can be used to add calories to a low-protein diet.
Animal Products: Meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy are all high in protein and should be limited or avoided on a low-protein diet.
Legumes, Nuts, and Seeds: Beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds are concentrated sources of plant-based protein and should be restricted.
Medical Guidance: A low-protein diet is often medically prescribed and should be followed under the supervision of a healthcare professional or nutritionist.

Understanding Low-Protein Foods

For most people, a high-protein diet is a goal for muscle growth or satiety. However, for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as kidney or liver disease, limiting protein is a necessity. Understanding which foods are naturally low in protein is crucial for managing these health concerns. Generally, whole food groups such as fruits, most vegetables, and simple starches contain significantly less protein than animal products or legumes.

The Role of Protein in Your Diet

Protein is an essential macronutrient that serves as a building block for body tissue. When your body digests protein, it produces a waste product called urea, which is filtered by the kidneys. For individuals with impaired kidney function, reducing dietary protein can alleviate the workload on these vital organs. Therefore, a low-protein diet is not a universal recommendation but a medical necessity for specific cases, guided by a qualified nutritionist.

Vegetables that are not high in protein

Most vegetables, especially those with high water content, are low in protein. Some starchy vegetables, like corn and potatoes, have slightly higher amounts but are still much lower than animal sources. A wide variety of vegetables are suitable for a low-protein diet and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber without adding significant protein.

Low-Protein Vegetable Options:

Bell peppers
Carrots
Cabbage
Celery
Cucumbers
Mushrooms
Lettuce
Onions
Zucchini

Fruits that are not high in protein

Most fruits contain only trace amounts of protein and are excellent for filling up on calories without increasing protein intake. While dried fruits have more concentrated protein due to water removal, fresh fruits are almost universally low in protein. They are also great sources of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

Low-Protein Fruit Options:

Apples
Berries (strawberries, blueberries)
Grapes
Melons
Peaches
Pears
Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit)

Grains and Starches that are not high in protein

While some whole grains contain more protein, refined grains and specific starches are relatively low in protein content. These foods can serve as a primary source of carbohydrates for energy in a low-protein diet.

Refined grains: White rice and pasta are lower in protein than their whole-grain counterparts.
Starches: Cornstarch, tapioca, and lotus root powder are low-protein starches often used in cooking and baking.
Specialty products: Some low-protein flours and baked goods are commercially available for specific dietary needs.

Comparison Table: High vs. Low Protein Foods


Food Category	Low-Protein Examples	High-Protein Examples
Vegetables	Bell peppers, cucumbers, lettuce	Peas, lentils, corn
Fruits	Apples, berries, grapes	Dried fruits, avocados (moderate)
Grains	White rice, refined pasta	Quinoa, oats, whole wheat bread
Protein Sources	(None in this category)	Meat, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, seeds
Fats	Olive oil, vegetable oil, butter	Nuts, seeds, nut butters

The Importance of Healthy Fats and Sugars

When reducing protein, it can be challenging to meet daily calorie needs. Healthy fats and simple sugars can help fill this caloric gap.

Healthy Fats: Olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados (though they have some protein) can provide extra calories.
Sweeteners: Jams, jellies, honey, and hard candies are low-protein sources of calories, but intake should be managed, especially for individuals with diabetes.

Outbound Link

For a comprehensive overview of low-protein diet considerations, including detailed food lists and recipes, consult the National Kidney Foundation, which provides resources specifically for kidney health.

Conclusion

Navigating a low-protein diet requires careful selection of food choices. By prioritizing fruits, most vegetables, and refined grains, it is possible to maintain adequate energy intake while keeping protein levels in check. Avoiding typical high-protein items like meat, dairy, eggs, and legumes is key. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to ensure all nutritional needs are met while adhering to a restricted-protein diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

A food is generally considered low in protein if it comes from the fruit or vegetable group (excluding legumes), specific starches like white rice, or fats and sugars, as these contain trace or minimal amounts of protein.

Yes, you can eat some bread on a low-protein diet, particularly white or sourdough bread, which is lower in protein than whole-grain varieties. There are also specialty low-protein baked goods available.

On a low-protein diet, you should limit vegetables that are also legumes, such as peas and beans. Corn and potatoes also contain higher protein levels than many other vegetables, so they should be monitored.

Most fresh fruits contain only trace amounts of protein and can be considered low-protein foods. Dried fruits, however, have a more concentrated protein content because their water has been removed.

No, a low-protein diet is not suitable for everyone. It is typically a medically advised regimen for individuals with conditions like kidney or liver disease and should only be undertaken with medical supervision to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

For energy on a low-protein diet, focus on high-carbohydrate, low-protein sources. This includes fruits, vegetables, white rice, pasta, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocados.

Yes, unsweetened almond milk and other non-dairy alternatives generally have much less protein than dairy milk. For example, a cup of unsweetened almond milk has about one gram of protein.