Which meat has the least amount of potassium?

October 31, 2025 •

3 min read

While most fresh meat contains significant amounts of potassium, some varieties and cooking methods can help minimize your intake. For individuals with certain health conditions, like kidney disease, managing dietary potassium is critical to prevent complications such as hyperkalemia. Knowing which meat has the least amount of potassium can be a key part of a carefully planned nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

This guide details which fresh and canned meats have the lowest potassium levels. It compares different types of meat, offers low-potassium alternatives, and explains how cooking methods can influence mineral content for better dietary management.

Key Points

Shellfish offers the lowest potassium: Clams and shrimp are among the lowest potassium meat sources available, making them ideal for restricted diets.
Processed meats are generally high in potassium: Deli meats like ham often contain high levels of potassium, as well as sodium and phosphorus additives, and should be limited.
Boiling meat can reduce potassium content: Cooking meat by boiling and then discarding the cooking liquid can effectively lower its potassium concentration.
Canned tuna is a good option if drained: Draining canned tuna packed in water helps remove potassium that has leached into the liquid, making it a low-potassium protein choice.
Portion sizes matter: Even with low-potassium foods, consuming large portions can significantly increase total potassium intake and impact blood levels.
Individual cuts of meat vary: Different cuts of poultry, like chicken wings versus breast, have differing potassium levels, with wings typically being lower.

Understanding Potassium in Meat and Diet

Potassium is an essential mineral vital for nerve function, muscle contractions, and maintaining a healthy heart rhythm. The kidneys regulate the body's potassium levels, but for those with kidney disease, this process can become impaired, leading to high blood potassium (hyperkalemia). In such cases, limiting potassium-rich foods, including some types of meat, becomes necessary. While many fresh meats have moderate-to-high potassium content, there are significant differences between types of meat, and preparation techniques can alter the final concentration.

The Lowest Potassium Meat Options

When comparing different types of meat, fish and poultry tend to have lower potassium content than many red meats, though there is considerable variation. Some of the lowest potassium options are found among shellfish and canned fish.

Shellfish and Fish

Clams: With only 58 mg of potassium per 100-gram serving, clams are one of the lowest potassium animal proteins available.
Shrimp: A 100-gram (3.5 ounce) serving of shrimp contains approximately 101 mg of potassium, making it an excellent choice for a low-potassium diet.
Oysters: Oysters provide 193 mg of potassium per 100-gram serving.
Canned Tuna (in water, drained): Canned light tuna, drained, contains about 176 mg of potassium per 100-gram serving. Draining the liquid is key, as the potassium leaches into the fluid.

Poultry and Red Meat

Chicken Wings: A 100-gram serving of chicken wings contains approximately 206 mg of potassium, placing it among the lower-end options for poultry.
Chicken Thigh or Drumstick: These cuts are generally lower in potassium than chicken breast.
Veal: Grilled veal loin chops contain about 195 mg of potassium per 3-ounce portion.
Corned Beef Brisket: One 3-ounce portion of corned beef brisket contains approximately 123 mg of potassium.

Meats to Approach with Caution

Certain meats are notably higher in potassium and should be limited or avoided on a restricted diet. This is especially true for processed meats, which often have high sodium and potassium additives.

Processed and Deli Meats: Ham, bacon, and sausages are typically high in potassium, in addition to high levels of sodium and phosphorus. Some 'low-sodium' deli products even contain more potassium to compensate for the lower salt content.
Pork Chops: A 6-ounce (170 gram) pork chop can contain as much as 600 mg of potassium, a significant amount for those on a restricted diet.
Steak and Beef Roasts: Many popular cuts of steak and beef roasts are higher in potassium compared to chicken or fish.

The Impact of Cooking on Potassium Content

For many foods, boiling can significantly reduce potassium levels, as the mineral leaches into the cooking water. This technique can be used with meat to further minimize potassium intake. Studies have shown that boiling meats for at least 10 minutes can reduce potassium content by about half. The cooking liquid must be discarded to remove the leached potassium effectively. Microwaving and pressure cooking can also help reduce potassium, though perhaps not as effectively as boiling and discarding the water.

Cooking tips for lowering potassium:

Boil meat (such as chicken or beef) for at least 10 minutes before continuing with your recipe.
Discard the water used for boiling, rather than using it for gravy or sauces.
Choose cooking methods like grilling or frying for naturally low-potassium options to avoid adding unnecessary liquid.

Comparison of Potassium in Common Meat and Fish (per 100g, cooked)


Food Type	Potassium (mg) per 100g	Notes
Clams	58	One of the lowest options available.
Shrimp	101	Excellent choice for a low-potassium diet.
Corned Beef Brisket	~123 (per 3oz)	A relatively low-potassium red meat.
Canned Light Tuna (drained)	176	Best choice for canned fish; drain liquid.
Chicken Wing (roasted)	179 (per 3oz)	Skinless, roasted chicken wing is a lower poultry option.
Grilled Veal Loin	~195 (per 3oz)	A good option for red meat.
Chicken Breast (roasted)	218 (per 3oz)	Higher than wings or thighs, but still manageable.
Salmon	391	A nutritious option but high in potassium.
Processed Ham (deli)	425	High in potassium and additives; best to avoid.
Pork Chop (6oz)	~600	Very high potassium content for a single serving.

Conclusion

While all meat contains potassium, not all are equally high. For individuals on a low-potassium diet, prioritizing options like clams, shrimp, and drained canned tuna is a smart strategy. When consuming poultry, certain cuts like wings or thighs are preferable to breast meat. Processed meats and very high-potassium options like large pork chops or certain deli meats should be avoided. Employing cooking methods like boiling and discarding the water can further help reduce potassium content in fresh meat. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice, especially when managing conditions like kidney disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among common meat and shellfish options, clams have the least amount of potassium, with only 58 mg per 100-gram serving. Shrimp and drained canned light tuna are also very low in potassium.

Yes, you can eat chicken, but some cuts are lower in potassium than others. Chicken wings and thighs are generally lower than breast meat. Boiling chicken and discarding the liquid can further reduce its potassium content.

No, not all canned fish is low in potassium. Canned light tuna packed in water is a good option, but it is important to drain the liquid thoroughly before eating, as potassium leaches into the water.

While some red meat, like large pork chops and certain steaks, can be high in potassium, others like corned beef brisket and grilled veal loin can be lower. Fresh, unprocessed cuts in moderate portions are better than processed red meats.

Boiling meat in water and then discarding the cooking liquid is an effective way to reduce its potassium content. Microwaving and pressure cooking can also help lower potassium levels.

Processed meats, including deli meats like ham and bacon, are almost always higher in potassium, and they often contain added sodium and phosphorus. They should be avoided on a low-potassium diet.

Yes, portion size is crucial. Even a low-potassium food can become a high-potassium source if you consume too much of it. It is important to stick to recommended serving sizes.