Which Mushroom Has the Lowest Potassium?

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, mushrooms are a good source of nutrients but their potassium content can vary significantly by type. For those managing kidney disease or other conditions requiring a low-potassium diet, knowing which mushroom has the lowest potassium is essential for healthy and flavorful meal planning. This guide breaks down the potassium levels in common mushroom varieties.

Quick Summary

This article identifies the lowest potassium mushroom, comparing popular varieties like shiitake, white button, and cremini. It details the potassium content per 100g and offers tips for reducing potassium through cooking methods. Essential information for those on renal or low-potassium diets.

Key Points

Shiitake is the lowest: The shiitake mushroom contains the lowest potassium among common culinary varieties, making it ideal for low-potassium diets.
Cooking reduces potassium: Boiling and draining mushrooms can significantly decrease their potassium content, as the mineral is water-soluble.
Portion control is key: Even higher-potassium mushrooms like white button and cremini can be consumed in moderation, especially if cooked properly to lower potassium levels.
Know the numbers: Be aware of the potassium content per 100g serving for different mushrooms to better manage your intake.
Always consult a doctor: It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider or dietitian before making significant dietary changes, particularly for medical conditions like kidney disease.
Tinned mushrooms are lower: Canned mushrooms generally contain less potassium than fresh ones due to the processing and brining method.

Understanding Potassium in Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a nutritious and versatile food, but their mineral content, particularly potassium, is an important consideration for individuals on restricted diets. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a vital role in nerve and muscle function, as well as maintaining fluid balance. However, for people with kidney disease or other health concerns, high levels of potassium can be dangerous and need to be monitored closely. While most mushrooms are relatively high in potassium compared to other vegetables, some varieties are distinctly lower.

The Lowest Potassium Champion: Shiitake Mushrooms

Among the most common edible varieties, the shiitake mushroom consistently ranks as one of the lowest in potassium. A cup of cooked shiitake mushroom pieces contains only about 170 mg of potassium, making them a safe and flavorful choice for a renal diet. Their rich, savory umami flavor means a small amount can go a long way in adding depth to a dish without spiking potassium levels. Compared to varieties like white button or cremini mushrooms, the shiitake is a standout exception for low-potassium meal planning.

Other Low-Potassium Contenders

While shiitake mushrooms take the lead, other popular varieties also have manageable potassium levels, especially when consumed in moderation. For example, raw white button mushrooms, a kitchen staple, contain around 305 mg of potassium per 100g, while cremini mushrooms (baby portobellos) typically have a slightly higher count. Understanding the difference is key to portion control.

Comparison of Potassium in Popular Mushrooms

This table provides a clear comparison of the potassium content in different mushroom types, based on a 100g serving of raw mushrooms. Note that cooking methods can alter these values, as discussed in the next section.


Mushroom Type	Potassium Content (per 100g, raw)
Shiitake (cooked)	170 mg (per 145g serving)
White Button	305 mg
Cremini	390 mg
Oyster	420 mg
Lion's Mane	443 mg
Portobello	~364 mg

How Cooking Affects Potassium Levels

Did you know that you can further reduce the potassium content of mushrooms through specific cooking techniques? Potassium is a water-soluble mineral, which means it can leach out of food when cooked in water. By boiling or simmering mushrooms and discarding the cooking water, you can significantly lower the final potassium content. This is particularly helpful for varieties with a higher initial potassium count. For a low-potassium diet, it is recommended to avoid pan-frying or roasting mushrooms with minimal liquid, as this retains more of the mineral.

A Step-by-Step Method to Reduce Potassium

Chop and rinse: Thoroughly chop the mushrooms into smaller pieces. Rinsing them under running water helps wash away some surface potassium.
Boil in water: Place the chopped mushrooms in a pot and cover them with a generous amount of fresh water. Bring to a boil and simmer for several minutes.
Discard the water: Strain the mushrooms and discard the potassium-rich water. Do not use this water in your recipe.
Rinse again: A final rinse after boiling can help remove even more potassium.
Cook as desired: You can now use the leached mushrooms in your recipe, knowing their potassium content is significantly reduced.

Navigating a Low-Potassium Diet with Mushrooms

Incorporating mushrooms into a low-potassium diet requires careful consideration and an understanding of portion sizes. While shiitake mushrooms are the safest bet due to their naturally low levels, other types can still be enjoyed with moderation and proper preparation. For example, a small amount of boiled cremini mushrooms can add rich flavor to a sauce or stir-fry without going over daily limits. The key is to be mindful of both the mushroom variety and how it's prepared.

Remember to always consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition like kidney disease. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs.

Conclusion

While all mushrooms contain potassium, the shiitake variety stands out as the one with the lowest concentration, making it a great option for those on a low-potassium diet. Additionally, employing simple cooking techniques like boiling can further reduce the potassium content in any mushroom variety. By understanding the nutritional profile of different mushrooms and preparing them properly, you can continue to enjoy their unique flavors and health benefits while adhering to your dietary restrictions.

Here is a helpful resource for more information on managing kidney disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among commonly available varieties, shiitake mushrooms have the lowest potassium content, containing approximately 170 mg per 145g (1 cup) serving when cooked.

Yes, boiling mushrooms in water can significantly reduce their potassium content. Since potassium is water-soluble, it leaches out of the mushroom and into the water. Discarding the boiling water will effectively lower the mineral levels.

While not the lowest, white button mushrooms are relatively manageable and lower than some other varieties like oyster mushrooms. They contain approximately 305 mg of potassium per 100g, and this can be reduced further by boiling.

Cremini mushrooms have a slightly higher potassium count than white button mushrooms, with about 390 mg per 100g. Similar to other varieties, boiling them can help lower this level for dietary management.

Yes, tinned or canned mushrooms typically have lower potassium levels than their fresh counterparts. This is because some potassium is lost during the processing and canning process.

Yes, you can eat mushrooms on a low-potassium diet, but it requires careful selection and preparation. Focusing on lower-potassium varieties like shiitake and using cooking methods that reduce potassium are key strategies. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Portion size is crucial when managing potassium. A standard serving of low-potassium vegetables is often a half-cup cooked. Consult a dietitian for portion sizes suitable for your specific needs, but moderation is always recommended.