5 Low-Cost Kidney Disease Superfoods to Add to Your Plate in 2025

Eating healthy doesn't have to cost a lot. With some planning and smart shopping, you can fill your plate with kidney-friendly foods that are easy to find and great for your health. Here are five low-cost foods to add to your 2025 shopping lists.

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• Beans
• Tofu
• Root vegetables
• Apples
• Yogurt

Remember, these foods are kidney-friendly, but the amount you can safely enjoy depends on your treatment plan. Work with your healthcare provider or a kidney dietitian to create a diet that works for you.

Find a kidney dietitian near you.

Beans are an excellent addition to your diet—especially when looking out for your kidneys! They are low in fat, high in fiber, and provide protein, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Plus, they're affordable and available at most stores, from grocery to dollar stores.

Why are beans so healthy? They are full of fiber, helping you stay full longer and supporting 
heart health. Beans offer 6-8 grams of plant-based protein and a third of your daily iron needs.

Unlike animal products, the body doesn't absorb potassium and phosphorus in beans as easily. This is why beans may be a healthier choice even for people who need to limit potassium. Please check with your kidney dietitian about what’s best for you.

Nutritional snapshot per ½ cup cooked:

• Black beans: 7g protein, 305mg potassium
• Kidney beans: 8g protein, 356 mg potassium
• Lentils: 9g protein, 365 mg potassium

Get a three-bean salad recipe.

Tofu isn't just for vegetarians. It's a great plant-based protein that supports kidney health. Tofu is low in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. It is rich in essential amino acids important for energy and repair. It also contains fiber, calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats.

Tofu is affordable. Find it at most grocery stores, Asian markets, and even some dollar stores. Plus, it can be used in many ways, soaking up flavors and working well in everything from stir-fries to smoothies.

Nutritional snapshot per ½ cup raw:

• 8.08 g protein
• 121 mg potassium
• 97 mg phosphorus

Learn seven easy ways to use tofu.

Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and beets are nutritious and budget-friendly. They are easy to store and have a long shelf life, making them great year-round staples.

The fiber in root vegetables helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full. They're naturally low in calories and offer a range of vitamins like C, A, and B, as well as calcium and iron.

Nutritional snapshot per 100 grams without skin:

• One sweet potato: 37 mg phosphorus, 486 mg potassium
• One raw russet potato: 55mg phosphorus, 450mg potassium
• Approximately 2/3 cup red potatoes: 56mg phosphorus, 472 mg potassium

Get a glazed carrot recipe.

Apples are a versatile fruit with a crisp texture and a balance of sweet and tart flavors. They're low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium, making them an excellent choice for a kidney-friendly diet.

Apples are also affordable and can be found at grocery stores, farmers' markets, produce stands, and warehouse clubs. Watch for sales, especially when apples are in season, for better prices.

Nutritional snapshot (half of a medium-sized apple, 100g):

• Honeycrisp apple: 98 mg potassium, 12.4g sugars, 8 mg phosphorus
• Red delicious apple: 95 mg potassium, 12.2g sugars, 9 mg phosphorus
• Gala apple: 106 mg potassium, 11.8g sugars, 8 mg phosphorus

Get a cinnamon stewed apple recipe.

Yogurt is available in many varieties, from regular to Greek, and even plant-based options like soy or coconut for those who avoid dairy.

Yogurt is a kidney superfood because it contains B12 for energy, calcium, phosphorus for strong bones, and probiotics to support gut health. It's also widely available and affordable, especially if you buy in bulk or choose store brands. Look for sales to make it even more cost-effective.

Nutritional snapshot per ½ cup (100g):

• Plain nonfat yogurt: 4.23g protein, 127 mg phosphorus, 210mg potassium
• Plain nonfat Greek yogurt: 10.3g protein, 136mg phosphorus, 141 mg potassium
• Strawberry nonfat Greek yogurt: 8.06g protein, 113mg phosphorus, 131 mg potassium

Get a strawberry and chocolate frozen yogurt bark recipe.

View our kidney superfoods or get more kidney-friendly recipes.

*This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.