Phosphorus Foods

HIGH-PHOSPHORUS FOODS (Avoid or Limit)

Processed Foods: hot dogs, deli and/or processed meats, pizza, boxed meals such as macaroni & cheese or hamburger helper

Dairy Foods: milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt

Meat/Poultry/Fish: organ meats, sausage, shellfish, fish with bones such as smelt or sardines, convenience meats such as chicken nuggets or tenders (these are processed)

Beverages: chocolate & cocoa, colas, milkshakes, most protein shakes

Baked Goods: cakes, biscuits, muffins pancakes, or cornbread made from mixes, toaster pastries

Nuts/Seeds & Grains*: sunflower seeds, walnuts, cashews, almonds, pine nuts, most nuts and nut butters, whole grains such as spelt, oats, brown rice. Of note, amaranth & quinoa might fall under the category of whole grains, though they are not grains, but rather seeds!

Legumes/Beans & Pulses*: navy, great northern, or soy beans, black eyed peas, dried & fresh green peas, lentils, and edamame * The phosphorus in Nuts/Seeds & Grains is stored as phytic acid, which is hard for the body to break down, digest, and therefore absorb.

LOW-PHOSPHORUS FOODS (Enjoy in Moderation)

Fruit/Vegetables: apples, berries, cherries, grapes, pineapple, bell peppers, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, lettuce, cabbage, kale, onion, zucchini

Dairy Foods: cream cheese, brie, parmesan, butter, sherbet, and milk alternatives such as almond, rice, coconut, or soy milk, plant-based yogurt such as coconut yogurt

Meat/Poultry/Fish/Protein Sources: tofu, egg whites, chicken or turkey (skin removed), tilapia, cod, canned tuna (in water)

Legumes/Beans & Pulses*: garbanzo, fava, black, pinto, kidney, or lima beans, green peas (frozen or canned)

Nuts/Seeds & Grains*: pumpkin seeds, pecans, hazelnuts, whole grains such as barley, wild rice, couscous, bulgar * The phosphorus in Nuts/Seeds & Grains is stored as phytic acid, which is hard for the body to break down, digest, and therefore absorb

Beverages: homemade iced tea, coffee, or lemonade, carbonated beverages such as lemon lime, orange, root beer, or ginger ale, and water! 

Processed Foods: Cereals such as Chex, Corn Flakes, Cheerios, or Cream of Wheat, other grain products include pasta such as macaroni, rice noodles, or spaghetti, and breads such as pita, sourdough, white or flatbread

Snacks & Desserts**: popcorn, pretzels, fig bars, fruit chews such as gummies, low-sodium crackers, sorbet, popsicles, angel food cake, poundcake, sugar cookies or gingersnaps, rice cakes, gelatin **Caution with sugar intake if monitoring blood sugar