Best Cereal for Kidney Disease

Not in the mood to cook? Pressed for time in the morning? Ready-to-eat cereals can be a simple and convenient breakfast—or snack—option for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). But navigating the cereal aisle can be overwhelming, and food labels aren’t always as helpful as they seem. That’s why we’ve done the work for you and created a list of kidney-friendly cereals that are low in sodium, low in potassium, relatively low in sugar, and free of phosphorus additives.

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Before we get to the list, let’s break down why these nutrients matter and how to make cereal part of your kidney-conscious eating plan.

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What makes a cereal kidney friendly?

Protein

Some people with CKD benefit from a lower protein diet, particularly in the later stages of kidney disease. Reducing protein can decrease the buildup of nitrogenous waste products in the blood and may also reduce pressure in the kidneys, which can help manage symptoms and slow progression. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about what the right amount of protein is for you.

Cereal is often lower in protein compared to eggs or meat-based breakfasts, which can make it a good option. There is also evidence that getting protein from plant sources (like cereal!) is more beneficial than protein from animal sources.

However, protein content can vary widely. Some high-protein cereals (like those marketed for athletes or weight loss) can have 10–15 grams per serving, while others have as little as 2–3 grams.

Keep in mind that what you pair cereal with also matters. Using a plant-based milk with minimal protein and adding fruit can create a lower-protein meal even if the cereal itself is a bit higher in protein. This flexibility can help you meet your protein needs for the day without going overboard.

Potassium

Potassium is an important mineral for nerve and muscle function, including keeping your heart beating regularly. For people with CKD, potassium management can be confusing. Some people need to restrict potassium, but many do not.

Unless your provider has told you otherwise, there’s no need to automatically restrict potassium. There are many things that can contribute to out-of-range potassium that are not related to the amount of potassium in foods that you eat. I walk through this in more depth in my free mini email course, 5 Ways to Control Potassium Without Avoiding High Potassium Foods. You can sign up for the free course here.

There is no single definition of a low-potassium food. Many people use a cut-off of 200mg of potassium per serving, but that can sometimes be overly restrictive. Here’s how we typically think of high and low potassium foods:

• If a food has less potassium (in milligrams) than it has calories, it’s likely very low in potassium.
• If it has about twice as much potassium as calories, it’s considered high potassium.
• Anything in between is moderate.

Using these definitions, most cereals would be considered low potassium (and none on my list would be considered high).

Sodium

Cereal might not be the first food that comes to mind when you think about sodium, but many boxed cereals can pack in more salt than expected. Sodium is added for shelf life and flavor, even in cereals that don’t taste obviously salty.

For people with CKD, managing sodium intake is essential for controlling blood pressure and reducing fluid retention. Elevated sodium intake can also increase the risk of heart disease—something people with CKD are already more vulnerable to. The National Kidney Foundation’s KDOQI nutrition guidelines recommend limiting sodium to under 2,300 mg per day, and many people may benefit from going even lower depending on their health goals.

An easy way to screen cereals is to compare sodium to calories. Look for cereals where the sodium (in milligrams) is lower than the number of calories per serving. For example, if a cereal has 110 calories, aim for less than 110 mg of sodium.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is another nutrient to be mindful of when choosing a cereal, but it’s not as simple as looking at the nutrition label. While some cereals list total phosphorus content, this number doesn’t differentiate between natural phosphorus and phosphorus additives. And that matters—a lot. Phosphorus additives are much more readily absorbed (up to 90–100%) compared to natural sources (which are absorbed at much lower rates, around 30–60%).

High phosphorus levels can contribute to bone disease, cardiovascular complications, and worsening kidney function. However, it’s only the added forms we need to avoid. That’s why I recommend ignoring the phosphorus number on the label and instead checking the ingredients list. If you see anything with “phos” in it—like calcium phosphate, disodium phosphate, or phosphoric acid—that’s a sign it contains added phosphorus and should be avoided.

Added Sugars

Many cereals today are more like desserts than breakfast foods, especially the brightly colored ones targeted to kids—but even “healthy” cereals can have hidden sugars. High sugar intake increases the risk of weight gain, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease, which are all concerns for people with CKD.

Even without diabetes, it’s a good idea to keep added sugar in check. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25 grams per day for women and no more than 36 grams per day for men. Aim for cereals with no more than 6 to 8 grams of added sugar per serving, and ideally less.

If you find lower sugar cereals too bland at first, try adding sliced bananas, blueberries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for natural sweetness.

Iron

People with CKD are at increased risk for anemia due to reduced production of erythropoietin (a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production), frequent blood testing, inflammation, and potential nutrient shortfalls. Iron is one of the key nutrients that helps prevent anemia, and getting enough through food can help reduce the need for supplements or IV iron in some cases.

Some ready-to-eat cereals are fortified with iron and can be a convenient source—especially if your overall intake from other iron-rich foods (like meat, legumes, or leafy greens) is limited.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iron is:

• Women aged 19–50: 18 mg/day
• Men aged 19 and older: 8 mg/day
• Women 51+ (postmenopausal): 8 mg/day

Fortified cereals often contribute 25% or more of the RDA in a single serving, which can help you meet your needs more easily. Just be sure the cereal doesn’t contain phosphate additives and fits within your sodium and sugar limits.

Fiber

Fiber is one of the most beneficial nutrients for kidney health, but it’s often overlooked. Getting enough fiber can help manage blood sugar, support a healthy gut microbiome, and can help you better manage potassium levels. There is even research showing that higher fiber diets are linked to lower inflammation and risk of mortality in people with kidney disease.

The goal for most adults is at least 25 grams per day, though most Americans fall short. Choosing cereals with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving is a good way to boost your intake, especially when combined with other high-fiber foods like fruit or whole grains.

Kidney Friendly Cereal You Can Buy

Kelloggs Frosted Mini-Wheats

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrate: 51g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 160mg
• Calcium: 0mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 12g

Despite the name, Frosted Mini-Wheats don’t actually contain a ton of sugar (at least for a cereal). And my favorite part about this kidney friendly cereal is that it contains 100% of the daily value for iron, which can be a difficult mineral to get enough of on a low protein diet. This cereal is very low in fat, so be sure to pair this with some healthy fats like nuts for a more filling and satisfying meal or snack. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Post Great Grains Raisins, Dates, & Pecans cereal

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrate: 40g
• Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 210mg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 13g

This is another kidney friendly cereal with a relatively high amounf of iron added – 60% of the Daily Value. Great Grains come in several flavors, but this particular flavor is the most CKD-friendly because it had the lowest protein and sodium content. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Kashi Cereal

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrate: 36g
• Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 270mg
• Calcium: 60mg
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 10g

Kashi makes several cereal options that are low in sodium and contain no phosphorus additives. Some of their cereals are on the higher side for protein, but can still be included in a kidney friendly eating plan when paired with other lower protein foods. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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Food for Life Ezekiel Cereal

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrate: 34g
• Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 193mg
• Calcium: 23mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 1g

The Food for Life brand makes a lot of kidney friendly foods, including cereal! Their cereals are low in sodium, sugar, and potassium and contain no phosphorus additives. They are also high in fiber. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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Seven Sundays Cereal

• Calories: 170
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrate: 27g
• Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 100mg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Seven Sundays makes a varitey of low sugar, low sodium, low protein, and low potassium cereals that contain no phosphorus additives. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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Purely Elizabeth Cereal

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrate: 38g
• Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 200mg
• Calcium: 40mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 9g

Purely Elizabeth makes a varitey of low sodium, low protein, and low potassium cereal with no phosphate additives. Their cereal are also often fortified with a small amout of Vitamin D, which can be helpful for some people. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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Ratio Granola

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrate: 7g
• Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 125mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 140mg
• Calcium: 60mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 1g

This low sugar granola is sweetened with stevia. It is low in sodium, low in potassium, and contains no phosphorus additives. Note that this brand also makes cereals, however their cereals have more sodium than calories, so I do not consider them low sodium foods. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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Back to Nature Granola

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrate: 19g
• Fat: 3.5g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 70mg
• Calcium: 10mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g

Back to Nature makes several gluten free, low sodium, low potassium, and low protein granolas. These granolas also tend to be lower in fat. If you have type 2 diabetes, be sure to pair this with a higher fat food like nuts to help balance out the carbohydrates. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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Bear Naked

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrate: 40g
• Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 170mg
• Calcium: 30mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 11g

Bear Naked makes several varieties of granola that are low in sodium, protein, and potassium and contain no phosphorus additives. They do contain some added sugars, so be mindful that you are not getting too much added sugar in your day. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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Bob’s Red Mill Paleo Style Muesli

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrate: 9g
• Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 174mg
• Calcium: 13mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g

This is a very high fat, low carb, low protein, very low sodium ‘cereal’ mix. I would probably view this more as a trail mix type food, but it has an excellent nutrition profile for people with CKD. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Wildway Grain Free Granola Apple Cinnamon

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrate: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 25mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 171mg
• Calcium: 23mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g

This is a granola rather than a traditional cereal, but it contains lots of healthy fats from nuts and seeds while still being low protein. This kidney friendly cereal is also very low in sodium! Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Cascadian Farm Coconut Cashew Granola

• Calories: 330
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrate: 37g
• Fat: 19g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 188mg
• Calcium: 0mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g

Cascadian Farms makes several low sodium low potassium, low protein cereal that contain no phosphorus additives. This particular flavor is also quite high in fat, so it can be a good way to add extra calories to your breakfast without adding too much extra protein. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrate: 29g
• Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 0mg
• Calcium: 0mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 11g

If you like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but want to avoid the phosphorus additives, give these a try! These are just a tad low in fiber, but are otherwise a great choice for people with CKD. These are low protein and low sodium, which make this a good cereal for kidney disease. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Quaker Oatmeal Squares

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrate: 44g
• Fat: 2.5g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 200mg
• Calcium: 30mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 10g

Quaker makes several flavors of Oatmeal Squares that are low in sodium, potassium, and protein and contain no phosphorus additives. These cereals are also quite high in iron and would meet most people’s daily requirement for iron. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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Shredded Wheat Cereal

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrate: 49g
• Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 210mg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 0g

Shredded Wheat cereals are ultra low in sodium and sugar and contain no added phosphates. They are very low in fat, so we recommend pairing with high fat foods to ensure a well balanced and filling meal. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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Runner Ups

These cereals didn’t quite meet our stringent requirements, but may still be good options.

Post Honey Bunches of Oats Cinnamon Bunches

• Calories: 160
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrate: 34g
• Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 80mg
• Calcium: 10mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 9g

All of the flavors in the Honey Bunches of Oats family are a bit low in fiber and some are a bit higher in sodium (but not terrible). All are low protein and very high in iron which are important for kidney friendly cereals. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Kellogg’s Raisin Bran Crunch

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrate: 46g
• Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 280mg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 19g

This somewhat kidney friendly cereal was just a tad high in sodium, but it otherwise a low protein cereal. It is also relatively high in carbohydrates and sugar, so be sure to pair this food with a healthy, low protein fat such as walnuts to ensure a more satiating meal. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Quaker Life Cereal

• Calories: 160
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrate: 33g
• Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 110mg
• Calcium: 160mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 10g

Quaker Life Cereals are just a tad bit higher in sodium than I would like, but they are low in potassium, protein, and contain no phosphorus additives. They are also high in iron and contain enough iron to meet most adult’s needs. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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