Kidney Friendly Milk: Your Guide to Choosing the Best Milk for CKD

Milk is a common food item in many people’s household. It goes well with CKD Friendly Cereals or can be used to make other dishes like oatmeal. If you like to bake, you may need to use milk in your recipes (hello Blueberry Muffins!). However, finding a kidney friendly milk can be tricky for people with Chronic Kidney Disease.

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What makes a milk kidney friendly?

Protein

If you have Chronic Kidney Disease and are not on dialysis, one of the main things you need to consider when choosing a milk is the protein content. One cup of regular cow’s milk can contain 8g of protein. Depending on your unique needs, that could be 20% of your recommended protein intake for the day! In my experience, most people would prefer to get their protein from other sources.

Not confident that you’re eating the right amount of protein each day? A registered dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition can help with that! Request an appointment today.

Too much protein can be hard on your kidneys. Too much protein can increase pressure in your kidneys. This can cause you to leak more protein into your urine than you should, and protein leakage is typically considered a sign that your kidneys may be declining fast. Additionally, protein from animal sources (like milk) contribute more to metabolic acidosis than the proteins found in plant based foods.

Many (but not all!) plant based milks will be low in protein which will make them better choices for a kidney friendly diet.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a mineral found in many foods that can cause problems with people who have CKD. Too much phosphorus is associated with increased risk of coronary artery calcification (even in people with normal renal function!).

Although regular dairy milk does contain natural phosphorus, the bigger concern for people with CKD are foods that contain phosphorus additives. Phosphorus additives are highly absorbable by the body and can quickly drive up phosphorus levels in the body (although you will not always see this in your labwork). Many plant-based milk alternatives contain phosphorus additives.

When looking at plant-based milks, we want to be sure to look at the ingredient lists to ensure that they do not contain any phosphorus additives. If you see “PHOS” in any of the ingredients, you’ll want to choose a different milk. Fortunately, there are many options available – just keep scrolling!

Sodium

For most foods, we recommend looking at the nutrition facts labels to find foods that contain less sodium than calories. With plant-based milks and milk alternatives, this can get a bit tricky. Many of these milks are very low in calories, so even a little bit of added sodium means that these milks will usually have more sodium than calories. However, the overall amount of sodium is not that high. The small amount of excess sodium found in a plant-based milk can easily be offset by make lower sodium choices the rest of your day.

If you’ve watched the videos in Kidney Foodie Academy and checked out the meals, you know how to create meals and mealplans that end up very low sodium. You will have a bit of discretionary salt available to use on other foods in your day. A plant based milk may be where you want to “spend” some of your extra salt.

Potassium

Depending on your stage of kidney disease and many other factors, you or may not need to worry about the potassium content of your milk. However, if your dietitian has told you to be mindful of your potassium intake, you will want to check the labels and find a milk that is lower in potassium – preferably less than 200mg per serving.

One cup of cow’s milk can have 390mg of potassium in it. Most plant-based milks will be much lower in potassium. The options listed below in this article contain as little as 35mg of potassium per one cup serving.

Many people with CKD do not need to limit their potassium intake. In some cases, it can even be harmful to restrict potassium. Be sure to talk to your kidney dietitian before eliminating foods from your diet because of their potassium content.

Calcium

When many people think of milk, the first nutrient to come to their mind is often calcium. Calcium is important for maintaining healthy bones and also plays a role in important body functions like your heart beat and muscle contractions. Like most nutrients and chronic kidney disease, it is important to get the right balance of calcium in your diet.

The KDOQI Guidelines (these are expert guidelines on managing kidney disease) suggest that people with chronic kidney disease aim for 800 – 1,000mg of calcium per day. This amount includes all calcium that you get from foods, supplements, and medications.

Depending on what else you are eating in a day, what supplements you take, and what medications you take, you may or may not want a milk that is high in calcium. Most plant based milks are marketed to people who are wanting a replacement for cow’s milk that will still help them meet their calcium goals, so most plant milks will contain a high amount of calcium.

If you need a low calcium milk substitute, I recommend checking out the coconut and rice milk sections below.

Now let’s start reviewing different types of milk!

Is Almond Milk Good for Kidneys?

Yes, almond milk is a good choice for people with kidney disease because it is low in protein and there are many options that contain zero phosphorus additives. Almond milk is also typically lower in potassium. Many almond milks contain added calcium, which may be helpful depending on your needs. If you have CKD and diabetes, then I would recommend choosing a milk that is lower in added sugar. Some people prefer to buy unsweetened milks and add their own zero calorie sweetener to taste, depending on what they are using the milk for.

Califia Farms Extra Creamy Almond Milk

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrate: 6g
• Fat: 3.5g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 70mg
• Calcium: 440mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

This kidney friendly milk is low protein and lower in potassium than some alternatives. It is high in calcium and somewhat high in sodium (be sure to choose some lower sodium foods in your day to balance this out). Compared to other sweetened plant milks, this milk is lower in sugar. If you enjoy vanilla flavor, they also make a vanilla version that has a very similar nutrient profile. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Califia Farms Unsweetened Almondmilk

• Calories: 35
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrate: 1g
• Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 60mg
• Calcium: 440mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 0g

This kidney friendly milk is low protein and lower in potassium than some alternatives. It is high in calcium and somewhat high in sodium (be sure to choose some lower sodium foods in your day to balance this out). This milk contains zero added sugars, so a great option for anyone who wants a low sugar choice such as those with CKD and diabetes. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Blue Diamond Almond Milk

• Calories: 80
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrate: 14g
• Fat: 2.5g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 170mg
• Calcium: 450mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g

This kidney friendly almond milk is low in protein and contains no phosphorus additives. It somewhat high in sodium, low in potassium, and high in calcium. Is is also worth noting that this milk contains a lot of added sugars. If you are watching your sugar intake, you may prefer an unsweetened milk. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrate: 1g
• Fat: 2.5g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 160mg
• Calcium: 450mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 0g

This is the unsweetened version of Almond Breeze’s almond milk. Similar to the sweetened version, it contains no phosphorus additives, is low in potassium, high in calcium, and a bit higher in sodium. Be sure you are choosing low lower sodium foods throughout your day to offset the higher sodium of this kidney friendly milk. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Silk Almondmilk

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrate: 8g
• Fat: 2.5g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 170mg
• Calcium: 450mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 7g

This kidney friendly milk is low in protein and contains no phosphorus additives. It is low in potassium, high in calcium, and a bit high in sodium. Be sure you are choosing lower sodium foods throughout your day to offset the higher sodium of this milk. Silk also makes an unsweetened version and vanilla flavored version that have similar nutrition profiles. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Kirkland Unsweetened Almond Milk

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrate: 1g
• Fat: 2.5g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 35mg
• Calcium: 600mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 0g

Costco makes a kidney friendly almond milk that is low in protein and potassium, contains no phosphorus additives, and is fortified with calcium. Note that this milk has the highest amount of calcium fortification. Be sure that you are not getting too much calcium in your day with this plant milk.

Almond Malk

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrate: 3g
• Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 80mg
• Calcium: 40mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 0g

This kidney friendly almond milk is relatively low in protein and potassium and contains no phosphorus additives. It is not calcium fortified, but it does contain a bit more fat than other almond milks, which can help prevent blood sugar spikes.

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Moolala Almond Milk

• Calories: 40
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrate: 2g
• Fat: 3.5g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 50mg
• Calcium: 150mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 0g

Moolala’s almon milk is low in protein and potassium, contains no phosphorus additives, and has a small amount of calcium fortification (note: they make “simple” versions that are not calcium fortified). These kidney friendly plant based milk substitutes are also shelf stable, which can be convenient! Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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Note: Many store brands also offer their own version of almond milk. Many of these are low in protein and contain no phosphorus additives and will have similar amounts of potassium and calcium.

Cashew milk is a newer type of milk with fewer options than other types of milk. The ones that we found below are both relatively low in protein and potassium and contain no phosphorus additives. One of them is surprisingly low in sodium while the other is surprisingly high in fat – either could be a good option depending on your needs.

Forager Cashew Milk

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrate: 8g
• Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 25mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 111mg
• Calcium: 29mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

The kidney friendly Forager plant based cashew milk is one of the lowest sodium plant milks that we have found while also being relatively low in protein and potassium. It contains no phosphorus additives, although it is also not fortified with calcium. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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Elmhurst Milked Cashews

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrate: 8g
• Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 0mg
• Calcium: 0mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

The kidney friendly elmhurst milked cashews plant milk is one of the highest fat milk substitutes. This can be a good option for someone looking to increase the fat content of a meal. It is also relatively low in protein and potassium while containing no phosphorus additives. It does not contain any calcium fortification though.

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Is Coconut Milk Good for Kidneys?

Yes, Coconut Milk is low in protein, making it a great choice for people with Chronic Kidney Disease. However, many coconut milks contain additives, so you will need to read the ingredient labels carefully to find one that may be appropriate. Coconut milks also contain a lot of calcium. Talk to your dietitian to see if a high calcium milk substitute is appropriate.

365 Coconut Milk

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrate: 1g
• Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 35mg
• Calcium: 140mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

This coconut milk has zero protein and is actually considered a low sodium food. This plant-based kidney friendly milk is also low in potassium and calcium, so this could be a great option for anyone who needs to be mindful of either of those. This milk is also very low in carbohydrates and contains no sugar, so it is a good option for people with CKD and Diabetes. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Califia Farms Coconut Milk

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrate: 1g
• Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 90mg
• Calcium: 460mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

This kidney friendly plant based milk has zero protein and no phosphorus additives. It is technically high in sodium since there is more sodium than calories, however you can typically offset this sodium by fitting in some lower sodium foods throughout your day. This milk is also very low in carbohydrates and sugar, so it is a good option for people with CKD and Diabetes. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Is Cow’s Milk Good for Kidneys?

Cow’s milk is higher in protein and potassium compared to milk substitutes, so many people with kidney disease prefer to go with a plant-based milk substitute.

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrate: 12g
• Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 350mg
• Calcium: 290mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

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Is Oat Milk Good for Kidneys?

The vast majority of oat milks on the market contain very high amounts of phosphorus (up to 400mg per cup!). We recommend avoiding oat milk that has a phosphorus additive. If you need a calcium fortified milk, we found only one option below that does not contain a phosphorus additive.

Oatsome Organic Oat Milk

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrate: 21g
• Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 104mg
• Calcium: 289mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 13g

This plant milk is a pretty good option for anyone who desires an oatmilk that is calcium fortified without a phosphorus additive. It is low in protein and also low in sodium. While it is not as low in potassium as some other plant milks, I still consider this a low potassium milk substitute.

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Oatly Super Basic Oatmilk

• Calories: 80
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrate: 16g
• Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 70mg
• Calcium: 0mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g

This low phosphorus oat milk is relatively low in protein and potassium and contains no phosphorus additives. It is not calcium-fortified, so this would be a good option for anyone who needs to limit their calcium.

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Califia Organic Oat Milk

• Calories: 80
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrate: 14g
• Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 50mg
• Calcium: 30mg
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 4g

This low phosphorus oat milk is relatively low in protein and potassium and contains no phosphorus additives. It is not calcium-fortified, so this would be a good option for anyone who needs to limit their calcium.

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Elmhurst Oat Milk

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrate: 18g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 95mg
• Calcium: 18mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

This low phosphorus oat milk is relatively low in protein and potassium and contains no phosphorus additives. It is not calcium-fortified, so this would be a good option for anyone who needs to limit their calcium.

Forager Oatmilk

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrate: 27g
• Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 106mg
• Calcium: 33mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

This oat milk contains no phosphorus additives and is low in phosphorus and relatively low in potassium. It is not calcium-fortified, so this would be a good option for anyone who needs to limit their calcium. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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Kirkland Oat Milk

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrate: 16g
• Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 50mg
• Calcium: 390mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g

If you shop at Costco, you may have an option to buy this low phosphorus oatmilk. It is relatively low in protein and potassium and fortified with calcium.

Oat Malk

• Calories: 90
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrate: 15g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 110mg
• Calcium: 0mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

This kidney friendly oat milk is low in protein and realtively low in potassium. Note that this brand is higher in sodium than other options, so be sure to accout for this in the rest of your day. It is not calcium fortified, so this may be a good option for anyone who needs to limit their calcium intake. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews.

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Is Pea Milk Good for Kidneys?

No, most pea protein milk substitutes contain phosphorus additives and are typically higher in protein. We do not recommend them.

Is Rice Milk Good for Kidneys?

Rice milks (typically called rice drinks) are typically low in protein and sodium and very low in potassium. The calcium and phosphorus content can vary widely though. For example, Rice Dream makes a “Classic” rice drink and an “Enriched” rice drink. The “Classic” contains no phosphorus additives and is low in calcium, while the enriched contains added phosphorus and is high in calcium. For people with kidney disease, we would recommend the “classic” version. For individuals who need a calcium fortified milk substitute, we recommend choosing a different milk substitute that is fortified with a phosphate-free calcium.

Rice Dream Drink Vanilla Classic

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrate: 23g
• Fat: 2.5g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 30mg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 12g

This rice milk is low in protein, potassium, and calcium. It is also considered a low sodium food. This kidney friendly milk is relatively high in added sugars, so it may not be the best choice for someone who also has diabetes. Note: Rice Dream makes a “Classic” and an “Enriched” rice milk. The “Enriched” version is high in phosphorus additives and should be avoided. Click the icon below to check prices and reviews for this product.

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Is Soy Milk Good for Kidneys?

Soy milk tends to be higher in protein and potassium, which make it an undesirable choice for most people with kidney disease. Many soy milks also contain phosphorus additives.

Silk Unsweetened Soy Milk

• Calories: 80
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrate: 4g
• Fat: 4.5g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Phosphorus
  Additives: None
• Potassium: 300mg
• Calcium: 300mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 0.5g

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To Summarize

Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, and Rice Milk are going to be the best milk options for people living with Chronic Kidney Disease. These come in numerous types that are low in protein and contain no phosphorus additives.