Plain white rice is a great choice for kidney diets because it is generally low in sodium (2-3 mg), potassium (24-30 mg) and phosphorus (30-35 mg). The same half cup serving of rice contains approximately 100 to 120 calories, 22 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams protein and 0 grams fat.
For people with diabetes, the carbs can add up, so it’s best to measure cooked rice and balance with other carbohydrate foods at a meal. 1/3 cup cooked rice is equal to one starch or carbohydrate serving.
Brown Rice
Brown rice and wild rice are higher in potassium and phosphorus than white rice. Why? Because the bran is where most of the potassium and phosphorus are found. A single tablespoon of rice bran contains 110 mg potassium and 124 mg phosphorus. Although we don’t typically consume rice bran alone. Once bran is removed, it lowers the potassium and phosphorus.
However, we now know that not all of the potassium and phosphorus in whole foods, like brown rice, are absorbed by our bodies. It can range from 40-60% absorbed. Brown rice is higher in fiber, and is not stripped of nutrients like B vitamins. It can still be a healthy choice for people with kidney disease or who are on dialysis.
Products and Recipes
Many rice products are acceptable for kidney diets—rice cakes, rice cereal, rice crackers, rice bread, plain rice vinegar and rice milk beverage (the ones without added calcium and phosphorus). Always read labels for sodium—it’s high in many processed rice products. Seasoned rice mixes, fried rice, Spanish rice, rice noodles, rice and bean mixes and rice pilaf contain 400 to 800 mg sodium for a single serving. Ramen soup, also made from rice noodles has up to 1500 mg sodium a bowl.
Lower sodium rice recipes are available on several kidney recipe websites. Check out these recipes on DaVita.com:
Elegant & Easy Lemon Rice with Vegetables
References
Cupisti A, Kalantar-Zadeh K. Management of natural and added dietary phosphorus burden in kidney disease. Semin Nephrol. 2013 Mar;33(2):180-90. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23465504/. Accessed July 10, 2026.
Picard K. Potassium Additives and Bioavailability: Are We Missing Something in Hyperkalemia Management? J Ren Nutr. 2019 Jul;29(4):350-353. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30579674/. Accessed July 10, 2026.
