Imagine you’ve enjoyed a Valentine’s Day dinner with your special someone. In addition to a romantically funny card, your sweetie pulls out a box of chocolates. Do you keep it or pass it on to someone who isn’t watching their potassium and phosphorus? It may be a hard decision, but if you are more informed about chocolates your decision may be easier to make.
Nutrients to Consider
Kidney friendly diets include chocolate on the limit list because the potassium and phosphorus in chocolate can add up quickly. If you decide to keep your chocolates, be aware of how much each piece contributes to your daily potassium and phosphorus intake.
Consider These Tips
- Limit chocolate candy to a 1/2 to 1 ounce serving in a day. If you’re too tempted to eat more, it’s probably better to re-gift the chocolates.
- Select dark chocolate-it has more heart protecting flavonoids, and the phosphorus is lower compared to milk chocolate.
- Give the chocolate covered nuts and chocolate covered dried fruit away—too much phosphorus and potassium in a small serving and it’s tempting to eat more!
- Plan a dessert with a small portion of chocolate chips or chocolate dessert topping instead of chocolate candy, cake or pie.
- Chocolate covered candies are lower in potassium and phosphorus than solid chocolates. Compare your favorite chocolates on the chart below. Keep in mind potassium and phosphorus may vary by brands.
Chart Reference
|
Chocolate |
Portion | Potassium |
Phosphorus |
| Easy Low Phosphorus Fudge | 1 pc (3”x1-1/2”) |
48 |
20 |
| Chocolate coated caramels | 2 pc (1 oz) | 56 | 21 |
| Chocolate covered coconut | 2 pc (1 oz) | 47 | 22 |
| Chocolate covered mints | 8 pc (1 oz) | 35-50 |
18 |
| Chocolate covered vanilla creams | 2 pc (1 oz) |
50 |
31 |
| Chocolate truffles, Godiva | 2 pc (1 oz) | 35-90 |
52 |
| Chocolate caramel pecan turtles | 2 pc (1 oz) | 99-100 | 62-80 |
| Chocolate kiss, Hershey’s | 6 pc (1 oz) | 74-105 |
89 |
| Chocolate covered almonds | 7 pc (1 oz) | 140-144 | 97-109 |
| Chocolate covered peanuts | 2-1/2 tablespoons (1 oz) | 110-135 | 85-90 |
| Chocolate covered raisins | 2 tablespoons | 116 |
41 |
| Chocolate fudge dessert topping | 1 tablespoon | 30 | 30-171 |
| Chocolate flavored syrup | 1 tablespoon | 35-45 | 10-26 |
| Chocolate chips, semi-sweet | 1/4 cup | 153 | 55 |
| Chocolate chips, milk chocolate | 1/4 cup | 118 | 87 |
| Chocolate cake with chocolate icing | 1 piece (3 oz) | 128-276 | 78-88 |
| Chocolate cake with white icing | 1 piece (3 oz) | 270 | 137 |
| Chocolate cupcake with choc icing | 2-1/2” diameter | 46-140 | 78 |
| Chocolate meringue pie | 1/6th of a 9” pie | 100-180 | 80-120 |
| Fabulous Hot Cocoa | 1 cup |
82 |
40 |
