Food question
Can you eat potatoes with kidney disease?
Yes. For kidney disease (stage 3), our guide puts boiled potatoes in the Choose column: Starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice and pasta should be the base of meals. Choose wholegrain where you can. UK Composition of Foods (CoFID) figures per 100 g: 365 mg potassium, 1 mg sodium, 0.8 g sugars.
- Updated October 2026
- 2 min read
Nutrient data: UK Composition of Foods (CoFID) 2021 and USDA FoodData Central.
The answer from our guide
Yes — go ahead.
ChooseFor kidney disease (stage 3): Starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice and pasta should be the base of meals. Choose wholegrain where you can. Where you manage more than one condition, the strictest rule wins.
Profile-based guidance, not an individual medical assessment.
Why food guidance can differ
Food isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right choice depends on a combination of factors, not a single nutrient.
- Your conditionsDifferent conditions can change what’s helpful to include.
- Your medicationSome medicines can affect how certain foods fit.
- Your overall dietIt’s the bigger picture that matters.
Questions to ask your care team
These can help you get guidance that’s right for you.
- How does boiled potatoes fit with my current conditions?
- Should portion sizes be different for me?
- Are there better alternatives on some days?
- How do my medications affect my food choices?
One food, different context
The same food can fit differently depending on your individual needs. Your guide brings it all together.
On its own
A small portion may fit for some people, depending on their conditions.
As part of a meal
The bigger picture matters: what else you’re eating can make a difference.
Different alternatives
Your guide can suggest other foods to consider on some days.
A look at the bigger picture
Your guide considers a range of information, not just one nutrient.
- Boiled potatoes365 mg potassium · 0.8 g sugars per 100 gChoose
Cabbage288 mg potassium · 4.1 g sugars per 100 gChoose
Cauliflower252 mg potassium · 2.9 g sugars per 100 gChoose
Cucumber156 mg potassium · 1.2 g sugars per 100 gChoose
Source: UK Composition of Foods (CoFID) 2021 and USDA FoodData Central, per 100 g, rounded. Verdicts for kidney disease (stage 3).
Safer swaps
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Cucumber
Lettuce and salad leaves
All in the Choose column for kidney disease (stage 3).
Your conditions. One complete guide.
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Please read: educational information, not medical advice
This content is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your GP, dietitian or care team. Full disclaimer →
Sources: UK Composition of Foods (CoFID) 2021 and USDA FoodData Central (nutrient figures), UK and international clinical guidelines, as listed on our method page, NutriGuard rule-sets (strictest rule wins). See our method.