Eating out with kidney disease
Enjoying a takeaway with family and friends is always a treat! However, as fast foods are often high in sugar, salt, phosphorus and potassium, these should be eaten in moderation. The information below provides ideas for the most kidney-friendly options if you do choose to eat out or have a takeaway.
Burger restaurants
- Plain meat sandwiches such as beef burgers and grilled chicken on a bun.
- Sides such as green salads, made up of lettuce, celery and green peppers.
- Choose water, lemonade or other clear fizzy drinks and flavoured waters. Try to choose low sugar options. Fruit teas can be refreshing!
Chicken restaurants
- Houmous with spicy drizzle.
- Chicken pieces or chicken wings.
- Chicken burger in a bun.
- Add a side such as rice, minted peas, corn on the cob or broccoli.
Italian restaurants
- Pasta or noodles with a small amount of sauce. Choose creamy sauces instead of tomato based sauces.
- Green leafy salads that are a main dish served with a protein such as chicken or tuna.
- Half a pizza with some extra garlic bread or pasta. Avoid high potassium toppings as the pizza will already have a tomato puree base which will contain potassium.
Request that the sauce is put on the side so you can control the amount that you have.
Buffets and carveries
- Meats with a small amount of gravy or other sauces (not tomato based).
- Add boiled or mashed potato and lower potassium vegetables such as peas and carrrots.
- Pasta or rice salads.
- Crackers and breads.
- Green salads with a small amount of dressing.
- Apple crumble or pie.
- Plain sponge cake.
Mexican restaurants
- Tacos with corn tortillas.
- Rice and beans.
- Unsalted tortilla chips.
- Nachos with small amounts of cheese and sauces.
Avoid guacamole!
Seafood restaurants
- Fish fillets.
- Fish chowders in broth.
Sandwich restaurants
- Sandwiches with fresh, cooked meat (instead of processed meats which are high in salt) and add lower potassium salad options.
- Wraps with chicken or tuna salad.
- Lower potassium fruit, plain cookies and flapjacks.
Dessert restaurants
- Waffles with cream and syrup.
- Pancakes with stewed apple.
- A few berries with a sorbet.
- Fruit or herbal teas.
Avoid desserts containing chocolate, raisins or nuts!
Always check with your dietitian who will understand your individualised needs and be able to offer advice that fits around the foods you like.
