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Cheese, cheddar, reduced fat (Includes foods for USDA's Food Distribution Program)

Per 100 g edible portion
Dairy & Eggs
Higher riskBased on CKD stage 3-4 daily limits, Cheese is rated Higher risk - Phosphorus exceeds 52% of its limit, past the 30% warning line.

Phosphorus / Sodium / Potassium (rating basis)

Phosphorus520 mg52%
High
Sodium628 mg31%
High
Potassium63 mg3%
Low

About this food

Cheese belongs to the Dairy & Eggs category. Dairy products are high in phosphorus with high absorption and should be limited. With eggs, the white is a low-phosphorus protein while the yolk is much higher - treat them differently.

Nutrient insight

Cheese's phosphorus is 52% of the limit, from Animal source (higher absorption). On a phosphorus-restricted diet, limit how often and how much you eat it.

Other nutrients

Protein27.4 gNot rated; needs attention at stage 4-5
Fiber0 gBeneficial for CKD (core plant-based nutrient)
Sugar (total)0.3 gNatural sugar
Alcohol0 gAlcohol-free
Purine8.6 mgLow purineNot rated · category estimate
Oxalate2 mgLow oxalateNot rated · category estimate
Phosphorus source: Animal source (higher absorption) · Potassium form: Whole food

Practical tips

A handy approach - Watch dairy portions; with eggs, the yolk is phosphorus-dense while the white is not - treat them differently.

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Related guides

Dairy & EggsHigher risk foodsHigh fiber foodsLow phosphorus foods

Frequently asked questions

Is Cheese safe for kidney disease?

On a CKD stage 3-4 basis, Cheese is Higher risk, with risk mainly coming from Phosphorus (52%). Data is for reference and is not medical advice.

Why is Cheese rated Higher risk?

Simply put: among Cheese's three minerals, Phosphorus is highest (520 mg, 52%), and by the tier rule (>30%) the result is Higher risk.

How much Phosphorus is in Cheese?

Data: 100 g of Cheese has Phosphorus 520 mg (52% of the 1,000 mg limit).

Is Cheese safe on a low-potassium diet?

Low-potassium question: Cheese falls below the 300 mg threshold (Potassium 63 mg per 100 g). Whether it fits depends on your daily potassium budget.

How does Cheese compare to other dairy & eggs foods?

Next to other Dairy & Eggs options, Cheese carries more Phosphorus at 520 mg per 100 g. Use your own daily limits, not category labels, as the guide.