Learning About High-Phosphorus Foods
What foods are high in phosphorus?
The foods you eat contain nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Phosphorus is a nutrient. Your body needs the right amount to stay healthy and work as it should.
Some packaged foods have phosphate additives that contain phosphorus. Phosphate additives are used to make the taste and look of a food better. Read the ingredient list on food packages every time you shop. This is the best way to know if the food has phosphate additives. Look for the words phosphate or phosphoric in the ingredient list.
Here are some foods that are high in phosphorus. These foods have more than 100 mg per serving.
Grains
- Bran cereal, ½ cup (30 g)
- Bran muffin, 1 medium
- Bread (whole wheat), 2 slices
- Corn tortillas, 2 medium
- Oatmeal (cooked), ¾ cup (175 mL)
- Granola and cereal made with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit
Dairy and dairy alternatives
- Evaporated milk, ½ cup (125 mL)
- Hard cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, provolone), 50 g (1½ oz)
- Milk, 1 cup (250 mL)
- Soft cheese (cottage, ricotta), 1 cup (250 mL)
- Soy beverage, 1 cup (250 mL)
- Sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup (125 mL)Yogurt, ¾ cup (175 g)
Meats and other protein foods
- Beans and peas (cooked or canned), ¾ cup (175 mL)
- Beef, 75 g (2 ½ oz)
- Chicken, 75 g (2 ½ oz)
- Fish (pollock, walleye, swordfish, cod, halibut, salmon, sardines, tuna), 75 g (2 ½ oz)
- Lentils, ¾ cup (175 mL)
- Peanut butter and nut butters, 2 Tbsp (30 mL)
- Peanuts, ¼ cup (60 mL)
- Seeds (pumpkin, squash, sunflower), ¼ cup (60 mL)
- Tree nuts, ¼ cup (60 mL)
- Turkey, 75 g (2 ½ oz)
- Limit processed meats with phosphate additives
Beverages
- Cola soda pop, 355 mL (12 oz)
Work with your doctor to find out how much of this nutrient you need. Depending on your health, you may need more or less of it in your diet.
Adaptation Date: 2/28/2022
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
