Skip to main content
  1. Careers
  2. Resource Center
  3. About Us
  4. Contact Us
  5. Español
Thrive On
Fresenius Kidney Care
  • PatientHub
  • Community

Find a Dialysis Center

Find a Dialysis Center

Find a Dialysis Center
Permission to detect location was denied Current location could not be determined
    Try a detailed search

    Need help? Call 1-888-373-1470

    1. About Kidney Disease
      1. OVERVIEW
      2. Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease
      3. Kidney Disease Stages
      4. What Is a Nephrologist?
      5. What to Expect with CKD
      6. Kidney Disease Management
      7. Understanding Acute Kidney Injury
      8. How Kidneys Work
      9. Take a FREE CLASS on Kidney Disease
    2. Treatments
      1. OVERVIEW
      2. Dialysis Basics
      3. Benefits of Home Dialysis
      4. Home Peritoneal Dialysis
      5. Home Hemodialysis
      6. Sign up to Talk to a Home Dialysis Expert
      7. In-Center Hemodialysis
      8. Transplant
      9. Insurance & Managing Costs
      10. Choosing Not to Treat
    3. Life On Dialysis
      1. OVERVIEW
      2. Your Emotional Health While on Dialysis
      3. Staying Engaged
      4. Staying Healthy
      5. Dialysis Travel Services and Information
      6. Tips for Loved Ones
      7. PatientHub
    4. Recipes & Nutrition
      1. OVERVIEW
      2. Recipes
      3. Managing Your Diet
      4. Fluid Management on Dialysis
      5. Dialysis Diet Planning
      6. Cookbooks
    5. Thrive Central
      1. CKD
      2. Dialysis
      3. Diet & Nutrition
      4. Stories
      5. Wellness
      6. See All
    COMMUNITY
    PATIENTHUB
    HOME
    1. I Have Kidney Disease
    2. I’m Preparing For Dialysis
    3. I’m on Dialysis
    1. Take a FREE CLASS on Kidney Disease
    2. Resource Center
    3. Recipes
    4. Request Patient Travel Services Information
    5. Sign Up for Our Newsletter

    Find a Dialysis Center

    Find a Dialysis Center

    Find a Dialysis Center
    Permission to detect location was denied Current location could not be determined
      Try a detailed search

      Need help? Call 1-888-373-1470

      1. About Us
      2. Contact Us
      3. FAQ
      4. Glossary
      5. Media
      6. Careers
      7. Español

      Need help? Call
      1-888-373-1470

      • facebook
      • twitter
      • youtube
      1. About Kidney Disease
        1. Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease
          1. Symptoms
          2. Risk Factors
          3. Causes
          4. Diagnosis and Testing
          5. GFR Calculator
        2. Kidney Disease Stages
          1. Stage 1
          2. Stage 2
          3. Stage 3
          4. Stage 4
          5. Stage 5
        3. What Is a Nephrologist?
        4. What to Expect with CKD
        5. Kidney Disease Management
          1. Kidney Diet Basics
          2. CKD Medications
          3. Your Kidney Care Team
          4. Diabetes
          5. High Blood Pressure
        6. Understanding Acute Kidney Injury
          1. Acute Kidney Injury Treatment and Recovery
        7. How Kidneys Work
        8. Take a FREE CLASS on Kidney Disease
      2. Treatments
        1. Dialysis Basics
          1. How Does a Hemodialysis Machine Work
          2. Starting Dialysis
          3. Types of Dialysis Access
          4. Your Care Plan
          5. Dialysis Medications
          6. Monitoring Your Lab Results
        2. Benefits of Home Dialysis
        3. Home Peritoneal Dialysis
          1. What to Expect
          2. Getting Prepared
          3. PD Access
          4. PD Training
          5. PD Monitoring
          6. Your Care Team
        4. Home Hemodialysis
          1. What to Expect
          2. Getting Prepared
          3. HD Training
          4. HD Monitoring
          5. Your Care Team
        5. Sign up to Talk to a Home Dialysis Expert
        6. In-Center Hemodialysis
          1. In-Center Treatment Options
          2. What to Expect
          3. Types of Vascular Access for Hemodialysis
          4. Your Care Team
          5. How to Choose a Center
        7. Transplant
          1. Finding a Kidney Donor
          2. Considering Kidney Donation
        8. Insurance & Managing Costs
          1. Understanding Medicare Coverage
          2. Understanding Medicare Advantage
          3. Understanding Employer Plans
        9. Choosing Not to Treat
      3. Life On Dialysis
        1. Your Emotional Health While on Dialysis
          1. Managing Your Emotions
          2. Talking About Dialysis
          3. Intimacy
          4. Body Image and Dialysis
          5. Building Your Dialysis Support Network
        2. Staying Engaged
          1. Tips for Working While on Dialysis
          2. In-Center Activities
          3. Hobbies
        3. Staying Healthy
          1. Managing Your Time on Dialysis
          2. Dialysis & Exercise
          3. Weight Management
          4. Avoiding Infection
          5. Managing Multiple Conditions
          6. Fighting the Flu
        4. Dialysis Travel Services and Information
        5. Tips for Loved Ones
          1. In-Center Hemodialysis
          2. At-Home Hemodialysis
          3. At-Home Peritoneal Dialysis
        6. PatientHub
      4. Recipes & Nutrition
        1. Recipes
        2. Managing Your Diet
          1. Eating Well on a CKD Diet
          2. Eating Well on a Dialysis Diet
          3. Salt and Kidney Disease
          4. Potassium and Kidney Disease
          5. Phosphorus and Kidney Disease
          6. Talking With Your Dietitian
        3. Fluid Management on Dialysis
        4. Dialysis Diet Planning
          1. Kidney-Friendly Shopping
          2. Eating Out
          3. Holiday Diet Tips
          4. A Chef’s Advice | Chef Aaron McCargo on Kidney Friendly Meals
        5. Cookbooks
      5. Thrive Central
        1. CKD
        2. Dialysis
        3. Diet & Nutrition
        4. Stories
        5. Wellness
        6. See All
      1. Home
      2. Thrive Central
      3. Diet & Nutrition
      4. Your Guide to Choosing Healthy Kidney-Friendly Snacks
      Share:

      Your Guide to Choosing Healthy Kidney-Friendly Snacks

      Snacking between meals isn’t just a treat — it can be a great way to support your healthy kidney-friendly diet. If you are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), you can still enjoy tasty kidney-friendly snacks, desserts, and sides. The key is to make kidney-conscious choices and consider how food impacts your health. Here are some tips and tricks to choosing healthy snacks for kidney disease and making the most of your mini-meals.

      Snacking — when done right — is a great way to control hunger and help you stay on your kidney-friendly meal plan. If you have other health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, choosing the right snacks can also keep your blood sugar steady and support a healthy blood pressure.


      Thoughtful snacking helps fill in nutritional gaps, too. If you’ve been eating a little less wisely than you should, a healthy fruit, veggie, protein, or high-fiber snack can add vitamins to your diet and help meet the daily nutrition goals you’ve set with your doctor.

      Make Smart Choices

      If you are living with CKD, your kidneys work harder than normal to maintain a nutrient balance. Because everything you eat impacts your health, you want to be sure that you make kidney-friendly snack choices that do not affect your kidney function. Plan your snacks just as you would meals, and keep kidney-friendly eating in mind. Talk to your doctor or dietitian to help you find the right nutritional balance.

      Savor not-so-salty snacks

      When you’re living with CKD, it’s important to avoid adding salt to your food. This helps with both kidney function and blood pressure, where high blood pressure is a common cause of kidney disease. Choose low-sodium snacks for kidney disease and don’t be fooled by sodium substitutes — they are often made with potassium, which people with CKD should minimize. Instead of salty snacks, try a treat that’s bursting with flavor from herbs, spices, or citrus.

      Pick your protein wisely

      Everyone needs protein, and with kidney disease, finding the right balance will help you feel your best. You may be asked to raise or lower your protein intake depending on your stage of CKD and how it’s being treated. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about how much protein is right for you. Whatever your requirements, avoid highly processed foods like chicken nuggets or meat snacks — they are often packed with sodium and phosphorus. Try plant-based proteins like nuts, seeds, and beans to put less stress on your kidneys.

      Choose thoughtful portions for snacking

      Like most things in life, healthy snacking is all about moderation. Keep portion sizes reasonable and avoid mindless munching. Packaged foods have nutrition labels that tell you the calories, vitamins, minerals, and fats in each serving. It’s generally recommended that people with CKD limit sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, so it’s important to take a moment to read and understand the nutrition facts every time you reach for a treat. It’s also a good idea to premeasure the serving amount instead of eating directly out of the bag or package. Check with your doctor to determine the right balance for you.

      Tips on how to read nutrition labels

      Instructional nutritional facts label shows people living with chronic kidney disease what to look for when shopping. The best options should have no trans fats, less than 10% of the daily value of saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars, as well as more than 10% of the daily value of dietary fiber.


      Explore Healthy Snacks for Chronic Kidney Disease

      Looking for some kidney-friendly snack inspiration? Fresh fruits, veggies, and protein are great everyday choices. You can also enjoy low-sodium chips, crackers, or fruit-based desserts for a treat on the go. Explore our library of recipes to find your next favorite.

      Sweet treats

      Most kidney-friendly diets permit sweets in moderation, so you may be able to indulge now and then. Balance sweet treats with healthy protein, fiber, or nutritious fruits to make the most of your dessert.
      Sweet and Nutty Protein Bars
      Sunburst Lemon Bars
      Chocolate Smoothie

      Savory snacks

      Choose savory fresh vegetables, nuts, and protein-rich kidney-friendly snacks on the go or at home. Mix and match textures for a satisfying snack.
      Zucchini Fritters with Dill Yogurt
      Smoky Savory Salmon Dip
      Crunchy Quinoa Salad

      Appetizers & mini-meals

      Beat the summertime heat with refreshing salads or enjoy a thoughtful snack between meals to keep hunger under control.
      Cool and Crispy Cucumber Salad
      Homemade Herbed Biscuits
      Creamy Coleslaw

      Crowd-pleasers

      Hosting a party or bringing a dish to a potluck? Everyone can appreciate sweet or savory appetizers and snacks with a healthy twist. 
      Heavenly Deviled Eggs
      Sweet Cornbread Muffins with Citrus Honey Butter
      Carrot Cake Energy Bites

      Enjoy a Variety of Healthy Kidney-Friendly Snacks

      Thoughtful snacking is a great way to support a kidney-friendly diet, and you don’t have to sacrifice flavor. The trick to adding treats to your diet is understanding how to make good choices and which nutrients to monitor with CKD. When in doubt, reach out to your doctor or dietitian for advice on eating well.
      For more help choosing healthy snacks on a kidney-friendly diet, check out our free cookbooks!
      Download Now

      Suggested topics


      Grocery Shopping Made Simple with a Kidney-Friendly Food List

      Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) doesn’t mean you have to stop eating the foods you love. In fact, many kidney-friendly foods are part of a healthy lifestyle the whole family can enjoy. The best foods for you will depend on...
      Read More

      Good Fruits for Kidney Disease Diets

      Most fruits make for great additions to your kidney-friendly lifestyle because they are delicious, rich in fiber, low in sodium, and contain essential nutrients. The specific dietary needs for someone with chronic kidney disease (CKD) depend on...
      Read More
      medication_brandblue_icon-svg

      Medications to Avoid or Adjust If You Have Chronic Kidney Disease

      When your kidneys don’t function the way they should, prescription and over-the-counter medications can build up in your blood and may cause additional damage to your kidneys or other parts of your body...

      Read More
      Back to Top
      1. About Us
      2. Español
      1. FAQ
      2. Resource Center
      3. Contact Us
      4. Glossary
      5. Media
      6. Careers
      1. Website Privacy Policy
      2. Terms of Use
      3. Site Map
      4. HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
      5. FreseniusKidneyCare.com Web Accessibility Statement
      6. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Data
      7. Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information
      • facebook
      • youtube
      • twitter
      • pinterest
      © 2016-2022 Fresenius Medical Care. All Rights Reserved.