Best Cold Cereal For Kidney Disease

A bowl of cereal is a quick, convenient and delicious way to start your morning. You may wonder if you can still enjoy this breakfast staple now that you have chronic kidney disease (CKD). In short, yes, you can! But some cereals may be better for your kidneys than others. With hundreds of options, how do you choose the best ones?! Read on to find out how to choose the best cold cereal for kidney disease.

Factors for choosing a cold cereal for CKD

The first step to choosing the right cereal is knowing your dietary needs. There is no one-size-fits all diet for chronic kidney disease. Nutrition needs depend on many factors, such as stage of kidney disease, labs, and other underlying health conditions. Working with a kidney dietitian can help you figure out your nutrition needs and what nutrients you may need to modify to meet your kidney health goals. Let’s take a look at nutrients that may be important to consider for CKD.

Protein

For those with early CKD (stages 1-3), a normal protein diet is often recommended. Did you know most Americans are consuming more protein than they need? A normal protein intake is considered 0.8 grams protein per kilogram body weight.

A slight protein restriction is often recommended for those with stage 4 and stage 5 kidney disease. This is because too much dietary protein can lead to progression of kidney disease. A lower protein diet is around 0.6 grams protein per kilogram body weight. Keep in mind extremely low protein diets can result in malnutrition. Working with a kidney dietitian is key to ensure adequate protein to keep your body functioning without overworking the kidneys.

For those with end stage kidney disease on dialysis, a higher protein diet is recommended. A high protein diet is around 1.2 grams protein per kilogram body weight. The process of dialysis is demanding on the body. Protein is lost during dialysis treatments and must be replaced to prevent malnutrition. Those on dialysis have compromised immune systems and adequate protein is needed to support the body’s ability to heal and prevent infections.

Now, cereal is typically not usually considered a high protein food. But it’s still good to pay attention to the nutrition facts label, especially if you are purposely aiming for a certain amount of protein at your meals.

Sodium

Potassium

Potassium restrictions aren’t necessary for everyone with kidney disease. Limiting potassium when you don’t have to does nothing to protect your kidney function. Recommended intakes for potassium should be individualized to maintain normal blood potassium levels. 

As kidney function declines, the kidneys may have a hard time regulating the body’s potassium balance and it can build up. Those who are in late stages of CKD or on dialysis often need to limit potassium levels. If potassium builds up too much it can lead to heart attack. 

Potassium content of cereals should be available on the nutrition facts label. A low potassium food has less than 200 mg potassium per serving. A high potassium food has over 200 mg potassium per serving. Again, a kidney dietitian can guide you on your daily potassium intake.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a mineral our body uses to form bones and it also helps our body create energy, and is needed for nerves and muscle function. There are two forms of phosphorus found in food – natural sources and man-made sources. Foods naturally rich in phosphorus include dairy, meats/poultry/fish and nuts/beans and grains. Man-made phosphorus, also called phosphorus additives, could be found in any packaged food, processed meats and some beverages. 

When it comes to CKD, phosphorus additives are more important to be cautious of than natural phosphorus sources. This is because the additive form of phosphorus is easily absorbed into the body and can double to triple the amount of phosphorus in a food. Phosphorus additives can be located in the ingredient list of a food – look out for any ingredient containing “phos”. 

Fiber

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate which the body cannot digest. It has many health benefits. It can help with blood sugar control, improve cholesterol levels, and help with bowel regularity. The recommended daily allowance of fiber in adults is 25 grams per day for women and 38 grams per day for men. If looking to get extra fiber in your cereal, aim for one with 5 g or more per serving.

Added Sugar

Cereals can double as desserts these days with the amount of sugar in some of them. It’s recommended to limit added sugar to no more than 25 grams for women and no more than 36 grams per day for men. Even if you don’t have diabetes, excess sugar can increase your risk of heart disease and obesity. 

Iron 

Those with CKD are at risk for developing anemia, a condition when your body has lower than normal red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia include tiredness, shortness of breath and problems concentrating. There are many causes of anemia, but lack of iron is one cause that can be combated with diet. Many cereals are fortified with iron which can be an added bonus for those trying to boost their iron stores.

List of Better Cereal Choices for CKD

I’ve compiled a list of cereals that are better choices for CKD. All choices listed can work with a low sodium diet and are free of phosphorus additives. The cereals vary in protein and potassium content as needs for these nutrients can vary person to person. I weeded out the cereals high in added sugar, but keep in mind some choices have more sugar than others.

In Summary…

Cereal	Protein	Sodium	Potassium	Fiber	Added sugar	Iron
Alpen Museli – No added sugar	8 g	20 mg	260 mg	7 g	0 g	1.8 mg
Barbara’s – Corn Flakes	3 g	115 mg	40 mg	1 g	3 g	0.1 mg
Barbara’s – Multigrain Spoonfulls	5 g	210 mg	170 mg	5 g	7 g	1 mg
Barbara’s Puffins – Cinnamon	3 g	190 mg	140 mg	6 g	6 g	1 mg
Barbara’s Puffins- Original	3 g	210 mg	150 mg	6 g	6 g	1 mg
Barbara’s – Shredded Wheat	6 g	0 mg	170 mg	7 g	0 g	1.6 mg
Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch	2 g	140 mg	0 mg	3 g	11 g	1 mg
Catalina Crunch Cinnamon Toast Cereal	11 g	110 mg	30 mg	9 g	0 g	2 mg
Cinnamon Chex	2 g	230 mg	0 mg	2 g	8 g	11 mg
Corn Chex	3 g	280 mg	0 mg	2 g	4 g	11 mg
Ezekiel 4:9 – Cinnamon Raisin	7 g	130 mg	236 mg	5 g	1 g	3 mg
Ezekiel 4:9 – Golden Flax	8 g	160 mg	168 mg	7 g	1 g	4 mg
Ezekiel 4:9 – Original	8 g	160 mg	178 mg	6 g	1 g	4
Ezekiel 4:9 – Sprouted Grain Low Sodium	8 g	0 mg	197 mg	7 g	1 g	2 mg
Ezekiel 4:9,- Almond	8 g	150 mg	193 mg	6 g	1 g	4 mg
Grape-Nut Flakes	4 g	210 mg	160 mg	5 g	3 g	12.6 mg
Great Grains – Raisins, Dates & Pecans	4 g	140 mg	210 mg	4 g	4 g	11 mg
Great Grains – Crunchy Pecan	5 g	160 mg	190 mg	5 g	5 g	16 mg
Honey Bunches of Oats – Honey Roasted	3 g	190 mg	60 mg	2 g	8 g	16 mg
Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds	3 g	180 mg	90 mg	2 g	8 g	16 mg
Kashi Blueberry Clusters	5 g	130 mg	110 mg	3 g	11 g	2 mg
Kashi Whole Wheat Biscuits -Cinnamon Harvest	7 g	0 mg	190 mg	7 g	9 g	2 mg
Kashi GO Chocolate Crunch	10 g	120 mg	210 mg	6 g	9 g	2 mg
Kashi GO Original	11 g	140 mg	200 mg	12 g	8 g	3 mg
Kashi GO Peanut Butter Crunch	10 g	130 mg	370 mg	6 g	10 g	2 mg
Kashi GO Toasted Berry Crisp	9 g	140 mg	270 mg	9 g	9 g	2 mg
Kashi – Maple Waffle Crisp	3 g	105 mg	120 mg	4 g	8 g	0.8 mg
Kashi Whole Wheat Biscuits – Autumn Wheat	7 g	0 mg	200 mg	7 g	7 g	1.8 mg
Kashi Whole Wheat Biscuits – Berry Fruitful	7 g	0 mg	210 mg	6 g	9 g	1.9 mg
Kix	3 g	220 mg	0 mg	3 g	4 g	11 mg
Life – Cinnamon	4 g	170 mg	110 mg	3 g	10  g	11 mg
Life – Original	4 g	170 mg	120 mg	3 g	8 g	13 mg
Magic Spoon – Cocoa	13 g	160 mg	105 mg	2 g	0 g	2 mg
Magic Spoon – Fruity	13 g	160 mg	19 mg	1 g	0 g	2 mg
Nature’s Path – Amazon Frosted Flakes	3 g	170 mg	0 mg	1 g	9 g	0 mg
Nature’s Path – Cheetah Chomps	3 g	160 mg	100 mg	1 g	9 g	1 mg
Nature’s Path – Corn Flakes	3 g	170 mg	94 mg	1 g	3 g	0.45 mg
Nature’s Path – Crispy Rice	3 g	210 mg	125 mg	3 g	3 g	1 mg
Nature’s Path – Flax Plus	5 g	180 mg	187 mg	7 g	5 g	2 mg
Nature’s Path – Flax Plus Cinnamon	4 g	190 mg	160 mg	5 g	7 g	1 mg
Nature’s Path – Flax Plus Maple Pecan	6 g	210 mg	250 mg	6 g	10 g	2.5 mg
Nature’s Path – Flax Plus Pumpkin Raisin	6 g	150 mg	310 mg	7 g	6 g	2.8 mg
Nature’s Path – Flax Plus Raisin Bran	6 g	210 mg	320 mg	9 g	6 g	3 mg
Nature’s Path – Flax Plus Red Berry Crunch	6 g	170 mg	260 mg	6 g	10 g	2.4 mg
Nature’s Path – Golden Turmeric	2 g	190 mg	88 mg	2 g	6 g	0.48 mg
Nature’s Path – Gorilla Munch	3 g	110 mg	0 mg	2 g	10 g	1 mg
Nature’s Path – Heritage Flakes	5 g	170 mg	200 mg	7 g	5 g	2 mg
Nature’s Path – Khorasan Puffs	2 g	0 mg	80 mg	2 g	0 g	0.7 mg
Nature’s Path- Leapin’ Lemurs	3 g	150 mg	70 mg	3 g	10 g	0.3 mg
Nature’s Path – Panda Puffs	3 g	170 mg	0 mg	3 g	9 g	1 mg
Nature’s Path – Sunrise Crunchy Cinnamon	3 g	150 mg	90 mg	4 g	6 g	1 mg
Nature’s Path – Sunrise Crunchy Honey	2 g	200 mg	85 mg	4 g	7 g	1 mg
Nature’s Path – Sunrise Crunchy Maple	2 g	180 mg	85 mg	4 g	7 g	1 mg
Nature’s Path – Sunrise Crunchy Vanilla	2 g	190 mg	85 mg	4 g	7 g	1 mg
Nature’s Path -Whole-O’s	4 g	150 mg	103 mg	4 g	4 g	0.96 mg
Natures’ Path – Smart Bran	4 g	170 mg	0 mg*	17 g	8 g	2 mg
Nature’s Path – Turtle Splash	4 g	115 mg	230 mg	2 g	7 g	1 mg
Purely Elizabeth – Chocolate Almond	5 g	100 mg	180 mg	4 g	7 g	2 mg
Purely Elizabeth – Cinnamon Raisin Almond	5 g	90 mg	190 mg	4 g	6 g	2 mg
Purely Elizabeth – Honey Peanut Butter	5 g	95 mg	160 mg	4 g	7 g	2 mg
Purely Elizabeth – Vanilla Blueberry Almond	5 g	95 mg	160 mg	4 g	8 g	1 mg
Quaker Oatmeal Squares – Brown Sugar	6 g	190 mg	200 mg	5 g	9 g	16 mg
Quaker Oatmeal Square- Cinnamon	4 g	170 mg	110 mg	3 g	10 g	11.2 mg
Quaker Oatmeal Square- Honey Nut	6 g	190 mg	200 mg	5 g	9 g	16.3 mg
Rice Chex	3 g	310 mg	0 mg	2 g	3 g	14 mg
Raisin Bran (Kellogg’s)	5 g	200 mg	280 mg	7 g	9 g	2 mg
Rice Krispies (Kellogg’s)	3 g	200 mg	30 mg	0 g	4 g	11 mg
Shredded Wheat (Post)	7 g	0 mg	240 mg	8 g	0 g	2 mg
Special K Red Berries	3 g	250 mg	80 mg	3 g	10 g	11 mg
Special K Vanilla and Almond	3 g	220 mg	100 mg	3 g	11 g	11 mg
Wheaties (General Mills)	3 g	240 mg	140 mg	4 g	5 g	11 mg

Summary

When choosing the best cold cereal for kidney disease, knowing your unique nutrition needs can help you figure out where to focus when reading the nutrition facts label. A kidney dietitian is the best person to turn to when you are unsure of nutrients that you need to adjust. Remember to check the ingredient list for added phosphorus. I hope you have increased awareness to make a better choice next time you are in the cereal aisle!