Kidney Diet Tips

8 Food Trends Made Kidney-Friendly: Part 2

Social media is ripe with new recipes and foods that have become trendy. In this post, we continue our list of recent food trends and how to make them more kidney-friendly. From cottage cheese ice cream to pasture-raised meat and eggs, there are many options for trying these trends while sticking to your kidney diet.

1. Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

You’ve probably heard of pairing cottage cheese with fruit, but have you seen the videos of people turning it into ice cream? This creamy, high-protein ice cream alternative is the newest viral dessert trend.

While cottage cheese contains moderate amounts of phosphorus and potassium, it is a great source of protein. However, try to find an unsalted or low-sodium version since regular cottage cheese can have up to 400 mg of sodium in one serving. To make cottage cheese ice cream, blend cottage cheese with your sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup or any other liquid sweetener) and kidney-friendly flavoring options (such as strawberries or peanut butter), until smooth and creamy. Stir in any other toppings you would like, such as graham crackers, a few chocolate chips, etc. Scoop into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about four hours or until hard. Before eating, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to soften, then scoop it up. Yum!

2. Home-Grown Produce

With rising food costs and environmental concerns, many people are exploring growing their own produce at home. You don’t need a large plot of land to start your own fruit or vegetable garden. On social media, you’ll see creative ways to find and grow produce—from local community gardens to backyards, balconies and even rooftops and kitchen counters! Try some of these delicious, kidney-friendly recipes to serve up your fresh produce.

DaVita.com Recipes to Try

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Chicken and Summer Vegetable Kebabs

Grilled Summer Squash

3. Pasture-Raised Meat, Eggs and Raw Milk

Just like many people are growing their own produce, some are also buying pasture-raised meat and eggs. Some people may report lower prices and better-tasting meats and eggs bought from local farmers compared to those from the grocery store, in their opinion. If your dietitian or doctor has told you to follow a high-protein diet, consider buying meat and eggs from a nearby farmer’s market or directly from a local farmer.

Raw milk—which has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria—is controversial yet gaining popularity. Some describe it as easier to digest than pasteurized milk; others promote it as a source of gut-beneficial bacteria (probiotics). And some people simply prefer the taste and texture of raw milk compared to pasteurized milk. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against drinking raw milk, especially for high-risk populations such as children, pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems. For more information, visit the CDC’s Raw Milk Questions and Answers page.

4. Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Online content creators are adding fruits, herbs, spices and botanicals to juices, sodas and flavored waters to make bright, colorful alcohol-free beverages, often called “mocktails.” Served in everything from mason jars to elaborate glasses, these beverages are perfect for parties or if you just want to feel a little fancier at home. Many juices and mixers, such as orange juice, are high in potassium. Swap with a lower-potassium alternative such as cranberry, grape or pineapple juice.

DaVita.com Recipes to Try

Ginger Apple Sparkler

Spooky Punch

Watermelon Summer Cooler

We hope these food trend alternatives are informative and help you feel more comfortable making healthy, kidney-friendly food choices.

Additional Kidney Diet Resources

Visit DaVita.com and explore these diet and nutrition resources:

DaVita Food Analyzer

DaVita Dining Out Guides

Today’s Kidney Diet Cookbooks

DaVita Kidney-Friendly Recipes

Diet and Nutrition Articles                                                                              

Diet and Nutrition Videos

Kidney Smart® Virtual Classes

DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.

Natalie Sexton, MS, RDN, CSR, LD

Natalie is a registered dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition. She has and continues to work in many different healthcare settings including acute care hospitals, LTACHs, nursing homes, private practice, wellness companies, outpatient clinics, research, and writing. She stays busy but loves all of her jobs! When she’s not working, she fills her time with family, friends, pets, gardening, crafting, reading, and learning new hobbies.