Kidney Diet Tips

Vinegar: an ideal seasoning for kidney diets

Vinegar is produced by bacteria that convert alcohol in fermented liquids into acetic acid, the ingredient responsible for the sour taste of vinegar.

Some vinegar sources include:

  • Apple cider vinegar made from apple cider
  • Balsamic vinegar made from white grape juice aged in wood barrels
  • Distilled white vinegar made from a grain alcohol mixture
  • Rice vinegar made from fermented rice
  • Wine vinegar made from red or white wine

Vinegar is an excellent seasoning for a kidney diet because it is sodium free and very low in phosphorus. Potassium varies with the source, generally 5-30 mg per ounce.

Select unseasoned rice vinegar since seasoned rice vinegar contains 240 milligrams of sodium for only one tablespoon, plus contains added sugar. Try variations of vinegar flavored with herbs and fruit.

Use vinegar to make marinades and vinaigrette dressings. Add a splash during cooking for added flavor. Use as a table top seasoning on vegetables and fish.

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

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.

Sara Colman, RDN, CDCES

Sara is a renal dietitian with over 30 years experience working with people with diabetes and kidney disease. She is co-author of the popular kidney cookbook "Cooking for David: A Culinary Dialysis Cookbook". Sara is the Manager of Kidney Care Nutrition for DaVita. She analyzes recipes and creates content, resources and tools for the kidney community. In her spare time Sara loves to spend time with her young grandson, including fun times together in her kitchen.