Ice Cream and CKD: Safe Summer Treats for Kidney Patients

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Mindful Ice Cream Choices for CKD: Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can still enjoy ice cream by choosing lower potassium and phosphorus options and moderating portion sizes to maintain kidney health.
Nutrient Comparison and Tips: A detailed comparison of vanilla and chocolate ice cream highlights differences in key nutrients, and tips for incorporating ice cream into a CKD-friendly diet include opting for vanilla flavors and adding high-fiber toppings.
Renal Dietitian’s Recommendations: Suggestions for CKD-friendly ice cream options include specific brands that are typically lower in sodium and free from phosphate additives, allowing for indulgence without compromising health.

Can You Eat Ice Cream When You Have CKD?

Living with chronic kidney disease may require certain dietary restrictions. However, that doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself of all your favorite treats! With mindful choices and moderation, it's possible to enjoy ice cream while still supporting your kidney health. Let's explore how you can indulge wisely and savor this tasty dessert.

Ice Cream Nutrition Information

When managing CKD, it's crucial to monitor your intake of certain nutrients, like protein, phosphorus, and sodium. Sometimes, you may also need to monitor your intake of potassium.

High levels of these nutrients can strain your kidneys and contribute to complications. Being mindful of your sugar intake is also vital when it comes to managing CKD. Ice cream is a delicious treat that can be high in some of these nutrients, specifically phosphorus and potassium. Ice cream can also contain high amounts of sugar. It’s important to speak with your doctor and healthcare team about your diet and if monitoring these nutrients would be beneficial for you.

Dairy vs. Dairy-Free Ice Cream and CKD

Both dairy and dairy-free ice creams can fit into a kidney-friendly diet. Sometimes, choosing dairy-free ice cream can be a good option because it can be lower in potassium and phosphorus. However, it’s always best to read the ingredients list and nutrition label to know what nutrients and how much of each nutrient you are getting.

Nutritional Information Chocolate vs. Vanilla Ice Cream and CKD

Here is the nutrition information for one serving of vanilla ice cream vs one serving of chocolate ice cream:

Vanilla Ice Cream (½ cup serving size)

137 calories
7 gm fat
16 gm carbohydrates
14 gm sugar
85 mg calcium
69 mg phosphorus
131 mg potassium
2 gm protein

Chocolate Ice Cream (½ cup serving size)

143 calories
7 gm fat
19 gm carbohydrates
17 gm sugar
72 mg calcium
71 mg phosphorus
164 mg potassium
3 gm protein

Dietician's Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream with CKD

You don't have to go this alone. Here are some dietician approved ways to eat ice cream and still be mindful of your kidneys:

Choose flavors you love: This will help you enjoy a mindful treat and truly savor your ice cream.
Portion Control: Enjoy ice cream in moderation, paying attention to portion sizes.
Watch for Hidden Ingredients: Some ice cream treats may contain phosphate or potassium additives, which can contribute more to high potassium or phosphorus levels in your blood.
Pair with higher fiber toppings or enjoy with a meal: Add nuts, seeds, or fruit to add fiber and healthy fats to your ice cream or try enjoying your ice cream with a balanced meal to help better balance your blood sugars.
If you need to monitor your potassium intake, try choosing a vanilla based flavor: Chocolate based flavors tend to be slightly higher in potassium than vanilla based flavors.

Balance is Key

While it's important to be mindful of your diet with CKD, it's also essential to find balance and enjoy life's simple pleasures, like indulging in a scoop of ice cream. You can savor this sweet treat without compromising your kidney health by making thoughtful choices, monitoring portion sizes, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals.

A Renal Dietitian’s Favorite Ready-to-Eat Ice Cream Treats for CKD

As a renal dietitian, here are some of my favorite ice cream treats to recommend for those with CKD. These options are typically lower in sodium and don’t contain any phosphate additives.

The Bottom Line

Having chronic kidney disease doesn't mean giving up all your favorite foods, including ice cream. With planning, moderation, and the support of healthcare professionals, you can incorporate this indulgence into your diet while still prioritizing kidney health. By making informed choices and enjoying ice cream in moderation, you can continue to savor life's little joys while managing CKD with care!

References: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167575/nutrients

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