Dark chocolate and your kidneys
Potassium, phosphorus, protein and salt in dark chocolate, per 100 grams and per portion, and what it means when you have kidney disease. The figures come from the Norwegian food composition table.
Is dark chocolate good for your kidneys?
Dark chocolate is high in potassium and phosphorus: a small bar (65 grams) gives around 360 mg of potassium and 150 mg of phosphorus. A couple of squares is fine for most people. If you need to limit potassium, milk chocolate or Marie biscuits are better choices.
Per 100 grams
- Potassium
- 560 mgHigh potassium
- Phosphorus
- 230 mg
- Protein
- 8.4 g
- Salt
- 0 gLow salt
Per portion
| Portion | Potassium (mg) | Phosphorus (mg) | Protein (g) | Salt (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large bar (100 g) | 560 | 230 | 8.4 | 0 |
| Small bar (65 g) | 360 | 150 | 5.5 | 0 |
How much potassium is in dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate: 560 mg of potassium per 100 grams, which is high by Metodebok's grouping: under 150 mg per 100 grams is low, 150 to 300 mg medium, and over 300 mg high. What you eat is the portion, so see the numbers per portion above.
With less potassium
If you need to limit potassium, these foods in the same group are low in potassium, per 100 grams.
- Mayonnaise: 7 mg
- Marie biscuits: 141 mg
How much phosphorus is in dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate: 230 mg of phosphorus per 100 grams. Phosphorus from plants is absorbed less than phosphorus from meat, milk and additives. Phosphate added to processed food (E338 to E341, E450 to E452) is absorbed almost completely and is not in the table, so check the ingredient list.
What does this mean for you?
How much potassium, phosphorus and protein you should eat depends on your blood tests, your stage and whether you are on dialysis. Many people with kidney disease do not need to limit potassium at all. Do not cut out fruit and vegetables unless your doctor or a clinical dietitian has asked you to.
Salt applies to everyone with kidney disease: under 5 grams a day helps blood pressure and the kidneys.
Compared with other sweets, snacks and sauces
All figures per 100 grams. Tap a food to see it.
Sweets, snacks and sauces (9)
| Food | Potassium (mg) | Phosphorus (mg) | Protein (g) | Salt (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk chocolate | 444, high potassium | 321 | 8.1 | 0.2 |
| Dark chocolate | 560, high potassium | 230 | 8.4 | 0 |
| Popcorn | 240, medium potassium | 275 | 10.1 | 2 |
| Marie biscuits | 141, low potassium | 76 | 6.6 | 1.1 |
| Ketchup | 265, medium potassium | 22 | 1 | 1.7 |
| Soy sauce | 180, medium potassium | 47 | 3 | 16.9 |
| Stock powder | 1,500, high potassium | ? | 17 | 55 |
| Mayonnaise | 7, low potassium | 31 | 1 | 0.6 |
| Frozen pizza | 241, medium potassium | 184 | 10.9 | 1.2 |
Source: the Norwegian Food Composition Table 2026 (Matvaretabellen), from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, the Directorate of Health and the University of Oslo. The potassium levels follow Metodebok. Salt is calculated from sodium (1 gram of sodium is 2.5 grams of salt).
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