No Potassium Foods

Potassium is a major mineral and electrolyte in the body responsible for water and acid-base balance, as well as regulating heart beat. Your kidneys are responsible for excreting potassium from the body. When they fail to do this efficiently, excess potassium builds up in the bloodstream. This condition, known as hyperkalemia, is dangerous and may warrant consuming a low-potassium diet. There are some potassium-free foods, although not many.

Fats and Sweeteners

Oils, butter and lard are completely potassium-free. Examples of specific items in this category include corn, soybean, canola, grapeseed, peanut, avocado, coconut, flaxseed oils and all fish oils. While nuts are high in potassium, nut oils, such as almond and hazelnut oils, contain no potassium. Household and commercial shortenings are potassium-free. Some soft margarine spreads, such as light Benecol, are potassium-free.

Sweeteners, such as high-fructose corn syrup, tabletop fructose (dry powder and liquid versions); maple syrup (dietetic, pancake or pure regular) and light corn syrup offer no potassium. Granulated and powdered sugars are potassium-free.

Dairy Substitutes, Flavorings and Sweets

Non-dairy creamers, enriched rice milk, fruit sorbet and sherbet, Popsicles, and non-dairy whipped topping are all potassium-free. Non-dairy creamer and non-enriched rice milk may be used as substitutes for potassium-rich regular cow's milk. Puddings made with non-dairy creamer are potassium-free.

For flavorings, pepper, lemon or low-sodium herb and spice blends offer no potassium (just be sure that they are labeled potassium-free salt substitutes). Extracts, such as vanilla and almond, and distilled vinegars are potassium-free.

Potassium-free sweets include most gelatin mixes, jelly beans, chewing gum, hard candies (such as butterscotch), marshmallows and marshmallow cream, fruit chews (such as Starburst), gumdrops, fondant-type candies and taffy.

Beverages and Other Foods

There are many beverages that are potassium-free. These include all types of water except mineral (municipal tap, most bottled varieties, spring and well), alcoholic beverages (distilled spirits such as vodka, rum and whiskey), club soda, ginger ale (diet and regular) and lemon or fruit punch-flavored drink mixes. Other sodas, such as Sprite and 7-Up as well as herbal teas are potassium-free.

Other, miscellaneous foods offer less than 5mg of potassium, making them potassium free. These foods include vermicelli (made from soy), chicken rice soup (prepared from dry mix), rice noodles (cooked, based on a 100g serving) and beef broth.