Potassium is a mineral and an electrolyte. In the body, potassium is responsible for maintaining cell membrane potential and is used as a cofactor for enzymes. Potassium is an essential nutrient we get from the food we eat. It typically comes in the form of potassium chloride.
Fruits
The Linus Pauling Institute reports that fruits and vegetables are our primary sources of potassium chloride. A diet high in fruits and vegetables is a diet high in potassium. Fruits high in potassium chloride include bananas, prunes, oranges, raisins, apricots, dates, honeydew melon, cherries, coconut, grapes, grapefruit, pears, mandarin oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, nectarines, apples, figs, guava, mangoes, papaya, pomegranate, tangelo and watermelon.
Vegetables
According to Medline Plus, hypokalemia, low levels of potassium in the blood, can occur in people who take diuretics or laxatives or in cases of vomiting and diarrhea. In cases of hypokalemia, a high-potassium diet may be recommended. Vegetables with potassium chloride include potatoes, tomatoes, tomato juice, artichokes, lima beans, acorn squash, spinach, Swiss chard, plantains, parsnips, okra, beet greens, corn on the cob, Chinese cabbage, Brussels sprouts, wax beans, bamboo shoots, avocado, kohlrabi, mustard greens, collard greens, pumpkin, rutabaga, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, canned mushrooms, succotash, snow peas, yellow squash, zucchini, sweet potatoes and yams.
Legumes
Hyperkalemia is when there is too much potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia is usually related to problems with the kidneys, explains Medline Plus. In cases of hyperkalemia, a potassium-restricted diet may be necessary. Legumes with potassium chloride include peas, black-eyed peas, pinto beans, white beans, black beans, soy beans and soy nuts.
Dairy Products
Medline Plus recommends that healthy adults consume 4.7 g of potassium a day. Dairy foods and dairy food alternatives also contain potassium chloride; these include milk, yogurt and soy milk.
Salt Substitutes
Salt substitutes contain potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride to get the salty flavor. The Cleveland Clinic advises that as long as a person does not have kidney problems and uses them in moderation, salt substitutes can be used in place of salt. They go on to say, however, that the potassium chloride in the salt substitutes can interact with some medications, so you should check with your doctor before sprinkling it onto food.
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