Sweet treat? Yes please! For those managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), it’s essential to choose desserts that are both delicious and supportive of kidney health. While many classic sweets can be high in sugar, potassium, and saturated fats, there are plenty of creative, kidney-friendly options that won’t compromise flavour. You can eat sweets with CKD, and this post will walk you through renal diet desserts.

Kidney-friendly diets focus on moderating certain nutrients—like sugar, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus—while increasing food like healthy fats, fibre and whole grains. However it’s important to remember that balance is key! All foods can be enjoyed in moderation. With the right tweaks, you can continue to enjoy sweets that satisfy your sweet tooth and your kidney health.

Moderating Sugar with Fresh Fruit in Renal Diet Desserts

For people with CKD, managing blood sugar is important, especially if diabetes is a concern. However, it’s still possible to enjoy sweet flavors by choosing fruits that are naturally lower in sugar and potassium.

Fruits to include:

• Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants, low in potassium, and great for people on a renal diet. 
• Apples: Apples are a great option because they’re low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. They can be enjoyed raw, baked, or even added to smoothies.
• Cranberries: Whether fresh, frozen, or dried (without added sugar), cranberries are excellent for kidney health, offering a tangy sweetness while remaining low in potassium.

Choose Heart Healthy Fats

A kidney-friendly diet often means switching to healthy fats to support heart health and reduce inflammation. While saturated fats (found in butter and full-fat dairy) can lead to heart disease and kidney problems, there are plenty of healthier fat alternatives.

Fats to include:

• Olive oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil helps reduce inflammation and can be used in baked goods.
• Nut butters: Unsweetened nut butters, such as almond butter or peanut butter, can be used in place of butter in many dessert recipes. These include both baked goods like cookies and brownies, and no-bake desserts like energy balls for renal diet desserts.

Choose Whole Grains for more Fibre

Whole grains are an essential part of a kidney-friendly diet, as they are rich in fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants. They can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and support heart health.

Whole grains to include: 

• Whole Wheat Flour: A great substitute for refined white flour in baking, whole wheat flour provides more fiber and helps to maintain healthy digestion.
• Rolled Oats: Oats are high in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and maintain steady blood sugar levels. Oats can be used to make muffins, cookies, granola bars and so much more

Swap Eggs for a Plant-Based Alternative

Eggs are a high-quality protein source, but people with CKD may need to limit their protein intake. For those who prefer to reduce animal proteins, there are several plant-based alternatives to consider.

Smart Protein Swaps:

• Apple Sauce: Use unsweetened applesauce as a binding agent in baking. It’s a great substitute for eggs in many recipes, especially cakes and muffins for renal diet desserts.
• Mashed Bananas: Bananas can also be used as both a binder and sweetener in baked goods.
• Flaxseed Meal: When mixed with water, ground flaxseeds form a gel-like substance that can replace eggs in many recipes, adding fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

Swap Animal Milk for Plant-Based Milk

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can be high in phosphorus, which can build up in the blood for those with CKD, potentially causing bone issues and other health complications. Thankfully, there are many milk alternatives that are lower in phosphorus and are equally delicious.

Milks to include: 

• Almond Milk: A popular plant-based milk, almond milk is low in phosphorus and potassium and can be used in coffee, smoothies, baking, and even as a base for creamy sauces.
• Cashew Milk: It’s creamy and low in phosphorus! Cashew milk is perfect for desserts, smoothies, and baking.
• Oat Milk: Oat milk is naturally sweet and has a creamy texture.

For more details on milk alternatives, check out this blog post for a deeper dive into plant-based options.

Renal Diet Desserts

Now that we’ve explored some simple ingredient swaps, here are a few kidney-friendly dessert ideas that make use of the ingredients we’ve mentioned. These treats are not only delicious but also kind to your kidneys and heart!

• Berry Crumble: This dessert combines the natural sweetness of berries with fibre from an oat-based crumble. Instead of using butter or oil, you can substitute nut butters (like almond or cashew) to add richness and healthy fats. 
• Baked Apples: A warm, comforting dessert made by baking apples to perfection. Top them with a crumble made from oats and drizzle with your favorite nut butter. Adding a dash of cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness without adding sugar. 
• Olive Oil Cake: Swap white flour for whole wheat flour to increase fiber content, and use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) in place of dairy. For an egg replacement, try flaxseeds mixed with water to bind the ingredients together. 
• Oatmeal Cookies: Sweeten the cookies naturally using mashed bananas, which doubles as an egg replacement to lower the protein content. Nut butters can be used in place of butter for added healthy fat. 

Putting It All Together: A Kidney-Friendly Diet

Living with CKD doesn’t mean you have to give up on the foods you love. With a few simple swaps—such as choosing fresh fruits, opting for healthy fats, switching to whole grains, and using plant-based ingredients—you can enjoy a wide variety of meals that support your kidney health. Always remember, moderation is key, and every individual’s dietary needs may differ, so it’s important to work with your healthcare team to tailor your diet to your specific condition.

This article was written by Rachel Lo, Nutrition Student Volunteer.
This article was reviewed by Emily Campbell, RD CDE MScFN.