If your stomach is rumbling, you may need a quick snack. But when you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), deciding what to eat isn’t always as simple as grabbing a snack off the shelf.

People with rare kidney diseases, like complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN), need to watch their sodium intake. Some also have to limit things like protein, potassium, phosphorus, or calcium.

Your nephrologist (kidney doctor) can give you diet recommendations based on your kidney function and other health history. Here are some practical snack ideas that might work for you.

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Crunchy snacks

Protein snacks

Sweet treats

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Look for Low-Sodium Crunch

One of the most appealing aspects of snacking can be the satisfying crunch of crackers, chips, or nuts. Fortunately, you can still enjoy crunchy snacks on a kidney-friendly diet, as long as you check the food label.

Many food companies make low-sodium versions of popular snack foods. Stock up on low-salt versions of these items, so you’ll always have a kidney-friendly snack on hand.

Good options may include:

• Animal crackers
• Graham crackers
• Plain rice cakes
• Unsalted tortilla chips
• Unsalted pretzels
• Unsalted popcorn

If you need to limit phosphorus or potassium, be sure to review the ingredients list before you buy. Look out for additives such as phosphoric acid (added phosphorus) or potassium chloride (added potassium), depending on your restrictions.

Grab Some Fresh or Canned Fruit

Snack time is the perfect opportunity to add some extra nutrition to your day. Fruits offer key vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Since C3G and IC-MPGN increase the risk of heart problems, heart-healthy fiber is crucial.

If you’re concerned only about sodium, raw fruits are perfect because they’re basically sodium-free. However, some options are better for people with potassium restrictions.

Lower potassium fruit snacks include:

• Apple slices or applesauce
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Grapefruit
• Grapes
• Mandarin oranges
• Pineapple
• Plums
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Tangerines

For a low-potassium diet, the portion size for most of these fruits is half a cup. Eating more than that in one sitting could mean you’re getting too much potassium at once.

The portion for watermelon is bigger. One cup is considered a low-potassium serving. Cut up a large watermelon and set aside single portions. That way, you won’t have to measure when you’re ready for a snack.

You can also choose canned fruit, such as:

• Apricots
• Fruit cocktail
• Peaches
• Pears

Look for fruit “canned in juice” and drain the liquid first to avoid extra potassium.

Find Safe High-Protein Snack Options

When your snack has protein, it’s more likely to keep you full for longer. But some people with kidney disease can’t handle too much protein at once. Snack-sized portions can help you space out your protein intake throughout the day.

Consider these high-protein snacks:

• Greek yogurt
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Sodium-free cottage cheese
• Tuna or chicken salad
• Unsalted nuts or nut butters

Be careful with nuts and nut butters, which can be high in potassium and phosphorus, especially if you have a lot at once. But instead of cutting these out completely, find out from your healthcare team how much you can have per snack.

Other spreads, such as low-fat cream cheese and hummus, can add some protein and flavor to your favorite kidney-friendly crackers or raw veggies.

Just be aware that high-protein foods can be high in phosphorus. If phosphorus is a concern, your healthcare provider may have you take phosphate binders with certain snacks or meals.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Some people with kidney disease lose too much weight, especially if they have a lot of food restrictions or a poor appetite. Adding a few sweet treats can help make up for missing calories when nothing else sounds good.

You may need to be careful about sugar because of other health concerns, such as diabetes. You can ask your healthcare provider how sweets should fit into your diet for C3G or IC-MPGN.

Potential treats for snacking include:

• A slice of fruit pie
• Gelatin dessert
• Marshmallows
• Popsicles
• Sherbet or sorbet
• Sugar cookies
• Vanilla wafers

Put It All Together

You may want a snack that’s a combination of foods. After all, variety is the spice of life. Mix things up to avoid getting too much of one nutrient at once.

Some combination ideas include:

• Apple slices or vanilla wafers dipped in vanilla yogurt
• Blackberries lightly drizzled with peanut butter
• Low-sodium crackers and egg salad
• Mini-marshmallows with low-sodium kettle corn
• Unsalted cottage cheese with berries and honey

If you’re making tuna or chicken salad, you can toss in some low-potassium vegetables for flavor. Chopped onions, peppers, celery, or cucumbers are good options.

When possible, use fresh ingredients. Limiting your intake of processed foods can help you avoid unwanted additives.

Prepare Some Simple Snack Recipes

Before you try them, ask your dietitian whether new recipes fit your needs. These three low-sodium snacks can be adjusted to meet your potassium, phosphorus, and protein goals.

Make a Plan

Dietary needs for C3G and IC-MPGN vary and may change based on your lab results and treatment plan. Kidney-friendly snacks don’t have to be boring, but you may need extra time to check labels and try new recipes.

A renal dietitian can help you adjust your food choices based on your current kidney health. Still, balancing multiple restrictions can be tricky. Be patient with yourself and try your best, even if your choices aren’t always perfect.

Join the Conversation

On MyKidneyDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with kidney disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

How do snacks fit into your meal plan? Let others know in the comments below.