The availability and promotion of sweets year-round poses challenges for many people on kidney-friendly diets. Certain candies and treats are high in phosphorus and potassium which, for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), pose risks for bone and heart issues, along with uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms like nausea. 

Since many people with CKD also have diabetes, sugar consumption also needs to be considered and limited. Despite dietary restrictions, however, it’s possible to enjoy candy sensibly with smart choices. Learn more about acceptable candies and those to avoid when you have CKD.*

Kidney-friendly candy options

Kidney-friendly candies for people on a renal diet are those that are relatively low in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. Some acceptable options include:

• Hard candies like Sweetarts®, Jolly Ranchers®, LifeSavers®, and lollipops
• Soft and chewy candies such as: gumdrops, red licorice, and ‘gummy’ bears, worms, etc.
• Candy corn, Red Hots® and Lemon Drops®
• Sugar-free varieties of the above for people with diabetes, to help control blood glucose

Smart choices ensure enjoyment without compromising your health.

Candies to limit on a kidney diet

Some candies should be limited in both amount and frequency when you’re on a kidney diet. These include:

• Candies like toffee and caramel treats 
• Chocolate bars, especially those containing nuts like Snickers® and Almond Joy®, and chocolate-covered candies (Brownies, with and without nuts, also fall into this category.)
• Black licorice

Chocolate is high in both potassium and phosphorus, though milk chocolate has less of both than dark chocolate. Black licorice contains a flavoring agent called glycyrrhizic acid (or glycyrrhizin), which in significant amounts can lead to:

• Edema (swelling) 
• High blood pressure 
• Cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Cardiac arrest
• Congestive heart failure 

Glycyrrhizic acid can also be found in jelly beans, as well as certain beverages. It comes from licorice root, and is what gives true licorice products their distinctive flavor. Red licorice is not true licorice, and usually contains strawberry- or cherry-based flavoring.

Getting guidance from a renal dietitian can help you determine suitable candy and treat options.

Benefits of candy

Candy has benefits beyond gustatory delight. For people on dialysis, hard and sour candies can serve as alternatives to drinking excess fluids, helping to control thirst. Candy can also supplement calorie intake for individuals needing to boost calories in their kidney diet.

While some candies may not align with kidney-friendly diets due to high phosphorus, potassium, or sugar content, many options are suitable in moderation. Reading labels and seeking advice from a dietitian can help you enjoy candy while adhering to dietary restrictions.

*DaVita Kidney Care. (n.d.). Kidney-Friendly Candy for Dialysis Patients

 https://www.davita.com/diet-nutrition/articles/advice/kidney-friendly-candy-for-dialysis-patients#:~ 

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