5 Simple Low-Sodium, IgAN-Friendly Snack Recipes

Introduction

When choosing a snack for yourself or someone you love, you do not need to overcomplicate your food choice. An IgAN-Friendly snack is on that is low in sodium and delicious. Check out these 5 simple low-sodium recipes below. 

IgAN Nutrition Tip: Sodium can increase blood pressure and the workload on the kidneys. Not everyone needs to limit potassium, protein, and phosphorus; however, these recipes do highlight positive swaps in case you do. 

Snack 1: Cucumber & Herb Cream Cheese Bites

• Why it works: Fresh cucumber is low in potassium and sodium; plain cream cheese in small amounts is kidney-friendly
• Recipe:
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced into rounds
  • 2 tbsp plain cream cheese
  • Fresh dill or chives, chopped
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Directions: Spread cream cheese on cucumber rounds, top with herbs and pepper. Serves 2.
• Sodium note: ~85 mg per serving

Snack 2: Apple Slices with Unsalted Almond Butter

• Why it works: Apples are a low-potassium fruit; unsalted nut butters add healthy fat and protein without the sodium hit
• Recipe:
  • 1 medium apple, sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted almond butter
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon
  • Directions: Slice the apple, arrange on a plate, dip or spread with almond butter, dust with cinnamon. Serves 1.
• Sodium note: ~5 mg per serving

Snack 3: Hummus with Veggies and Rice Crackers

• Why it works: Hummus provides healthy fat, flavor, and calories while the veggies and crackers add crunch.
• Recipe:
  • 2 Tbsp of hummus
  • 1 serving low-sodium rice crackers
  • 1 cup of diced veggies such as celery, carrots, or bell peppers
  • Directions: Cut up veggies to desired size, measure out hummus, and serve veggies, hummus, and crackers. Serves 1. 
• Sodium note: ~ 130mg per serving

Snack 4: Rice Cakes with Avocado & Lemon

• Why it works: Unsalted rice cakes are a neutral base; avocado provides healthy fats and is moderate in potassium —¼ of an avocado is considered a low-potassium serving.
• Recipe:
  • 2 plain unsalted rice cakes
  • ½ ripe avocado
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Directions: Mash avocado with lemon juice, spread on rice cakes, season with pepper. Serves 1.
• Sodium note: ~10 mg per serving
• Note to reader: Check with your dietitian if you have potassium restrictions

Snack 5: Nondairy Yogurt and Berries

• Why it works: Nondairy yogurt is typically lower in protein than dairy yogurt, allowing it to fit into an IgAN-friendly diet. Berries are also lower in potassium and high in anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
• Recipe:
  • ¾ cup nondairy yogurt
  • ½ cup fresh blueberries
  • Directions: Layer yogurt and blueberries in a small cup, as desired. Serves 1.
• Sodium note: ~45 mg per serving

Conclusion

An IgAN-friendly snack should leave you feeling satisfied. Remember that snacking is just one part of your daily routine. Choosing delicious foods that fit into your eating pattern throughout the day will leave you feeling full and energized. If you are still struggling to find the right foods for you, check out our other nutrition resources or download the IgAN app for more recipes.