How can I find the potassium content of certain foods?
According to FDA regulations, labeling potassium content on the Nutrition Facts Panel of food products is voluntary for manufacturers. The USDA provides a list of the potassium content of selected foods per common measure. After clicking on the link, go to USDA Nutrient Lists - Reports by Single Nutrients, and then either the A or the W next to potassium to see the list sorted alphabetically or by nutrient content, respectively.
For more information on the nutrient content of a specific food or to find the potassium content of foods not listed in the chart, search the USDA food composition database.
From the search page:
- Enter the food as a keyword (e.g., "strawberries") and click submit.
- On the resulting page, click the button next to the description of the food you want information on or that is most similar to your food (e.g., "strawberries, raw") and click submit.
- On the resulting page, select the serving size(s) (e.g., "1 cup, halves") and click submit. Note: 100 grams is usually automatically selected, but you can un-check it to select only the serving sizes you are interested in.
- Once you click submit, the nutrient content quantities in the food you’ve chosen will be listed.
Finally, food labeling regulations are governed by the FDA. The FDA is evaluating the Nutrition Facts Panel to determine ways to help consumers make smart choices about their diet. Consumers may submit comments regarding labeling directly to the FDA. A general contact phone number for the FDA is 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332). You can also contact the FDA via e-mail at ConsumerInfo@fda.hhs.gov or via mail at:
Consumer Health Information Staff
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857FAQ category: