Diet guide

What is a low-oxalate diet?

Understand the basic approach, the role of oxalate in some kidney stones and the other factors that belong in a personalised prevention plan.

The basics

How a low-oxalate diet works

Oxalate is a naturally occurring substance found in many foods. A low-oxalate diet is an eating approach that limits foods with higher oxalate levels and makes room for lower-oxalate alternatives.

It may be recommended for some people who form calcium oxalate kidney stones or have high urinary oxalate—but it is not the right plan for everyone. Your stone type and clinical results should guide any dietary changes.

  1. 01

    Reduce selectively

    Focus on portions and practical swaps for foods with higher reported values. The goal is usually not to remove every food containing oxalate.

  2. 02

    Keep appropriate dietary calcium

    Calcium eaten with a meal can bind with oxalate in the digestive tract. Do not restrict calcium unless your clinician advises it.

  3. 03

    Look at the whole picture

    Hydration, sodium, stone type, urine results and the overall quality of your diet matter alongside food oxalate.

Learn more from Kidney Health Australia and the National Kidney Foundation. Always discuss significant dietary changes with a doctor or renal dietitian.

Explore food values

Per-serving guide

What do low, moderate and high mean?

There is no universal classification. Oxalate Info uses the bands below, adapted from a National Kidney Foundation clinical guide, to keep filters consistent and understandable.

  1. Low0–10 mgper listed serving

    Combines very-low and low reported values.

  2. Moderate11–25 mgper listed serving

    Worth considering within the whole meal.

  3. High26–99 mgper listed serving

    A larger contribution from one serving.

  4. Very high100 mg or moreper listed serving

    One serving can contribute substantially.

Framework adapted from the National Kidney Foundation clinical guide. Other organisations use different thresholds, and reported food values vary. These bands describe amounts, not what is personally safe for you.

Cross-checked guidance

10 high-oxalate foods to know

These foods are repeatedly highlighted by kidney-health resources. They are not ranked because oxalate levels change with variety, preparation and serving size.

  1. SpinachLeafy greenHigh oxalate
  2. Swiss chardLeafy greenHigh oxalate
  3. RhubarbStalk vegetableHigh oxalate
  4. AlmondsNutsHigh oxalate
  5. BeetsRoot vegetableHigh oxalate
  6. Navy beansLegumeHigh oxalate
  7. Potatoes with skinStarchy vegetableHigh oxalate
  8. Sweet potatoesStarchy vegetableHigh oxalate
  9. Cocoa and dark chocolateCocoa productHigh oxalate
  10. Wheat bran and bran cerealWhole grainHigh oxalate
Compared across: National Kidney Foundation, NKF kidney-stone diet guide and the OHF food list.

This is an informational watch-list, not a universal avoid-list. Kidney-stone advice should be personalised by a qualified clinician to your stone type, urine results and overall health.