Does chocolate have a place in a renal diet plan? Why yes it does, and this granola recipe is a great place to start! It combines the gut-health benefits of rolled oats and flax seed with chocolate for the ultimate any-time snack. This one-bowl granola recipe could not be easier and quickly satisfies even the strongest chocolate craving.

Why use chocolate in a renal diet recipe!?

Our philosophy is that most foods fit! Especially foods that provide anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, like dark chocolate! Full of flavanols, dark chocolate is a functional food that can help support kidney and cardiovascular health. It is also a rich source of minerals including: iron, zinc, and magnesium.

But what about the potassium and phosphorus?

You’ve likely read or been told to avoid chocolate while following a renal diet. It’s true that chocolate contains both potassium and phosphorus, however, we believe it’s a CAN DO when eaten in moderation. One ounce of dark chocolate (70-85%) contains 200 mg of Potassium and just 85 mg of Phosphorus. Keeping portions in check is key to ensuring you don’t overdo on potassium and phosphorus. Take this granola recipe. We used just 5 tablespoons of dark chocolate for 8 servings. A little goes a long way to get that delicious chocolatey flavor!

Get the most bang for your buck from chocolate!

To reap all of the anti-oxidant and ant-inflammatory benefits of chocolate, look for at least 70% cocoa solids. Milk chocolate and chocolate that has a lower percentage of cocoa solids contains more milk and sugar. It also contains less of those health promoting flavanols.

Remember that serving size matters. To avoid excess calories, fat, phosphorus, and potassium- limit dark chocolate to one ounce per day. If you are sensitive to caffeine or have trouble sleeping, avoid dark chocolate at night. One ounce of dark chocolate contains about 25 mg of caffeine.

Confused about what to eat to support your kidney health?

We are here to help! Join our monthly class to find out how we use the power of nutrition to help preserve kidney function. If you prefer a one-to one setting, consider booking a session with one of our expert Renal Dietitians.

Lightly Salted Dark Chocolate Pecan Granola

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• Author: Clarissa Paimanta, RD
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 40 min.
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This one-bowl granola recipe could not be easier and quickly satisfies even the strongest chocolate craving!

Recipe developed by Clarissa Paimanta, RD and tested by Jennifer Krasilovsky, KidneyRD Intern 2021

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¾ oz dark chocolate (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 cups rolled oats
• ½ cup ground flax seeds
• ½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1) Preheat the oven to 325℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2) Using a microwave, melt the dark chocolate, coconut oil, and maple syrup in a heat-proof bowl (large enough to add additional ingredients). Stir the chocolate mixture every 30 seconds until fully melted. Be careful – the bowl will be hot.

3) To the melted chocolate mixture, add in the oats, flax seeds, pecans, and sea salt. Stir thoroughly to combine.

4) Spread granola on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through. It will continue to crisp up as it cools. 

Notes

How to store: Once cooled, keep the granola in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 7 days or in the freezer for a few months.

You may have heard that nuts, beans, and whole grains are not a great choice for a kidney-friendly diet because they are high in phosphorus.  Wondering why we include them in many of our recipes?  We include beans, nuts, and whole grains because only about 40% of phosphorus found in these plant foods are absorbed by humans. This makes them a good fit for most people’s diets! If you have questions about adding these foods to your diet, please reach out to your dietitian.

KidneyRD Verdict

This easy, one-bowl recipe is the perfect chocolatey treat anytime of day. The amount of salt is just right for your salty, sweet cravings. To be honest, it is a little addictive! Pairing this granola with a little plant-based milk and I was instantly transported back to childhood. First I savored the crunchy granola treat. Then I was rewarded with the dark chocolatey milk at the the bottom of the bowl! So delicious!

_{ALL information you read on KidneyRD.com is purely for informational and educational purposes. Information is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.}