๐ŸŸข Safe
Oxalate <25 mg/serving
๐ŸŸก Caution
Oxalate 25-99 mg/serving
๐Ÿ”ด Avoid
Oxalate โ‰ฅ100 mg/serving
๐ŸŸก

Grain, Quinoa, cooked

๐ŸŸก Caution โ€” Moderate
55 mg oxalate / serving
Serving: 1/2 cup, cooked (90 g) | Per 100 g: 61 mg
โœ“ Medically Reviewed Content reviewed by OxalateWatch Editorial Team. Based on Harvard T.H. Chan SPH oxalate data (2024) and NKF/AUA dietary guidelines.

Quinoa is a caution-level grain that deserves a nuanced take. 55 mg oxalate per cup โ€” over the safe threshold. It's a complete protein (all nine essential amino acids) and gluten-free, which is why it became a health food darling. But for kidney stone patients, the oxalate content is real. If you eat quinoa, keep portions small (half-cup instead of full cup), rinse it thoroughly before cooking, and pair with a calcium source. White rice is the lower-oxalate alternative for daily use.

๐Ÿ“Š Nutrition at a Glance

55 mg
Oxalate / serving
Moderate
0 mg
Sodium / 100g
Low Na
11.1 g
Protein / 100g
Tier 1
13 mg
Calcium / 100g
Tier 1

๐Ÿ“ Oxalate by Serving Size

ServingWeightOxalateVerdict
1/2 cup, cooked90 g55 mg Caution
2 x 1/2 cup, cooked180 g110 mg Avoid
ยฝ x 1/2 cup, cooked45 g27.5 mg Caution

๐Ÿท๏ธ Tags

Grains & Pasta Plant-Based Moderate Oxalate ๐ŸŸก Oxalate Caution

๐ŸŸก See all Grains & Pasta rated Caution for kidney stones โ†’

โš–๏ธ Compare this food: ยท vs Semolina flour ยท vs Rice cakes โ†’

๐Ÿ”— Related Foods

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Grain safe for kidney stones?

Awareness over avoidance. Grain has 55 mg oxalate per 1/2 cup, cooked โ€” higher than ideal, but not panic-worthy. Smaller servings, less frequent, problem mostly solved.

How much oxalate is in Grain?

55 mg โ€” that's the oxalate in a standard 1/2 cup, cooked of Grain. For the 100g comparison freaks: 61 mg. Source is Harvard's 2024 food analysis project.

Is Grain high in oxalates?

Middle of the pack. 55 mg oxalate per 1/2 cup, cooked puts Grain in the moderate zone. Fine occasionally, not an everyday food.

What are the best low-oxalate alternatives to Grain?

Plenty of options. Scroll down to Related Foods โ€” every ๐ŸŸข green item there is a lower-oxalate alternative to Grain. Same food group, way less oxalate.

How much sodium does Grain have?

The sodium level is fine โ€” 0 mg/100g. If all your foods looked like this on sodium, you'd be in great shape for stone prevention.

How much Grain is safe to eat?

Think garnish, not main dish. Grain at 55 mg per 1/2 cup, cooked is a lot for one food. Use smaller amounts spread across meals or as a flavor accent rather than the centerpiece.

๐Ÿ” Explore More About This Food

๐Ÿ“š Data Sources

Oxalate: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2024) via OHF. Nutrition: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy 2018 & Foundation Foods).

๐Ÿ“– Key Scientific References

Taylor EN, Curhan GC. Oxalate intake and the risk for nephrolithiasis. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007;18(7):2198-2204. PMID: 17538185
Borghi L, Schianchi T, Meschi T, et al. Comparison of two diets for the prevention of recurrent stones in idiopathic hypercalciuria. N Engl J Med. 2002;346(2):77-84. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa010369
Fink HA, Akornor JW, Garimella PS, et al. Diet, fluid, or supplements for secondary prevention of nephrolithiasis. Eur Urol. 2009;56(1):72-80. DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2009.03.031
Ferraro PM, Taylor EN, Gambaro G, Curhan GC. Dietary and lifestyle factors for primary prevention of nephrolithiasis. BMC Nephrol. 2020;21(1):267. PMID: 32652950
Pearle MS, Goldfarb DS, Assimos DG, et al. Medical management of kidney stones: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2014;192(2):316-324. DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2014.05.006
Liebman M, Costa G. Effects of calcium and magnesium on urinary oxalate excretion after oxalate loads. J Urol. 2000;163(5):1565-1569. PMID: 10751889
Holmes RP, Assimos DG. The impact of dietary oxalate on kidney stone formation. Urol Res. 2004;32(5):311-316. DOI: 10.1007/s00240-004-0437-3
Lin BB, Lin ME, Huang RH, et al. Dietary treatment and fluid intake for prevention of recurrent calcium stones. PLoS One. 2021;16(4):e0250257. PMID: 33872340
This is dietary reference information, NOT medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Oxalate tolerance varies by person, stone type, and medication.