Is Plums Safe for Kidney Stones? (Safe)

Good news: Plums passes the oxalate test. With just 3 mg per 1 medium, it falls comfortably in the green zone. You can include this in your regular diet without worrying about oxalate. Data: Harvard T.H. Chan SPH (2024).
✓ Lab-Verified Data Based on Harvard T.H. Chan SPH oxalate data (2024) and NKF/AUA dietary guidelines.
3
mg oxalate
per serving
Food: Plums, variety, fresh
Serving: 1 medium (70 g)
Verdict: 🟢 Safe
Per 100g: 5 mg
Data: Harvard T.H. Chan SPH (2024)
🔄 Lower-Oxalate Alternatives
🟢 Lychee or Litchee
0 mg / serving
🟢 Jams
0 mg / serving
🟢 Lemon Extract
0 mg / serving
🟢 Orange Extract
0 mg / serving
💡 What This Means for Your Diet

In practical terms, Plums is a low-risk food for kidney stone patients. Its 3 mg oxalate per serving stays under the 25 mg line, so it can appear in your regular rotation without extra calculation. As always, staying hydrated and getting dietary calcium supports stone prevention.

📊 How Plums Compares

Among fruits, Plums sits well below the category average of 21 mg. For context, 101 out of 113 fruits (89%) are rated 🟢 Safe (under 25 mg oxalate/serving). The average fruits in our database has 21 mg oxalate per serving — which means Plums is 86% below the category norm. Within its specific category, Plums ranks among the lower-oxalate options. This context matters because two 'Safe' foods can have very different oxalate levels — one might have 5 mg while another has 24 mg. Both are Safe, but the first gives you more dietary flexibility. Browse all fruits rated Safe to compare within the same verdict level.

❓ Related Questions

Why does the safe threshold matter?

The 25 mg per serving threshold is based on clinical guidance for kidney stone patients. Harvard's lab data (2024) provides the most reliable oxalate measurements available — no database estimates, direct lab analysis. For context, Plums measures 3 mg per 1 medium, rated Safe.

Can I eat this food every day?

If it's in the Safe zone (under 25 mg/serving), yes — it can be a regular part of your diet. For Caution or Avoid foods, frequency matters. Rotate them with lower-oxalate options throughout the week. For Plums, the measured oxalate value is 3 mg per 1 medium (Safe).

Where does the oxalate data come from?

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2024) via the OHF database. These are direct laboratory measurements — the most reliable oxalate data available for food. For Plums, the measured oxalate value is 3 mg per 1 medium (Safe).

Should I also check sodium and calcium?

Definitely. Oxalate is only part of the story — high sodium raises calcium in urine, and dietary calcium (from food, not pills) binds oxalate in the gut. The food's main page lists both, so it's worth checking before you plan around it. For context, Plums measures 3 mg per 1 medium, rated Safe.

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.