Craving something warm this winter? This plant-focused keto-inspired spiced “mocha” is just the seasonal treat we crave during the cold weather months!
Thought chocolate was off-limits for those following a plant-focused ketogenic diet for PKD? Not to worry, we’ve swapped the chocolate for carob to keep oxalates low! Read on to find out more about
Whats the big deal about chocolate if you have PKD?
It’s a safe bet that most of us enjoy chocolate. And why wouldn’t we? It’s decadent and delicious. So why did we swap cocoa powder for carob powder in this recipe? It all boils down to oxalates.
People with polycystic kidney disease are more at risk for kidney stones for a couple of reasons:
- Cysts may block the tubules (the filtering unit of the kidney) which does not allow crystals to pass easily or cause them to build up
- Urine citrate is commonly low for people with PKD and citrate in the urine can help to prevent stone formation
The two most common types of kidney stones in patients with PKD are calcium oxalate stones or uric acid stones.
Managing oxalates to prevent kidney stones
While we can’t avoid all oxalates, being aware of the highest sources and swapping for lower oxalate options can help! For example, one tablespoon of cocoa powder contains 50 mg of oxalate. Carob powder, on the other hand, only has 29 mg of oxalate per one tablespoon!
Easy swaps like this can make managing oxalates much more doable! Check out some of our other tried and true strategies for managing calcium oxalate stone risk:
- Pair an oxalate source with a clacium source (either a food source, calcium citrate, or KetoCitra)
- Drink plenty of water
- Limit sodium intake
- Avoid eating too much animal protein
- Make sure you have a source of citrate (calcium citrate, KetoCitra, or even lemon water)
A ketogenic renal nutrition approach for Polycystic Kidney Disease
If you have PKD and want to find out more about how this diet may help, join the PKD nutrition Facebook group. If you are not a Facebook member or are looking for more one-on-one support consider scheduling a consultation with one of our expert Renal Dietitians.
Keto Spiced Hot Mocha
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon carob powder
- 2 tablespoons monk fruit sweetener or any granulated keto-friendly sweetener
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ground
- 1/16 teaspoon cayenne pepper ground, small pinch
- 1 1/2 cups coffee prepared, hot
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- small pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoon coconut whipped cream optional topper
Instructions
- Prepare the coffee and keep warm.
- Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan and mix in the carob powder, monk fruit sweetener, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer, and cook for a minute before taking off the heat.
- Pour in the coffee, vanilla, salt, and whisk until combined.
- Enjoy hot …
- … or dress it up with some whipped cream or coconut cream 🙂
Notes
Nutrition
KidneyRD Verdict
Although the flavor is not an exact match for a mocha, this low oxalate and keto-friendly version did not disappoint. I’m a big fan of coffee, and the combination of sweet, bitter, and spicy made this both a unique and flavorful beverage.
The beauty is that you can customize to your taste by adding more or less sweetener or spices!
This recipe was adapted from the Keto Diet App.
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.