advertisement

non-milk sources of calcium

overview

dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese provide a lot of calcium. but there are other foods that have calcium. these foods include kale, broccoli, and bok choy. you can also get calcium by eating the soft bones of canned sardines and canned salmon. and calcium is sometimes added to tofu, soy and rice drinks, and fruit juice.

some greens, such as spinach and swiss chard, are not good sources. they have a lot of calcium, but very little of it is available to the body. these foods contain binders that prevent the calcium from being absorbed.

some people who avoid dairy foods take supplements to be sure they get enough calcium and vitamin d.

non-dairy foods with calcium

the following are some foods that can provide calcium for people who don't include dairy in their diets.footnote 1

non-milk calcium sources

food

serving size

calcium (in milligrams)

calcium-fortified soy beverage

1 cup (250 ml)

318 mg

tofu (with added calcium)

150 g (5 oz)

234 mg

canned salmon with bones

75 g (3 oz)

208 mg

calcium-fortified orange juice

1/2 cup (125 ml)

185 mg

almonds

1/4 cup (60 ml)

89 mg

bok choy, cooked

1/2 cup (125 ml)

84 mg

broccoli, cooked

1/2 cup (125 ml)

50 mg

kale, cooked

1/2 cup (125 ml)

49 mg

references

citations

  1. health canada (2008). nutrient value of some common foods. ottawa: health canada. also available online: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/fiche-nutri-data/nutrient_value-valeurs_nutritives-eng.php.

credits

current as of: september 20, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use. learn how we develop our content.

advertisement

advertisement