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Calcium: Shopping list

Calcium: Shopping list

Content last updated on:
January 31, 2013

Your body needs calcium to help build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis (bone loss). Keep these tips in mind for getting enough calcium:

  • Foods with at least 20% DV (Daily Value) of calcium are excellent choices. Check the Nutrition Facts label to see the % DV. Eating foods with less calcium can also help you meet your daily calcium goal.
  • Don’t forget vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body use calcium. Vitamin D is added to some foods, like milk, breakfast cereals, and juice. Check the Nutrition Facts label. You can also get some vitamin D from fish like salmon and tuna.

Take the list below with you the next time you go food shopping.

Milk and Milk Products

Look for fat-free or low-fat milk products. (Lactose-reduced milk products are also good sources of calcium.)

  • Fat-free or low-fat yogurt
  • Fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
  • Cheese (3 grams of fat or less per serving)
  • Fat-free or low-fat cottage cheese

Vegetables

These green vegetables can be a great way to get more calcium. If you buy them canned, look for choices that say “low sodium” or “no salt added.” If you buy frozen vegetables, choose ones without butter or cream sauces.

  • Turnip greens
  • Kale
  • Chinese cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Collard greens

Foods with Added Calcium

These foods often have added calcium. Check the % DV of calcium on the Nutrition Facts label to be sure.

  • Breakfast cereal
  • Tofu made with calcium
  • Orange juice with calcium
  • Fat-free or low-fat soy-based drinks (soymilk) with calcium