18 Foods That Are Acidic

Sauerkraut is a food that is acidic with pH 3.30–3.60. Made from fermented cabbage, the acidity of this dish comes from the lactic acid produced by the fermenting bacteria. Although sauerkraut falls on the acidic side of the spectrum, it is a good source of probiotics that aid in digestion, boost the immune system, and provide some essential vitamins and minerals.

Add them to your sandwich or enjoy them alongside sausages for a savory taste. No matter how you consume them, they don't fail to bring a unique twist to various dishes.

Fish is a good source of protein, which breaks down into amino acids during digestion. The body maintains a stable pH regardless of the source of amino acids. While some variety of fish might have a slightly acidic pH before digestion, the body takes that into account and adjusts accordingly.

Beetroot is a slightly acidic food with a pH of 5.30–6.60. Despite its acid content, beets contain various nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also a good source of nitrate, which can be converted into nitric oxide, which is believed to help improve blood flow in our body.

Corn is a versatile grain and a staple food in many parts of the world. It is a good source of minerals, vitamins, fiber, and carbohydrates. Regarding its acidic content, its pH level ranges from 5.90 to 7.50, making it fall slightly between the acidic and nutritional food categories.

Here are a few ideas to incorporate corn into your diet-

• Fresh corn on the cob can be boiled, roasted, or grilled.
• Corn kernels can be used in salads, soups, stews, and stir-fries.
• Make polenta, bread, and tortillas from cornmeal.
• Cornstarch can be used as a thickener in sauces and soups.

Mushrooms are a type of edible fungus that fall in the category of foods that are acidic. With a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.0, this fungus comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and has a meaty texture and savory flavor. They are rich in dietary fiber and are very low in calories and fat. 

Besides, mushrooms are jampacked with essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, potassium, copper, and selenium. From boiling to stir-frying or baking, mushrooms can be enjoyed in many ways.

Tomatoes are foods with acid that can be enjoyed in many different dishes. They look simple but are a staple ingredient in many cuisines worldwide. Loved for their sweet and tangy flavor, tomatoes have a pH level that ranges from 4.0 to 4.6 because they contain citric acid, malic acid, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Fresh or canned, here are some ideas to incorporate tomatoes into your diet-

• Add fresh tomatoes to salads, sandwiches, or burgers.
• Tomatoes can be diced and used in salsa, gazpacho, or pasta sauce.
• They can be roasted or grilled for a concentrated flavor.
• Cherry tomatoes can be enjoyed as a healthy snack.

Most dairy products, such as butter, kefir, and cheese, are rich in nutrients, including protein, fat, calcium, vitamin D, and lactose (a sugar). Milk, the starting point of all dairy products, mostly comes from cows but also water buffalo, goats, sheep, and others.

While milk itself might be less acidic, its products like yogurt, cheese, and butter generally fall within this slightly acidic range.

Lemon and limes are food that are acidic yet are popular for their flavor and tangyness. You add a few drop of their juice and your food becomes refreshing and tasty. 

In addition to being an excellent source of vitamin C, lemons and lime have also proven their worth as a worthful cleaning aid. Because of their acidic nature, people over the years have started using this fruits to remove natural dyes, rust stains, tea and coffee stains and more.

Acidity of bell pepper ranges from 5.0 to 5.5, making it fall on the slightly acidic side of pH scale. Due to its acidic content, it is a good source of vitamin C which is essential for immune functions and collagen production. Green bell pepper also contains potassium, fiber and vitamin A, important for vision and cell growth.

You can enjoy this vegetable in different ways, such as-

• Slice a pepper and add it to your stir-fries, salads, and omelets.
• You can also add chopped bell pepper to salsa or guacamole.
• These peppers taste best if stuffed with ice, meat, or cheese and baked.
• If you are a grill vegetable fan, green bell pepper tastes best when roasted.

While natural food such as tomaties and grapefruits are acidic befre digestion, the body efficiently regulates its internal pH to stay balanced. Processed foods on the other hand are acidic due to additives, refined grains, and added sugars. These additives makes any food acid friendly which leads to increase in potential renal acid load (PRAL), a measure of how much acid the kidneys need to remove. 

So, rather than consuming store-bought food with added preservatives, choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to create a more balanced diet with a lower PRAL. 

Cabbage is a cruciferous and affordable vegetable that can be eaten raw, cooked, or fermented. Cabbage is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber with pH level that ranges from 5.2 to 6.8, making it a acid food.

Even though cabbage is slightly acidic, it's a low-calorie vegetable packed with vitamin C, K, folate, and fiber. Consider including this versatile ingredient in your diet to enjoy a guilt-free food that delivers taste and several health benefits without worrying about calorie intake.

Refined grains, like white flour, are slightly more acidic than whole grains. This is because the refining process removes the fiber-rich bran layer, which has a buffering effect on acidity.

Similarly, processed grains like breakfast cereals may have added ingredients such as phosphoric acid used as a flavoring and preservative. Such content might make the cereal acidic.

• Below are some tips on how to enjoy grains for a lower perceived acidity in your meals:
• Opt for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley, and whole-wheat bread. 
• Consider reducing or replacing refined grains like white bread, white rice, and pasta.
• Soaking grains before cooking can help reduce their phytic acid content.
• Pair your grains with neutral green leafy vegetables to help balance the overall acidity of the meal.

Carbonated beverages get their signature fizz from dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) gas that reacts with water to form carbonic acid. Although carbonic acid is considered weak, its presence makes the drink acids food with a slightly tart taste.

While CO2 contributes some acidity, other ingredients in soft drinks, like citric or phosphoric acid, can have a stronger influence. For health reasons, it's important to be mindful of sugar in many sodas and consider alternatives like sparkling water or homemade flavored options.

Fresh and processed red meats lean towards the acids foods side, typically ranging from a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Fresh beef is slightly acidic, which your body will regulate, and is not a subject of major concern. Processed meat, on the other hand, is acidic due to added preservatives, flavorings, and curing salts, which might trigger acidic reflux and potential renal acid load (PRAL), a measure of how much acid your kidneys need to remove.

Yes, our bodies can handle this to some extent, but moderation is the key to consuming red meat. So, the next time you crave meat, choose fresh cuts, and limiting processed meats can help reduce your intake of potential acid-forming additives.

High-sodium condiments such as ketchup or salsa are acidic due to the natural ingredients of tomatoes or added vinegar. And when it comes to savoring high-sodium condiments and acid, it's not a perfect match. Our body is indeed capable of regulating the pH imbalance, and a little portion won't throw it off.

Most of the seafood tends to be slightly acidic with pH 5.0-6.5, which your body can efficiently regulate. But seafood is a natural source of protein, healthy fats, and nutrients, making it a great choice despite the minor acidity. So, consume them in moderation, and here's how you can do it-

• Use simple cooking methods like grilling, baking, poaching, or steaming.
• Avoid acidic marinades like vinegar or other highly citrus juices to avoid unnecessary acidity.
• But if you love marination, opt for herbs, spices, or a touch of lemon juice for a subtle flavor.
• Opt for fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, cilantro, or thyme.
• Aromatics like garlic, shallots, and onions infuse subtle flavors without adding acidity.

Your body needs protein to build and repair tissue, so avoiding it is not an option. Be it plant-based or animal-based, most or many protein sources have a slightly acidic pH level (around 5.0 to 6.5). This acidity comes from the natural breakdown of protein molecules which is fine and easily digestible.

So, consume a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that balances protein content with potential acidity concerns.

Below are three examples of a balanced diet-

Mediterranean Diet: This diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats like olive oil, fish and poultry. Whereas red meat is limited.

DASH Diet: This diet encourages moderate amounts of lean protein and limits saturated and unhealthy fats, sodium, and added sugars.  It is designed to help lower blood pressure.

Flexitarian Diet: This approach emphasizes plant-based meals (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds) but allows occasional meat consumption as well.

While sugar itself isn't acidic, its impact on your body can be quite complex. The concern lies in how your body processes sugar. When you consume sugary foods and drinks, the bacteria naturally present in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acid as a byproduct. This acid can temporarily lower the pH level in your mouth, creating an acidic environment.

Here's a list of common fruits and their pH value-

• Grapefruits (pH 3.0 to 3.75)
• Plums (pH 3.0-3.5)
• Peaches (pH 3.3-3.5)
• Blue plums (pH: 2.80–3.40)
• Grapes (pH: 2.90–3.82)
• Pomegranates (pH: 2.93–3.20)
• Grapefruits (pH: 3.00–3.75)
• Blueberries (pH: 3.12–3.33)
• Pineapples (pH: 3.20–4.00)
• Apples (pH: 3.30–4.00)
• Peaches (pH: 3.30–4.05)
• Oranges (pH: 3.69–4.34)
• Apricots (pH 3.3-3.4)

Low-acid foods with a pH above 4.6 generally don't trigger conditions such as heartburn or indigestion in most people. So, incorporating these foods is a wonderful way to ensure that you are getting the nutrients without upsetting your stomach. 

Some examples of low-acidic food are as follows-

• unprocessed meats like chicken, turkey, and beef
• soy, such as miso, soybeans, tofu, and tempeh
• unsweetened yogurt and nondairy milk
• non-starchy vegetables like spinach, artichoke, and asparagus, including potatoes
• fruits like all melons, bananas
• beans and lentils
• some whole grains, such as millet, quinoa, and amaranth
• herbal teas
• good fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds

Metabolic acidosis is a condition in which your body's acid-base balance is thrown off. Usually, they do not cause any signs and symptoms, but if they do, they include-

• Weakness
• Fatigue easily
• Headache
• Mental confusion
• Trouble breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting

Can it cause a long-term effect, I hear you ask? Yes, if the condition is not treated in time, it might lead to problems, such as-

• Bone loss to osteoporosis (thin bones)
• Muscle loss
• Spike in blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Worsening of existing chronic kidney disease