The pH value indicates how many hydrogen ions (H+) a substance contains. Foods can also be classified in this way, as acidic or basic. The scale of pH values ranges from 0 to 14, with pH values below 7 being acidic and pH values above 7 being alkaline – that is, basic. If the pH value is equal to 7, it is neutral. We have listed the pH of selected foods for you in the following tables.
PH in the body and in foods
In the medical context, among other things, the pH value in the blood plays a major role: in healthy people, it is between 7.35 and 7.45 and is thus slightly in the alkaline range. Sophisticated mechanisms take effect in the body to keep the acid-base balance in equilibrium and thus prevent the development of various diseases.
According to the concept of alkaline nutrition, however, the intake of too many acid-forming foods can lead to over-acidification of the body. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to take a look at the pH value of foods.
It should be noted, however, that this value changes when foods are metabolized in the body. Therefore, the decisive factor is not the initial pH value of a food, but whether it is base-forming or acid-forming in the body.
The PRAL value takes metabolism into account
The PRAL value scale takes into account human metabolism and describes the potential acid load on the kidney (potential renal acid load). In this regard, the PRAL scale differs from the pH scale: positive values indicate an acidic character, while negative values represent an alkaline effect.
In the following pH value tables, we present the PRAL values of various foods. The numbers in the tables indicate, in mEq/100 g (milliequivalents per 100 grams), whether the food in the body is
- Alkaline (B, negative sign).
- Acidic (S, positive sign) or
- Neutral (N)
effects.
PH value table for beverages
Almost all drinks act slightly to moderately alkaline in the body – at the top is carrot juice. Cola and light beer are excluded: these drinks have a slightly acidic effect.
pH table for beverages: estimated potential renal acid load (PRAL in mEq/100g) of 114 frequently consumed foods and beverages (based on 100 g). Modified from Remer and Manz, Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1995; 95:791-797.
| Drink | pH value (PRAL value) | acidic / basic |
|---|---|---|
| Apple juice, unsweetened | -2,2 | B |
| Beer, pilsner style | -0,2 | B |
| Beer, dark | -0,1 | B |
| Beer, light | 0,9 | S |
| Cola | 0,4 | S |
| Espresso | -2,3 | B |
| Fruit tea | -0,3 | B |
| Vegetable juice (tomato, beetroot, carrot | -3,6 | B |
| Grapefruit juice, unsweetened | -1,0 | B |
| Green tea | -0,3 | B |
| Coffee | -1,4 | B |
| cocoa, made from skimmed milk (3.5%) | -0,4 | B |
| Herbal tea | -0,2 | B |
| Mineral water | -1,8 | B |
| Carrot juice | -4,8 | B |
| Orange juice, unsweetened | -2,9 | B |
| Beetroot juice | -3,9 | B |
| Red wine | -2,4 | B |
| Table water | -0,1 | B |
| Tea, Indian | -0,3 | B |
| Tomato juice | -2,8 | B |
| Grape juice | -1,0 | B |
| White wine, dry | -1,2 | B |
| Lemon juice | -2,5 | B |
