Acid/Alkaline Food Fact Sheet
There is sometimes confusion regarding the classification of “acid” foods as “alkalineforming.” This classification does not relate to the acid taste of the food but to its endproduct in the body. The acid foods are those that deposit the highest alkaline ash of all
foods. The acid in these foods leaves the body within an hour or so of being eaten.
The following lists therefore classify alkaline-forming and acid-forming foods. “Acid”
below = “acid-forming” and “Alkaline” below = “alkaline-forming.” For example, if a
food is listed as acidic, it promotes and acidic environment in the gastrointestinal tract. If
a food is listed as alkaline, it promotes an alkaline environment in the gastrointestinal
tract.
Whole grain products, such as 100% whole wheat flour and brown rice are less acidforming than white flour or polished rice. Condiments, pickles, sauces, vinegar, tea,
coffee, and alcohol are all acid-forming.
Beverages:
Most Acidic
Apple juice
Cola soft drinks
Cranberry juice
Ginger ale
Grapefruit juice
Grape juice
Orange drink
Orange juice
Pineapple juice
7-Up
Moderately Acidic
Apricot nectar
Club soda
Coffee (brewed)
Peach nectar
Prune juice
Sanka (instant)
Tomato juice
Slightly Acidic
Cocoa (instant)
Half-and-half
Skim milk
Tea (instant)
Whole milk
Proteins:
Acid
Olives
Pumpkin seeds
Cashews
Macadamia
Pine nuts
Lentils
Cheese
Fowl
Chia seeds
Sesame seeds
Brazil nuts
Pecans
Pistachio nuts
Peanuts
Meat
Flaxseeds
Sunflower seeds
Butternuts
Hickory nuts
Walnuts
Eggs
Fish
Buttermilk
Dairy, in general
Winter squash
Buckwheat
Rice
Wheat
Dried peas
Alkaline
Beets
Carrot
Rutabaga
Potatoes
Millet
Alkaline
Avocados
Coconuts
Almonds
soybeans
Starches:
Acid
Corn
Barley
Oats
Rye
Dried beans
CF2 - Updated 5/03
Burdock
Parsnip
Water chestnut
Pumpkins
Lima beans
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Vegetables:
Acid
Brussels sprouts
Cress
rhubarb
Alkaline
Beet greens
Celery
Collards
Endive
Leeks
Parsley
Swiss chard
Artichokes
Broccoli
Garlic
Mung bean sprouts
Egg plant
Cabbage
Dandelion
Fennel
Lettuce
Sea kelp
Watercress
Asparagus
Cauliflower
Green beans
Mushrooms
Turnips
okra
Chives
Dulse
Kale
Mustard greens
Spinach
Alfalfa sprouts
Summer squash
Green peas
Radish
Cucumber
Peppers
Bamboo shoots
Alkaline
Grapefruit
Kumquat
Pomegranates
Apple
Cherries
Mango
Prickly pear
Guava
Banana
plantain
Lemon
Orange
Strawberries
Pear
Nectarine
Papaya
Fresh figs
Huckleberry
Dates
Add dried fruit
Lime
Tangerine
Tomato
Apricot
Peach
Blackberry
Grapes
Raspberry
persimmon
Fruits:
Acid
Cranberries
Currants
Plum
Blueberry
carob
Melon: eat alone. All are alkaline and include cantaloupe, musk, casaba, honeydew,
watermelon
Other Acids: bread, beans/legumes, breakfast cereal, peas, flour (especially white),
sugar
Fats: Butter, olive, safflower, sunflower, sesame oils are regarded as neutral.
CF2 - Updated 5/03
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