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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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October 2003

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Approximate pH of Foods and Food products

The pH and/or acidity of a food are generally used to determine processing requirements and the applicability of GMP regulations for regulatory purposes. Methods and conditions for determining the pH and acidity of foods are also summarized in 21 CFR 114.90. Methodology for pH is generally available from pH meter and electrode manufacturers.

To assist readers in determining the product pH levels, the approximate ranges of pH values are compiled below. Considerable variation exists between varieties, condition of growing and processing methods, etc. Data is presented for the edible portion of foods in their normal and natural state, unless otherwise designated. We solicit your input to this matter. This list will be updated when new information is available. Please contact the LACF Coordinator by phone at 301-436-2411 or email to .

ItemApproximate pH
Abalone6.10 - 6.50
Abalone mushroom5.00 -
Ackees5.50
Aloe vera6.10
Aloe Juice6.00 - 6.80
Anchovies 6.50
Anchovies, stuffed w/capers, in olive oil 5.58
Antipesto5.60 -
Apple, baked with sugar3.20 - 3.55
Apple, eating3.30 - 4.00
Apples 
Delicious
3.90
Golden Delicious
3.60
Jonathan
3.33
McIntosh
3.34
Juice
3.35 - 4.00
Sauce
3.10 - 3.60
Winesap
3.47
Apricots3.30 - 4.80
Canned
3.40 - 3.78
Dried, stewed
3.30 - 3.51
Nectar
3.78
Pureed,
3.42 - 3.83
Strained
3.72 - 3.95
Arrowroot Crackers6.63 - 6.80
Arrowroot Cruel6.37 - 6.87
Artichokes5.50 - 6.00
Artichokes, canned, acidified4.30 - 4.60
Artichokes, French, cooked5.60 - 6.00
Artichokes, Jerusalem, cooked5.93 - 6.00
Asparagus6.00 - 6.70
Buds
6.70
Stalks
6.10
Asparagus, cooked6.03 - 6.16
Asparagus, canned 5.00 - 6.00
Asparagus, frozen, cooked6.35 - 6.48
Asparagus, green, canned5.20 - 5.32
Asparagus, strained4.80 - 5.09
Avocados6.27 - 6.58
Baby corn5.20 -
Baby Food Soup, unstrained5.95 - 6.05
Bamboo Shoots +5.10 - 6.20
Bamboo Shoots, preserved 3.50 - 4.60
Bananas4.50 - 5.20
Bananas, red4.58 - 4.75
Banana, yellow5.00 - 5.29
Barley, cooked5.19 - 5.32
Basil pesto4.90
Bass, sea, broiled 6.58 - 6.78
Bass, striped, broiled6.50 - 6.70
Beans5.60 - 6.50
Black
5.78 - 6.02
Boston style
5.05 - 5.42
Kidney
5.40 - 6.00
Lima
6.50
Soy
6.00 - 6.60
String
5.60
Wax
5.30 - 5.70
Beans, pork & tomato sauce, canned5.10 - 5.80
Beans, refried5.90
Beans, vegetarian, tomato sauce, canned5.32
Beets5.30 - 6.60
Beets, cooked5.23 - 6.50
Beets, canned, acidified 4.30 - 4.60
Beets, canned4.90 - 5.80
Beets, chopped5.32 - 5.56
Beets, strained5.32 - 5.56
Bird's nest soup7.20 - 7.60
Blackberries, Washington3.85 - 4.50
Blueberries, Maine3.12 - 3.33
Blueberries, frozen3.11 - 3.22
Bluefish, Boston, filet, broiled6.09 - 6.50
Bran 
Flakes
5.45 - 5.67
All Bran
5.59 - 6.19
Bread, white5.00 - 6.20
Bread, Boston, brown6.53
Bread, Cracked wheat5.43 - 5.50
Bread, pumpernickel5.40 -
Bread, Rye5.20 - 5.90
Bread, whole wheat5.47 - 5.85
Breadfruit, cooked5.33
Broccoli, cooked6.30 - 6.52
Broccoli, frozen, cooked6.30 - 6.85
Broccoli, canned5.20 - 6.00
Brussels sprout6.00 - 6.30
Buttermilk4.41 - 4.83
Cabbage5.20 - 6.80
Green
5.50 - 6.75
Red
5.60 - 6.00
Savoy
6.30
White
6.20
Cactus4.70
Calamary (Squid)5.80
Cantaloupe6.13 - 6.58
Capers6.00
Carp6.00
Carrots5.88 - 6.40
Carrots, canned5.18 - 5.22
Carrots, chopped5.30 - 5.56
Carrots, cooked5.58 - 6.03
Carrots, pureed4.55 - 5.80
Carrots, strained5.10 - 5.10
Cauliflower5.60
Cauliflower, cooked6.45 - 6.80
Caviar, American5.70 - 6.00
Celery5.70 - 6.00
Celery, cooked5.37 - 5.92
Celery Knob, cooked 5.71 - 5.85
Cereal, strained6.44 - 6.45
Chayote (mirliton), cooked6.00 - 6.30
Cheese, American, mild4.98
Cheese, Camembert7.44
Cheese, Cheddar5.90
Cheese, Cottage4.75 - 5.02
Cheese, Cream, Philadelphia4.10 - 4.79
Cheese Dip5.80
Cheese, Edem5.40
Cheese, Old English6.15
Cheese, Roquefort5.10 - 5.98
Cheese, Parmesan5.20 - 5.30
Cheese, Snippy5.18 - 5.2l
Cheese, Stilton5.70
Cheese, Swiss Gruyere5.68 - 6.62
Cherries, California4.01 - 4.54
Cherries, frozen3.32 - 3.37
Cherries, black, canned3.82 - 3.93
Cherries, Maraschino3.47 - 3.52
Cherries, red, Water pack3.25 - 3.82
Cherries, Royal Ann3.80 - 3.83
Chicory5.90 - 6.05
Chili Sauce, acidified2.77 - 3.70
Chives5.20 - 6.31
Clams6.00 - 7.10
Clam Chowder, New England6.40
Coconut, fresh5.50 - 7.80
Coconut milk6.10 - 7.00
Coconut preserves3.80 - 7.00
Codfish, boiled5.30 - 6.10
Cod liver6.20
Conch7.52 - 8.40
Congee6.40
Corn5.90 - 7.30
Corn, canned5.90 - 6.50
Corn Flakes4.90 - 5.38
Corn, frozen, cooked7.33 - 7.68
Corn, Golden Bantam, cooked on cob6.22 - 7.04
Crab meat6.50 - 7.00
Crabapple Jelly, corn2.93 - 3.02
Cranberry Juice, canned2.30 - 2.52
Crabmeat, cooked6.62 - 6.98
Cream, 20 per cent6.50 - 6.68
Cream, 40 per cent6.44 - 6.80
Cream of Asparagus6.10
Cream of Coconut, canned5.51 - 5.87
Cream of Potato soup6.00
Cream of Wheat, cooked6.06 - 6.16
Chrysanthemum drink6.50
Cucumbers5.12 - 5.78
Cucumbers, Dill pickles3.20 - 3.70
Cucumbers, pickled4.20 - 4.60
Curry sauce6.00
Curry Paste,acidified4.60 - 4.80
Cuttlefish6.30
Dates, canned6.20 - 6.40
Dates, Dromedary4.14 - 4.88
Dungeness Crab Meat 
Eggplant5.50 - 6.50
Eggs, new-laid, whole6.58
White
7.96
Yolk
6.10
Eell6.20
Escarolle5.70 - 6.00
Enchalada sauce4.40 - 4.70
Fennel (Anise)5.48 - 5.88
Fennel, cooked5.80 - 6.02
Figs, Calamyrna5.05 - 5.98
Figs, canned4.92 - 5.00
Flounder, boiled6.10 - 6.90
Flounder, fi1et, broiled6.39 - 6.89
Four bean salad5.60
Fruit cocktail3.60 - 4.00
Garlic5.80
Gelatin Dessert2.60
Gelatin, plain jell6.08
Gherkin 
Ginger5.60 - 5.90
Ginseng , Korean drink6.00 - 6.50
Gooseberries2.80 - 3.10
Graham Crackers7.10 - 7.92
Grapes, canned3.50 - 4.50
Grapes, Concord2.80 - 3.00
Grapes, Lady Finger3.51 - 3.58
Grapes, Malaga3.71 - 3.78
Grapes, Niagara2.80 - 3.27
Grapes, Ribier3.70 - 3.80
Grapes, Seedless2.90 - 3.82
Grapes, Tokyo3.50 - 3.84
Grapefruit3.00 - 3.75
Grapefruit, canned3.08 - 3.32
Grapefruit Juice, canned2.90 - 3.25
Grass jelly5.80 - 7.20
Greens, Mixed, chopped5.05 - 5.22
Greens, Mixed, strained5.22 - 5.30
Grenadine Syrup2.31
Guava nectar5.50
Guava, canned3.37 - 4. 10
Guava Jelly3.73
Haddock, Filet, broiled6.17 - 6.82
Hearts of Palm5.70
Herring6.10
Hominy, cooked6.00 - 7.50
Honey3.70 - 4.20
Honey Aloe4.70
Horseradish, freshly ground5.35
Huckleberries, cooked with sugar3.38 - 3.43
Jackfruit4.80 - 6.80
Jam, fruit3.50 - 4.50
Jellies, fruit3.00 - 3.50
Jujube5.20 -
Junket type Dessert: 
Raspberry
6.27
Vanilla
6.49
Kale, cooked6.36 - 6.80
Ketchup3.89 - 3.92
Kippered, Herring, Marshall5.75 - 6.20
Herring, Pickled
4.50 - 5.00
Kelp6.30
Kumquat, Florida3.64 - 4.25
Leeks5.50 - 6.17
Leeks, cooked5.49 - 6.10
Lemon Juice2.00 - 2.60
Lentils, cooked6.30 - 6.83
Lentil Soup5.80
Lettuce5.80 - 6.15
Lettuce, Boston5.89 - 6.05
Lettuce, Iceberg5.70 - 6.13
Lime Juice2.00 - 2.35
Lime2.00 - 2.80
Lobster bisque6.90 -
Lobster soup5.70
Lobster, cooked7.10 - 7.43
Loganberries2.70 - 3.50
Loquat (May be acidified to pH 3.8)5.10
Lotus Root6.90 -
Lychee4.70 - 5.01
Macaroni, cooked5.10 - 6.41
Mackerel, King, boiled6.26 - 6.50
Mackerel, Spanish, broiled6.07 - 6.36
Mackerel, canned 5.90 - 6.40
Mangoes, ripe3.40 - 4.80
Mangoes, green5.80 - 6.00
Mangostine ?4.50 -5.00
Maple syrup5.15
Maple syrup, light (Acidified)4.60
Matzos5.70
Mayhaw (a variety of strawberry)3.27 - 3.86
Melba Toast5.08 - 5.30
Melon, Casaba5.78 - 6.00
Melons, Honey dew6.00 - 6.67
Melons, Persian5.90 - 6.38
Milk, cow6.40 - 6.80
Milk, Acidophilus4.09 - 4.25
Milk, condensed6.33
Milk, evaporated5.90 - 6.30
Milk, Goat's6.48
Milk, peptonized7.10
Milk, Sour, fine curd4.70 - 5.65
Milkfish5.30
Mint Jelly3.01
Molasses 4.90 - 5.40
Muscadine (A variety of grape)3.20 - 3.40
Mushrooms6.00 - 6.70
Mushrooms, cooked6.00 - 6.22
Mushroom Soup, Cream of, canned5.95 - 6.40
Mussels6.00 - 6.85
Mustard3.55 - 6.00
Nata De Coco5.00
Nectarines3.92 - 4.18
Noodles, boiled6.08 - 6.50
Oatmeal, cooked6.20 - 6.60
Octopus6.00 - 6.50
Okra, cooked5.50 - 6.60
Olives, black6.00 - 7.00
Olives, green, fermented3.60 - 4.60
Olives, ripe6.00 -7.50
Onions, pickled3.70 - 4.60
Onions, red5.30 - 5.80
Onion white5.37 - 5.85
Onions, yellow5.32 - 5.60
Oranges, Florida3.69 - 4.34
Oranges, Florida "color added"3.60 - 3.90
Orange Juice, California3.30 - 4.19
Orange, Juice Florida3.30 - 4.15
Orange, Marmalade3.00 - 3.33
Oysters5.68 - 6.17
Oyster, smoked6.00
Oyster mushrooms5.00 - 6.00
Palm, heart of6.70
Papaya5.20 - 6.00
Papaya Marmalade3.53 - 4.00
Parsley5.70 - 6.00
Parsnip5.30 - 5.70
Parsnips, cooked5.45 - 5.65
Pate5.90
Peaches3.30 - 4.05
Peaches, canned3.70 - 4.20
Peaches, cooked with sugar3.55 - 3.72
Peaches, frozen3.28 - 3.35
Peanut Butter6.28
Peanut Soup7.5
Pears, Bartlett3.50 - 4.60
Pears, canned4.00 - 4.07
Pears, Sickle cooked w/sugar4.04 - 4.21
Pear Nectar4.03
Peas, canned5.70 - 6.00
Peas, Chick, Garbanzo6.48 - 6.80
Peas, cooked 6.22 - 6.88
Peas, dried (split green), cooked6.45 - 6.80
Peas, dried (split yellow), cooked6.43 - 6.62
Peas, frozen, cooked6.40 - 6.70
Peas, pureed4.90 - 5.85
Pea Soup, Cream of, Canned5.70
Peas, strained5.91 - 6.12
Peppers4.65 - 5.45
Peppers, green5.20 - 5.93
Persimmons4.42 - 4.70
Pickles, fresh pack5.10 - 5.40
Pimiento4.40 - 4.90
Pimento, canned, acidified4.40 - 4.60
Pineapple3.20 - 4.00
Pineapple, canned3.35 - 4.10
Pineapple Juice, canned3.30 - 3.60
Plum Nectar3.45
Plums, Blue2.80 - 3.40
Plums, Damson2.90 - 3.10
Plums, Frozen3.22 - 3.42
Plums, Green Gage3.60 - 4.30
Plums, Green Gage, canned3.22 - 3.32
Plums, Red3.60 - 4.30
Plums, spiced3.64
Plums, Yellow3.90 - 4.45
Pollack, filet, broiled6.72 - 6.82
Pomegranate 2.93 - 3.20
Porgy, broiled6.40 - 6.49
Pork & Beans, rts.5.70
Potatoes5.40 - 5.90
Mashed
5.10
Prunes, dried, stewed
3.63 - 3.92
Sweet
5.30 - 5.60
Tubers
5.70
Potato Soup5.90
Prune Juice3.95 - 3.97
Prune, pureed3.60 - 4.30
Prune, strained 3.58 - 3.83
Puffed Rice 6.27 - 6.40
Puffed Wheat5.26 - 5.77
Pumpkin4.90 - 5.50
Quince, fresh, stewed3.12 - 3.40
Quince Jelly3.70
Radishes, red5.85 - 6.05
Radishes, white5.52 - 5.69
Raisins, seedless3.80 - 4.10
Rambutan (Thailand)4.90
Raspberries3.22 - 3.95
Raspberries, frozen3.18 - 3.26
Raspberries, New Jersey3.50 - 3.82
Raspberry Jam2.87 - 3.17
Razor Clams6.20
Razor shell (sea asparagus)6.00
Rattan, Thailand5.20 -
Red Ginseng5.50
Red Pepper Relish3.10 - 3.62
Rhubarb, California, stewed3.20 - 3.34
Rhubarb3.10 - 3.40
Canned
3.40
Rice (all cooked) 
Brown
6.20 - 6.80
Krispies
5.40 - 5.73
White
6.00 - 6.70
Wild
6.00 - 6.50
Rolls, white5.46 - 5.52
Romaine5.78 - 6.06
Salmon, fresh, boiled5.85 - 6.50
Salmon, fresh, broiled5.36 - 6.40
Salmon, Red Alaska, canned6.07 - 6.16
Salsa
Sardines5.70 - 6.60
Sardine, Portuguese, in olive oil5.42 - 5.93
Satay sauce5.00
Sauce, Enchilada5.50 -
Sauce, Fish4.93 - 5.02
Sauce, Shrimp7.01 - 7.27
Sauerkraut3.30 - 3.60
Scallion6.20 -
Scallop6.00
Scotch Broth.5.92
Sea Snail (Top shell)6.00
Shad Roe, sauted5.70 - 5.90
Shallots, cooked5.30 - 5.70
Sherbet, raspberry3.69
Sherry-wine3.37
Shredded Ralston5.32 - 5.60
Shredded Wheat6.05 - 6.49
Shrimp6.50 - 7.00
Shrimp Paste5.00 - 6.77
Smelts, Sauted6.67 - 6.90
Soda Crackers5.65 - 7.32
Soup
Broccoli Cheese Suop, condensed
5.60 -
Chicken Broth, rts.
5.80
Corn Soup, condensed
6.80
Cream of celery Saoup, condensed
6.20 -
Cream of Mushroom, condensed
6.00 - 6.20
Cream style corn, condensed
5.70 - 5.80
Cream of Potato soup, condensed
5.80 -
Cream of shrimp soup, condensed
5.80
Minestronen condensed
5.40
New England Clam Chowder,condensed
6.00-
Oyster Stew, condensed
6.30 -
Tomato Rice Soup, condensed
5.50 -
Soy infant formula6.60 - 7.00
Soy Sauce4.40 - 5.40
Soy bean curd (tofu)7.20
Soybean milk7.00
Spaghetti, cooked5.97 - 6.40
Spinach5.50 - 6.80
Spinach, chopped5.38 - 5.52
Spinach, cooked6.60 - 7.18
Spinach, frozen, cooked6.30 - 6.52
Spinach, pureed5.50 - 6.22
Spinach, strained5.63 - 5.79
Squash, acorn, cooked5.18 - 6.49
Squash, Kubbard, cooked6.00 - 6.20
Squash, white, cooked5.52 - 5.80
Squash, yellow, cooked5.79 - 6.00
Squid6.00 - 6.50
Sturgeon6.20
Strawberries3.00 - 3.90
Strawberries, California3.32 - 3.50
Strawberries, frozen3.21 - 3.32
Strawberry Jam3.00 - 3.40
Straw mushroom4.90
Sweet Potatoes5.30 - 5.60
Swiss Chard, cooked6.17 - 6.78
Tamarind3.00 -
Tangerine3.32 - 4.48
Taro syrup 4.50
Tea7.20
Three-Bean Salad5.40
Tofu (soybean Curd)7.20
Tomatillo (resembling Cherry tomatoes)3.83
Tomatoes 4.30 - 4.90
Tomatoes, canned3.50 - 4.70
Tomatoes, Juice4.10 - 4.60
Tomatoes, Paste3.50 - 4.70
Tomatoes, Puree4.30 - 4.47
Tomatoes, Strained4.32 - 4.58
Tomatoes, Wine ripened4.42 - 4.65
Tomato Soup, Cream of, canned4.62
Trout, Sea, sauted6.20 - 6.33
Truffle 5.30 - 6.50
Tuna Fish, canned5.90 - 6.20
Turnips5.29 - 5.90
Turnip, greens, cooked5.40 - 6.20
Turnip, white, cooked5.76 - 5.85
Turnip, yellow, cooked5.57 - 5.82
Vegetable Juice3.90 - 4.30
Vegetable soup, canned5.16
Vegetable soup, chopped4.98 - 5.02
Vegetable soup, strained4.99 - 5.00
Vermicelli, cooked5.80 - 6.50
Vinegar2.40 - 3.40
Vinegar, cider3.10
Walnuts, English5.42
Wax gourd drink7.20
Water Chestnut6.00 - 6.20
Watercress5.88 - 6.18
Watermelon5.18 - 5.60
Wheat Krispice4.99 - 5.62
Wheatnena5.85 - 6.08
Wheaties5.00 - 5.12
Worcestershire sauce3.63 - 4.00
Yams, cooked5.50 - 6.81
Yeast5.65
Yangsberries, frozen3.00 - 3.70
Zucchini, cooked5.69 - 6.10
Zwiebach4.84 - 4.94

References:

  1. Anon. 1962. pH values of food products. Food Eng. 34(3): 98-99.

  2. Bridges, M. A., and Mattice, M.R. 1939. Over two thousand estimations of the pH of representative foods, American J. Digestive Diseases, 9:440-449.

  3. Warren L. Landry and et al. 1995. Examination of canned foods. FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual, 8th Ed. Chapter 21, Table 11, AOAC International, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

  4. Grahn M.A. 1984. Acidified and low acid foods from Southeast Asia. FDA-LIB

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