Can You Guess the pH Levels of These Foods?

By: Jaclyn lavine
Estimated Completion Time
2 min
Can You Guess the pH Levels of These Foods?
Image: Nat and Cody Gantz/Image Source/Getty Images

About This Quiz

The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline/basic a substance is. The scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 1 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline. Our bodies have a pH level of around 7.4, and the food we eat can change our pH level in either direction. 

Some doctors and nutritionists believe that maintaining our body's pH level is essential to our health. An alkaline diet is often recommended to maintain this balance. Foods that are considered highly alkaline are fruits, nuts, legumes and vegetables. Foods considered highly acidic are high protein foods such as meat, chicken, fish, dairy, eggs, grain and alcohol. There are also neutral foods such as natural fats. In an alkaline diet, food is eaten based on its acidity and/or alkalinity, in order to maintain the body's natural pH level. 

The acidity or alkalinity of some foods is easy to guess, whereas the pH level of other types of food may surprise you. In this quiz, you will find 40 different types of food. The pH level of some of these edibles may surprise you! Do you think you can guess the pH level of these foods successfully? Prove it by taking this quiz! 

Apple
Shutterstock
What is the pH level of an apple?
3.3
2
5
7
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An apple away keeps the doctor away! The pH level of a sweet yet tart apple is 3.3. This fruit is considered acidic, so watch your intake if you have acid reflux!

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Lemon
Shutterstock
What is the pH level of a lemon?
5
2
12
1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Based on their taste alone, one could guess that lemons have a pretty low pH level, and they would be correct! Lemons have a pH level of about a 2 and are quite acidic. Lemon water can corrode your teeth over time, so it's no wonder that this little fruit has low pH level.

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Horseradish Root
Debbi Smirnoff/E+/Getty Images
What is the pH level of horseradish?
1
14
5.5
3
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This bitter herb is relatively acidic, with a pH level of about 5.5. If you ever had a bite of horseradish it shouldn't come as a surprise to you that this herb is considered acidic.

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Bagel
Katrin Ray Shumakov/Moment/Getty Images
What is the pH level of a bagel?
4
3
8
6
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Grains are highly acidic and therefore, it is no surprise that a bagel has a relatively low pH level. As you already know, bagels aren't the healthiest breakfast option but another reason for avoiding them is their pH level. Don't be surprised if you have some heartburn after that bagel with cream cheese!

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Milk
Shutterstock
How acidic is that glass of milk?
3.0
6.5
8.2
2.1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cow milk has a pH level of around 6.5 and is therefore relatively acidic. However, milk can also be used as a buffer solution to lower the pH level of other stronger acids. The next time your mouth is on fire after eating a hot pepper, try drinking a tall glass of milk!

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Coffee
Shutterstock
What is the pH level of your cup of black coffee?
1.5
5
10
3.5
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Coffee is considered very acidic. With a pH level of about a 5, coffee is very acidic and can lead to a whole host of issues such as heartburn and acid reflux. Luckily, there are some new low-acid coffees on the market!

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Spinach
Shutterstock
What is the pH level of that bowl of spinach?
3.5
14
7.2
2
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Spinach is highly alkaline, which is part of the reason why it's so good for you! With a pH level of 14, you can't get anymore alkaline than that. Make sure you eat your spinach every day!

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Vanilla Ice Cream
Shutterstock / stockcreations
Does a bowl of vanilla ice cream have a low or high pH level?
12
6
8
5
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

That pint of vanilla ice cream you're chowing down on while watching Netflix is highly acidic! With a pH level of 6, don't be surprised if you have some serious heartburn after finishing that pint.

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Garlic
Shutterstock
This one may surprise you! What is the pH level of garlic?
3.3
11
7.5
2
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Garlic has many health benefits but it is also highly acidic and can damage your stomach as well. Eating a ton of garlic can erode the lining of your intestines, so make sure you are not eating an entire head of garlic a day.

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Scrambled eggs
shutterstock
What is the pH level of an egg?
8
2
12
14
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eggs are alkaline! The pH level of an egg can vary depending on the time you finally eat it it. Despite its neutral pH level, Eggs are considered acidic, as almost all animal protein is.

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Dark Chocolate
Shutterstock
How acidic is your favorite dessert? What is the pH level of dark chocolate?
6.3
2.5
12
4
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With a pH level of roughly 6.3, dark chocolate is considered acidic. However, not all types of chocolate are created equal. If you have issues with acid, try milk chocolate instead which is considerable less acidic than dark chocolate.

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Peanut Butter
Shutterstock
This one may surprise you! What is the pH level of peanut butter?
7
6.3
14
12
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With a pH level of 6.3, peanuts are considered acid forming. If you love peanuts, you don't have to give them up, just be sure to limit the amount you eat on a regular basis.

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Can you Can and Pickle
Shutterstock
Pickles are salty and briny! What is the pH level of dill pickles?
10
7
3.2
5
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Briny, salty, and oh so good, pickles are very acidic. With a pH level of 3.2, you can expect some heartburn or acid reflux after eating a jar!

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Water
Shutterstock
Water is the most important resource we have. What is its pH level?
7
3
12
14
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The pH level of pure water is 7. The range for water, however, is 6 to 8.5. Drinking water is the most important thing we can do for our health, so keep on chugging!

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Apple cider
pjohnson1/E+/Getty Images
What is the pH level of apple cider?
3
7
9
2
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With a pH level of about 3, cider is considered acidic. Part of what makes cider taste so good is the mix of sweet and sour, so it is no wonder that it is acidic.

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Potato
shutterstock
This one is a bit of a surprise! What is the pH level of a potato?
6
2
12
14
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

What? Potatoes are acidic!? With a pH level of around a 6, potatoes are considered an acidic food. If you over consume these spuds, their acid will change the pH level of your body, which isn't a good thing!

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Orange Food
n/a
What is the pH level of an orange?
3.5
5
9
2
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Based on the taste, it shouldn't come as a surprise that are oranges are an acidic food. With a pH level of around a 3.5, oranges are the perfect combination of sweet and sour.

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Shrimp
shutterstock
Can you guess the pH level of shrimp?
1
4
7
2
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shrimp are neutral, much like their taste! With a pH level of around a 7, shrimp are considered alkaline. Shrimp are also an excellent source of protein, so if you are following an alkaline diet, eat away!

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Ketchup
Shutterstock
What pH level makes ketchup acidic?
13
1
3.9
13
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With a pH level of 3.9, ketchup is considered an acidic condiment. This shouldn't come as a surprise considering tomatoes are acidic and you can definitely taste it!

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Peas
n/a
This one may surprise you! What is the pH level of peas?
9
6
12
3
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Peas have a pH level of around a 6! Peas may seem neutral and sweet, but they are actually relatively acidic. However, most legumes and other high-protein foods are acid forming,

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Plum fruit
n/a
Tart and delicious, what is the pH level of a plum?
7
3
11
6
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Plums are a delicious summer fruit and a good source of vitamin C. However, with a pH level of around a 3, they are also acidic, which is why they're part of the acidic fruit family!

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Crab
shutterstock
What is the pH level of crab meat?
3
7
2
1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although most high-protein foods are acidic, crab meat is actually relatively neutral with a pH level around a 7. Crab meat is rich in Omega-3's and super delicious. So squeeze some acidic lemon juice on that crab cake and enjoy!

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Blueberry
Shutterstock
What is the pH level of blueberries?
3.2
9
10
3
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Most berries are considered non-acidic but there are a few exceptions. With a pH level of around a 3.2, blueberries are considered acidic and are unlike other berries.

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Avocados
Shutterstock
This one is shocking! What is the pH level of an avocado?
14
9
6.3
3
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Avocados are buttery and smooth, which is why their pH level is so surprising. With a pH level of around 6.3, avocados are actually acidic!

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Grapefruit
Shutterstock / Africa Studio
How acidic are grapefruit? What is their pH level?
10
3
7
2
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For some people, grapefruit is just too bitter which why so many people like to sprinkle sugar on top before eating it. With a pH level of 3, grapefruit is very acidic and if you have acid reflux, it should be eaten with caution.

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Cheese
Shutterstock
What is the pH level of cheese?
5.5
12
10
3
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

We already know that milk is relatively acidic, so it should come as no shock that cheese is as well. It has a pH level of roughly 5.5, so if you have terrible acid reflux, it may be best to avoid cheese and dairy altogether.

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Honeycomb and wand
Carlo A/Moment/Getty Images
Honey may be smooth, but what is its pH level?
4.3
1
9
12
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This one may surprise you! With a pH level of around 4.3, honey is considered acidic.

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Green Apples
MirageC/Moment/Getty Images
What is the pH level of a green apple?
3.5
7
12
2
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With a pH level of roughly 3.5, green apples are highly acidic. The acid of a green apple is what makes them so delicious and tart! If the tartness is too much for you when eaten raw, try baking an apple pie with them instead.

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Cranberry juice
shutterstock
What is the pH level of cranberry juice?
2.5
14
5
10
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cranberries are a Thanksgiving staple that is very, very, acidic. With a pH level of around 2.5, you have to add sugar to cranberries for them to be palatable.

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Yogurt
Shutterstock
It's tangy and delicious, but what is the pH level of Greek yogurt?
14
7.2
4.3
5
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Greek yogurt is tangy and acidic! With a pH level of 4.3, you may want to add some non-acidic fruit to your Greek yogurt before digging in.

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Milk
Shutterstock
Is almond milk less acidic than cow's milk? What is its pH level?
7
3
1
8
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With a pH level of around a 7, almond milk is considered a healthy alkaline milk replacement for cow milk.

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Artichokes
Shutterstock
What pH level makes an artichoke alkaline?
7.5
3
6
2
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Artichokes have a pH level of around 7.5. Their alkalinity is part of the reason why they are so healthy for you. Eat them plain or throw them on top of your salads!

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Asparagus
n/a
What is the pH level of your steamed asparagus?
5
2
7
3
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Asparagus is super good for you and has an alkaline effect on your body! With a pH level of around 7, asparagus is an excellent choice not just for lowering your body's pH level but for maintaining a healthy diet as well!

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Buckwheat grain
R. Tsubin/Moment/Getty Images
Buckwheat is an excellent gluten-free grain, but what is its pH level?
12
6.5
2
1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although a pH of 6.5 is not quite neutral, buckwheat is still considered relatively alkaline. Buckwheat is full of protein and gluten-free, so it's an excellent choice for a healthy a diet!

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Carrots
n/a
What is the pH level of carrots?
1
6.4
3
8
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While the pH level of carrots is not quite a 7, they are still considered an alkaline food. With a pH level of 6.4, carrots are crisp, refreshing and non-acidic.

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Coconut
Shutterstock
What is the alkalinity of coconuts? What is their pH level?
2
7.8
4
10
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With a pH level of 7.8, coconuts have a high alkalinity. Coconuts are every where these days, in smoothies, ice creams, water and oils. Coconuts are good for you and delicious!

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Cucumber
shutterstock
Mainly water, what is the pH level of a cucumber?
7
3
2
1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With a pH level of around 7, cucumbers are as neutral as they come. Cucumbers are mainly water and very hydrating, so munch away!

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Cherry
Shutterstock
What is the pH level of cherries?
3.2
10
12
5
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cherries are tart, yet sweet and definitely acidic. With a pH level of 3.2, these summer fruits fall into the acid category. Full of antioxidants, don't skip these delicious fruits just because they're acidic!

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Beer
Shutterstock
Alcohol can be corrosive, but what is the pH level of beer?
4
12
7
12
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Alcohol is highly acidic! With a pH level of around a 4, beer is on the lower end of the pH level scale, meaning it's pretty acidic. There are many reasons why alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation, including its acidity level!

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Green Beans
n/a
What is the pH level of green beans?
4.5
2
6.5
8
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With a pH level of 6.5, greens beans may not be neutral, but they are considered an alkaline food. Other than their alkalinity, green beans offer a whole host of benefits including doses of potassium and vitamin C.

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Nat and Cody Gantz/Image Source/Getty Images