Apple Acidity: A Good Fruit for Acid Reflux?

Eating fruits like apples benefits your health, providing essential vitamins and nutrients. Apples also contain fiber and polyphenols, which may reduce cholesterol levels and improve your digestive health.

However, for some people, certain fruits can be bothersome. Some people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may find that acidic foods aggravate symptoms, especially when consumed in large quantities. Apples, like most fruits, contain natural acids.

You may be wondering where apples fall on the acidity spectrum. This article discusses the pH of apples, which varieties are the most acidic, and more.

pH and Acidity of Apples 

The pH value defines whether something is acidic, neutral, or alkaline (basic). The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 1 being the most acidic and 14 the most alkaline. The body does a great job of maintaining pH levels. Your kidneys and lungs work hard to control your blood pH.

Most foods have a pH below the neutral measurement of 7 but are further categorized as low- or high-acid foods depending on whether their pH is above or below 4.6. Any food below 4.6 is considered to be acidic. Most drinking water is considered neutral, with a pH of 7. Whole, fresh apples have a pH value of about 3.34 to 3.9. Apple cider ranges from about 3.2 to 3.8.

A Word From Verywell

Apples are a non-citrus fruit generally well tolerated by those with acid reflux. They also contain minerals like magnesium and calcium that may help neutralize acid. Tracking acid reflux symptoms from eating apples will help you make informed choices about foods you can tolerate best.

— MELISSA NIEVES, LND, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD

Which Apple Varieties Are Most Acidic?

The pH of apples depends on the type and processing (as in whole vs. juice vs. applesauce). On the pH scale, apples are acidic as their pH is below 4.6, so they might be considered mildly, moderately, or highly acidic.

Here are the pH values of certain types of apples:

• Delicious: 3.9
• Golden delicious: 3.6
• Red delicious: 3.9
• Jonathan: 3.33
• McIntosh: 3.34
• Apple juice: 3.35–4.00
• Applesauce: 3.10–3.60
• Winesap: 3.47 

Apples and Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when your stomach contents flow back into your esophagus. This turns into GERD when symptoms last longer and are more severe; repeated symptoms can cause problems over time.

Some believe eating apples after a meal can neutralize stomach acid. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. For most people with reflux, apples are a safe food. Since apples are acidic, people sensitive to acids may find large amounts bothersome. Symptoms can also increase if the diet contains different acidic foods.

Foods That Help Reflux

Foods rich in fiber (including apples) may reduce symptoms of GERD by supporting gut health and bowel regularity (as constipation can increase reflux symptoms). Other functional foods that may help with reflux include:

• Low-fat yogurt, kefir (foods with probiotics)
• Fruits (like bananas, which are low in acid)
• Vegetables
• Whole grains (oats, which contain beta-glucan)
• Ginger and turmeric
• Black garlic
• Chamomile tea
• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Other Causes of Reflux

Dietary interventions for reflux often include:

• Avoiding high-fat and high-sugar foods
• Eating small frequent meals (to mitigate stomach pressure)
• Avoiding overeating or eating late at night (before lying down)
• Reducing intake of acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus

High-fat meals, alcohol, chocolate, and carbonated beverages can reduce esophageal sphincter pressure and increase acid exposure. Eating more whole foods, such as fiber-filled fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, is also advised.

Other risk factors that may cause reflux include:

• Diabetes
• Adiposity (abdominal obesity)
• Hiatal hernia
• Pregnancy
• Medications
• Alcohol consumption
• Caffeine intake
• Age

Apples and Dental Health 

The relationship between apples and dental health isn't straightforward. Older research suggests that chewing an apple after eating can reduce plaque by about 50% as much as brushing. Yet, newer research suggests this is not the case.

Apples contain polyphenols that may prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth. Eating an apple increases saliva production, which can assist in washing away food debris and bacteria. And the fiber in apples can assist in removing bacteria, too.

Diets high in acidic foods can contribute to tooth decay. However, apples are less acidic than sugary sodas, and the benefits likely outweigh the risks. If you are concerned, talk to your dentist. Brushing after meals or rinsing with water is a good way to clean the teeth.

Apple Acidity vs. Other Fruits 

Oranges have a pH range of 3.1 to 4.1, and lemons have a pH range of 2.2 to 2.4, among the most acidic fruits. Less acidic fruits like bananas and cantaloupe have pH ranges from 4.5 to 6.3.

Least Acidic Fruits to Eat

Eating various fruits increases your intake of different polyphenols, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, if you notice that certain fruits increase your reflux symptoms, you may be interested in finding fruit choices that are considered less acidic. Less acidic fruits include:

• Bananas
• Cantaloupe, melon (honeydew and other varieties)
• Figs 
• Grapes (certain varieties)
• Papaya
• Persimmons
• Watermelon

Summary 

Apples are a nutritious fruit choice associated with many health benefits. Yet, they are acidic. If you have reflux, pay attention to whether eating apples bothers you. Should you notice symptoms after consumption, consider eliminating them and assess if the change makes a difference. If symptoms linger, speak with a healthcare provider.

Regular dental hygiene, including flossing and brushing, is important. In addition, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can increase your intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals and balance acid with more alkaline foods.