Are Irish Potatoes Acidic? A Guide to Potato pH and Your Health

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Potatoes have a mildly acidic pH, typically ranging from 5.4 to 5.9, but their overall effect on the body is surprisingly alkalizing. This distinction is crucial for understanding whether Irish potatoes are acidic and how they interact with your body's chemistry.

Quick Summary

Explores the dual nature of potato acidity, explaining that while the tuber has a slightly acidic pH, its metabolic effect on the body is alkalizing, which is beneficial for managing acid reflux and digestive health.

Key Points

Mildly Acidic pH: The raw potato has a pH between 5.4 and 5.9, classifying it as mildly acidic.
Alkalizing Metabolic Effect: Despite its pH, the potato's mineral content results in a negative PRAL score, meaning it has an alkalizing effect on the body.
Relief for Acid Reflux: Due to their alkalizing nature and ease of digestion, potatoes can help soothe symptoms of acid reflux.
High in Nutrients: Potatoes are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and other essential nutrients that support overall health.
Cook Before Eating: Raw potatoes contain toxins like solanine and lectins, so it is important to cook them thoroughly for safe consumption.
"Irish Potato" is a Common Variety: The term refers to the standard white potato and not a distinct, more acidic species.

pH vs. PRAL: The Key Distinction

To determine if a food is 'acidic' in a way that impacts your body, you must consider two different measures: pH and Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL). The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of the food itself, with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above is alkaline. The PRAL score, however, measures the acidifying or alkalizing effect a food has on your kidneys and, subsequently, your body's overall chemistry.

For potatoes, the raw tuber itself is mildly acidic, with a pH usually between 5.4 and 5.9. This is similar to the physical acidity of many other vegetables. However, potatoes are rich in minerals, particularly potassium, calcium, and magnesium. When the body metabolizes these minerals, the byproducts have an alkalizing effect, giving the potato a negative PRAL score. This means that while the food's physical pH is slightly acidic, its metabolic effect is alkaline.

The "Irish Potato": Not a Unique Species

The term "Irish potato" often causes confusion. It does not refer to a unique species of potato but is a common name for the standard white potato (Solanum tuberosum). This name originated because of Ireland's heavy reliance on the crop after its introduction to Europe in the 1500s. When people ask, "Are Irish potatoes acidic?" they are generally inquiring about the common potato variety, and the answer about pH versus PRAL remains the same regardless of the common name.

Health Implications for Digestion and Acid Reflux

For individuals with acid reflux or GERD, the alkalizing effect of potatoes is beneficial. The mineral content helps neutralize excess stomach acid, providing a soothing effect on the digestive system. Potatoes are considered a low-acid food that is easy to digest, which can help limit the symptoms of acid reflux. Their high fiber content also aids in promoting a healthy digestive system and preventing constipation.

Raw Potatoes and Safety

While the alkalizing effect is beneficial, it is important to note that raw potatoes are not recommended for consumption. They contain toxic compounds like solanine and lectins, which are reduced by cooking. Raw potatoes can cause gastric distress, bloating, and other digestive issues due to these compounds and their high content of resistant starch. Always cook your potatoes thoroughly to make them safe and easy to digest.

The Nutritional Profile of the Humble Potato

Beyond their effect on acidity, potatoes offer a wealth of nutrients that contribute to overall health. Their benefits include:

High in Potassium: Essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and regulating fluid balance.
Rich in Vitamin C: A medium baked potato contains a significant portion of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which boosts immune function.
Good Source of Fiber: The skin, in particular, is rich in dietary fiber, which supports gut health and aids digestion.
Contains B-Vitamins: Provides vitamins such as B6 and folate, which are important for metabolic function.
Antioxidant Properties: Contains phenolic acids, such as chlorogenic acid, that provide antioxidant benefits.

Potato Acidity vs. Alkalinity


Feature	pH of Raw Potato	PRAL (Potential Renal Acid Load)
Measurement	A direct measure of the tuber's acidity level, on a scale of 0-14.	A measure of a food's metabolic effect on the body's acid-base balance.
Score	Mildly acidic, typically between 5.4 and 5.9.	Negative score, indicating an alkalizing effect on the body.
Effect on the Body	Minimal direct impact on systemic pH; primarily relevant for cooking reactions.	Helps neutralize systemic acid load, which is beneficial for conditions like acid reflux.
Primary Influencer	The natural organic acids present in the tuber.	The rich content of alkaline-forming minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

Cooking Methods for Healthiest Outcomes

The way you prepare potatoes significantly impacts their nutritional value and effect on your body. To maximize the alkalizing effect and other health benefits, consider these methods:

Baking or Roasting: Cooking the potato in its skin (after a thorough wash) retains much of the fiber and minerals. Use minimal oil and season with salt and herbs rather than heavy, acidic sauces.
Boiling: Boiling is an effective way to prepare potatoes. Cooking them in salted water is a simple preparation. You can then mash them with milk or broth instead of butter to keep them light.
Mashing: When mashing, incorporate fresh vegetables like scallions or kale, which are also alkaline-forming, to create dishes like colcannon. Avoid heavy, fat-laden additions that can increase acidity.

Conclusion

So, are Irish potatoes acidic? In a strictly technical sense, yes, the raw tuber is mildly acidic based on its pH. However, this is only part of the story. The more relevant and health-conscious answer is that potatoes have a net alkalizing effect on the body, thanks to their rich mineral content. This makes them a beneficial and soothing food for digestive health, particularly for those managing acid reflux. By focusing on healthy cooking methods and avoiding raw consumption, you can enjoy the versatile and nutritious potato as part of a balanced diet.

For more detailed research on the chemical properties of potatoes and their phenolic acid content, see.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, 'Irish potato' is a common name for the white potato (Solanum tuberosum) and does not signify a separate variety or species with different acidic properties.

Yes, cooking does not remove the minerals that give potatoes their alkalizing properties. In fact, healthy cooking methods like baking or boiling can make them even more beneficial for digestion.

Yes, potatoes are often recommended for those with acid reflux because their alkalizing effect helps neutralize excess stomach acid and their fiber content aids digestion.

The pH measures the food's inherent acidity, while the PRAL score measures its metabolic impact. The minerals in potatoes create alkalizing byproducts in the body, which is why their systemic effect is alkaline.

Eating raw potatoes can cause digestive upset because they contain compounds like solanine and lectins, which are broken down by cooking. It is best to always cook potatoes before eating them.

While the potato's internal pH remains stable, how you prepare it can affect its overall impact. Using acidic ingredients like vinegar can lower the meal's pH, while healthy preparation preserves the potato's alkalizing effect.

Potatoes with a green tinge have higher concentrations of solanine and should be avoided, as high levels can be toxic. Trimming small green spots might be acceptable, but it is safer to discard the potato if the greening is widespread.