Is Bergamot Alkaline? Debunking the pH Myth

January 8, 2026 •

3 min read

Scientific studies show that bergamot fruit juice has a very low pH, ranging from 2.2 to 2.8, making it undeniably acidic in its raw form. This fact often surprises many who ask, "Is bergamot alkaline?" and mistakenly assume all plant-based items are alkalizing to the body.

Quick Summary

Bergamot juice is inherently acidic due to its low pH, but after metabolism, the body can produce an alkalizing effect. Its impact is determined by how it is consumed.

Key Points

Initial Acidity: Raw bergamot fruit juice is highly acidic, with a pH between 2.2 and 2.8, due to high concentrations of citric and ascorbic acids.
Alkalizing Effect: After metabolism, bergamot produces an alkaline residue from its minerals, which can help neutralize excess acidity in the body, a common trait among citrus fruits.
Usage Influences Impact: The effect of bergamot depends on how it is consumed. Drinking pure, concentrated juice has a different impact than using the diluted flavor in tea or supplements.
Not an Alkaline Food Itself: While often associated with "alkaline diets," bergamot is not an alkaline food itself, but rather an "alkaline-forming" one after digestion.
Important for Acid-Sensitive Individuals: People with acid reflux or dental concerns should be mindful of its raw acidity, as direct consumption can aggravate symptoms and potentially harm dental enamel.
Flavoring vs. Consumption: Bergamot's main culinary use is as a flavoring from its essential oil or zest, rather than consuming the highly acidic fruit pulp directly.

The Scientific Reality: Bergamot is Acidic

Despite its association with health and wellness, bergamot is a citrus fruit and, in its natural state, is highly acidic. The acidity comes from its high concentration of citric acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which gives the juice a notably low pH level. According to a study in the journal Antioxidants, the pH of bergamot juice can range from 2.2 to 2.8, placing it firmly on the acidic end of the scale. To put this in perspective, neutral pH is 7, and anything below that is considered acidic. The unpalatably intense, bitter, and sour taste of the fruit is a direct result of this high acid content.

The Alkalizing Effect After Metabolism

The answer to the question "Is bergamot alkaline?" becomes more complex when considering how the body processes it. While the raw fruit is acidic, its effect on the body's pH balance can be different. This concept is often referred to as the "alkaline ash" or "alkaline-forming" effect. During metabolism, the body breaks down the food we eat, and the remaining mineral residue can be either acid-forming or alkaline-forming. Bergamot is rich in alkaline-forming minerals, such as potassium and calcium. As the body metabolizes these minerals, they produce an alkaline residue that helps neutralize excess acidity in the body, contributing to its overall alkaline reserve. This is the same reason why other famously acidic fruits like lemons and limes are considered to have an alkalizing effect on the body. It is a post-digestive process, not a property of the food in its raw state.

Practical Considerations for Consumption

Understanding the difference between initial pH and metabolic effect is crucial, especially for those with acid-related health issues like acid reflux or for dental health. Directly consuming pure bergamot juice, much like lemon juice, can exacerbate symptoms for those with sensitivity to high acidity. Furthermore, frequent exposure to acidic substances can contribute to dental enamel erosion. This is why dilution is key. Many traditional uses of bergamot, such as in Earl Grey tea or diluted beverages, inherently mitigate the direct acidic impact on the teeth and esophagus. For example, the oil is extracted from the peel and is used for flavor, scent, and aromatherapy, not consumed in its pure form.

Bergamot vs. Other Citrus Fruits: An Acidity Comparison

To highlight bergamot's place among other citrus, the table below provides a comparison of pH levels. This reinforces its position as a highly acidic fruit in its undiluted, raw juice form, despite its alkalizing properties upon metabolism.


Citrus Fruit	Typical pH Range	Raw State	Metabolic Effect
Bergamot	2.2 - 2.8	Highly Acidic	Alkalizing
Lemon	2.0 - 2.6	Highly Acidic	Alkalizing
Orange	3.69 - 4.19	Moderately Acidic	Alkalizing

Key Uses and Health Considerations for Bergamot

While its pH might be a surprise, bergamot is valued for many reasons. Its applications range from culinary to therapeutic.

Flavoring Agent: Most famously used to give Earl Grey tea its distinctive flavor, bergamot essential oil is a potent aromatic addition to food and drink.
Aromatherapy: Inhaling bergamot oil is widely used to help reduce stress and anxiety, and uplift mood.
Culinary Applications: Beyond tea, the zest and juice can be used in marinades, baked goods, and marmalades, where its intense flavor is managed by other ingredients like sugar.
Health Supplements: Bergamot extract is sometimes used to help manage cholesterol levels. Research into its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties continues.

For those interested in exploring the potential therapeutic applications of bergamot, especially regarding its health effects, further research can be found via the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion

In summary, asking "Is bergamot alkaline?" reveals a fascinating nuance in how we perceive food and its effects on the body. In its raw form, bergamot juice is highly acidic, with a very low pH level. However, after digestion and metabolism, the alkaline-forming minerals it contains can contribute to an overall alkalizing effect on the body. Therefore, the simple answer is that bergamot is not alkaline in its raw state, but is considered alkaline-forming. For consumers, especially those with acid sensitivity, this means exercising caution with pure juice while understanding that diluted forms, like tea, or other preparations can be enjoyed for their metabolic benefits and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bergamot juice is highly acidic. Scientific studies show its pH level can range from 2.2 to 2.8 due to its high citric and ascorbic acid content.

Yes, despite its initial acidity, bergamot has an alkalizing effect on the body after digestion. This is because its minerals, like potassium and calcium, leave an alkaline residue after metabolism.

Earl Grey tea is acidic, primarily from the black tea base. While the bergamot flavor is added, the overall beverage still has an acidic pH. The extent of its acidity depends on the brew time and other ingredients.

If you have acid reflux, you should be cautious with pure bergamot juice, as its high acidity could trigger symptoms. However, diluted forms like Earl Grey tea or supplements are less likely to cause issues for most people.

Bergamot's pH (2.2-2.8) is very similar to a lemon's pH (2.0-2.6), and both are considered highly acidic fruits in their raw juice form. Both are also noted for their alkalizing effect after digestion.

Bergamot essential oil is generally not measured on the pH scale in the same way as water-based liquids like juice. It is an oil and its acidity is not a relevant factor in its aromatic or topical use.

The alkaline diet focuses on foods that create an alkaline residue after metabolism. While raw bergamot is acidic, its post-digestive alkaline effect means it is often included in alkaline diet food lists, alongside other citrus fruits.