Is Pho High in Acid? Decoding the Acidity of Vietnam's Famous Noodle Soup

December 31, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 60 million Americans experience acid reflux at least once a month, making diet a primary concern for many. A common question that arises is: Is pho high in acid? The answer depends largely on the specific ingredients and how the dish is prepared, but generally, the broth-based soup is considered a gentle option.

Quick Summary

An analysis of pho's traditional ingredients and preparation methods reveals its nuanced acidity. While the slow-simmered broth is generally gentle on the stomach, acidic add-ons like lime and sriracha can significantly alter the dish's overall pH. Understanding the role of each component allows for mindful customization to suit dietary needs.

Key Points

Not Inherently High in Acid: The broth of pho, made from slow-simmered bones and aromatic spices, is generally considered a low-acid, gut-friendly base.
Customization is Key: The overall acidity of pho is easily increased by acidic condiments like lime juice and sriracha.
Choose a Milder Broth: For acid reflux, opt for a chicken or vegetable-based broth over beef, which can be higher in fat.
Omitting Add-ons Prevents Heartburn: Avoid spicy sauces (sriracha, chili) and acidic additions (lime) to significantly reduce the risk of triggering symptoms.
Digestive Benefits: The long-simmered bone broth contains collagen and gelatin, which may have soothing, anti-inflammatory effects on the gut lining.
Mindful Consumption: Eating smaller portions and customizing toppings allows individuals with acid sensitivity to enjoy pho without discomfort.

Understanding the pH Scale and Food Acidity

Before diving into pho's specific components, it's helpful to understand the basic concept of pH. The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 being neutral. Foods below a pH of 7 are acidic, while those above are alkaline. For individuals managing acid reflux (GERD), consuming lower-acid, more alkaline foods is often recommended to minimize irritation of the esophagus.

The Components of Pho: A Breakdown of Acidity

The overall acidity of a bowl of pho is not determined by a single ingredient but rather the combination of all its parts. This is why a simple question like "is pho high in acid?" has a more complex answer. Below is a detailed look at the typical components and their roles in the soup's pH level.

The Broth: The Neutral Base

The foundation of any great pho is its broth, typically made from simmering beef or chicken bones for hours. This slow-cooking process extracts collagen, gelatin, and minerals, resulting in a savory, umami-rich liquid that is generally considered gentle on the stomach. The broth itself, flavored with aromatic spices like star anise, ginger, and cinnamon, is not inherently high in acid. In fact, some sources suggest that bone broth, rich in beneficial amino acids, may even have anti-inflammatory and gut-healing properties.

The Noodles and Protein: Mostly Neutral

The rice noodles, or bánh phở, are another neutral component of the dish. Made from rice flour and water, they are gluten-free and easily digestible, which is beneficial for those with sensitive stomachs. The protein, whether thinly sliced beef (phở bò), chicken (phở gà), or tofu, does not significantly contribute to the acidity of the final dish either. Lean cuts of meat and tofu are generally considered low-acid food choices.

The Toppings and Condiments: Where Acidity Hides

Here is where the potential for increased acidity enters the picture. Many of the traditional garnishes and condiments served with pho are acidic and can trigger symptoms for those with acid reflux:

Lime Wedges: The squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright, tangy flavor but is highly acidic.
Sriracha and Chili Sauce: These spicy condiments are notoriously acidic and can irritate the esophagus.
Hoisin Sauce: While not as acidic as sriracha, it can still contribute to a lower pH, especially in large quantities.
Vinegar: Some recipes for broth seasoning include vinegar, which adds to the acidity.
Onions and Jalapeños: For some individuals, these can be triggers for heartburn.

Customizing Pho for a Low-Acid Diet

To make a delicious and low-acid version of pho, the key is mindful customization. This means focusing on the mild, broth-centric aspects of the soup and limiting or omitting the acidic add-ons. Opting for a chicken or vegetable broth over a beef broth may also help, as leaner protein sources tend to be less fatty and potentially gentler on the digestive system.

Comparison Table: Acidity of Pho Components


Pho Component	Typical Acidity Level	Impact on Acid Reflux	Customizable for Low-Acid Diet?
Broth (Beef/Chicken)	Low (Near Neutral)	Generally Mild	Yes, can choose leaner chicken broth.
Rice Noodles	Low (Neutral)	Low Impact	N/A (Standard Component)
Lean Protein (Beef/Chicken)	Low (Near Neutral)	Low Impact	Yes, opt for leaner cuts or tofu.
Tofu	Low (Neutral)	Low Impact	N/A (Standard Vegetarian Option)
Bean Sprouts	Low (Near Neutral)	Low Impact	Yes, can moderate quantity.
Cilantro/Thai Basil	Low (Near Neutral)	Low Impact	Yes, can use in moderation.
Lime Juice	High (Acidic)	High Impact	Yes, omit completely.
Sriracha/Chili Sauce	High (Acidic/Spicy)	High Impact	Yes, omit completely.
Hoisin Sauce	Moderate (Slightly Acidic)	Moderate Impact	Yes, omit or use sparingly.
Onions/Jalapeños	Varies by individual	Possible Trigger	Yes, can request no toppings.

Making Your Pho More Digestible

For those prone to acid reflux, a few simple modifications can transform a standard bowl of pho into a gut-friendly meal. These changes focus on reducing triggers and enhancing the meal's natural, soothing properties.

1. Request Modifications at Restaurants

When ordering, don't hesitate to ask for your pho without specific garnishes. Phrases like "no lime," "no chili sauce," and "light on the onions" can make a significant difference. Many establishments are happy to accommodate such requests.

2. Choose the Right Broth

While beef pho broth is classic, a chicken or vegetable-based broth is often a safer bet for a low-acid diet. Chicken and vegetable broths are typically lower in fat, and a high-fat content can sometimes relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to reflux.

3. Customize Your Toppings at Home

If you are making pho at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. This allows you to experiment with substitutions. For instance, instead of lime, a small amount of low-acid rice vinegar might add a milder tang. Increase the amount of neutral, fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro for flavor instead of relying on spicy sauces. You can also add other gentle vegetables like spinach or bok choy for extra nutrients.

4. Manage Portion Size

Eating smaller meals can help prevent acid reflux. Even with low-acid ingredients, a large, heavy meal can put pressure on the stomach and push stomach acid upward. Enjoy your pho in a modest portion to stay comfortable.

Conclusion: Navigating Pho for Digestive Comfort

So, is pho high in acid? Not inherently. The slow-simmered, bone-based broth at the heart of the dish is generally a low-acid, gentle base. However, the dish's overall acidity is easily elevated by the addition of common garnishes like lime, sriracha, and hoisin sauce. By understanding the different components and making simple adjustments, those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs can still enjoy a delicious and comforting bowl of pho. Opt for a milder broth, choose leaner protein, and be selective with your toppings to transform this classic Vietnamese soup into a soothing and satisfying meal that won't leave you with heartburn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but with modifications. Choose a leaner broth (like chicken), avoid acidic add-ons such as lime juice and sriracha, and manage your portion size.

The most acidic ingredients in pho are typically the added condiments and garnishes, including lime juice, sriracha, and other chili-based sauces.

No, traditional pho broth made from slowly simmered bones is generally considered low in acid and can even be soothing to the stomach due to collagen and gelatin content.

Chicken pho is often a better choice for acid reflux sufferers, as chicken broth is typically lower in fat than beef broth, and high-fat foods can sometimes exacerbate symptoms.

The pH level of pho is not a fixed number and varies based on ingredients. The broth is generally near neutral (pH 5-6), but adding acidic ingredients like lime juice significantly lowers the overall pH.

No, rice noodles are generally easy to digest. They are gluten-free and have a relatively low fiber content, making them a gentle carbohydrate source.

To make a low-acid pho, focus on a chicken or vegetable-based broth, use plenty of fresh, neutral herbs like basil and cilantro for flavor, and omit lime, chili, and hoisin sauces entirely.

The common spices in pho broth, like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, are generally not known to cause heartburn and may even offer anti-inflammatory benefits. However, spicy chili can be a significant trigger.