What Drink Does Not Contain Acid? Your Guide to Truly Neutral Beverages

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, pure water has a perfectly neutral pH of 7.0. While most beverages have some level of acidity or alkalinity, understanding what drink does not contain acid can be crucial for managing health conditions like acid reflux and protecting dental enamel.

Quick Summary

Pure water is the only truly neutral beverage, but several others are low in acid, including specific herbal teas like chamomile and ginger, as well as unflavored almond milk and unsweetened soy milk. These options offer safer choices for those sensitive to acidic drinks.

Key Points

Pure Water is Neutral: Distilled water has a neutral pH of 7.0 and is the only truly acid-free drink.
Many Herbal Teas are Low Acid: Chamomile, ginger, and peppermint teas are typically gentle and have a low-acid pH, especially when brewed without citrus.
Some Milks are Safe Alternatives: Cow's milk is mildly acidic, but unsweetened almond and soy milks are neutral to slightly alkaline, making them good choices.
Avoid High-Acid Drinks: Sodas, fruit juices (especially citrus), and most caffeinated teas and coffees are highly acidic and should be limited for sensitive individuals.
Alkaline Water has a Higher pH: Bottled alkaline water is processed to have a higher pH than standard tap water and may offer benefits for some individuals.
Read Labels for Acidity: Be mindful of additives like citric acid in packaged beverages, which can significantly increase their acidity.
Benefits of Low-Acid Drinks: Choosing neutral or low-acid beverages can help manage acid reflux symptoms and protect tooth enamel.

The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral, with anything below 7.0 being acidic and anything above 7.0 being alkaline. The scale is logarithmic, meaning a small change in number represents a large change in acidity. For example, a drink with a pH of 4 is ten times more acidic than one with a pH of 5. Most of the foods and drinks we consume fall somewhere on this spectrum, with many common beverages being surprisingly acidic.

Why Acidity in Drinks Matters

The acidity of beverages can have a significant impact on health. For individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or frequent heartburn, consuming high-acid drinks can trigger or worsen symptoms. Furthermore, highly acidic drinks are known to erode tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and decay over time. Choosing drinks that are neutral or low in acid is a simple dietary change that can provide substantial relief and long-term health benefits.

Truly Neutral Beverages: The Answer to What Drink Does Not Contain Acid?

Pure and Simple: Water

Water is the definitive answer to the question. Pure distilled water has a neutral pH of 7.0, containing a balanced number of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. While tap water can vary depending on its source and treatment, often leaning slightly alkaline, it remains one of the safest and least acidic options available. For those seeking an extra alkaline boost, bottled alkaline water is specifically treated to have a pH of 8 or 9.

Low-Acidity Alternatives for Everyday Drinking

While no drink other than pure water is perfectly neutral, several options come very close and are excellent low-acid choices:

Herbal Teas: The key is to choose teas without added fruit or citrus. Varieties like chamomile, ginger, and peppermint typically have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, making them very gentle on the stomach. Ginger, in particular, is noted for its anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe digestive irritation.
Milks: Both cow's milk and many plant-based alternatives are good options. Cow's milk is slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.4 and 6.8, but is much less acidic than coffee or fruit juices. Unsweetened soy milk and almond milk are typically neutral or slightly alkaline, with soy milk often having a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0.
Coconut Water: Plain, unflavored coconut water is naturally hydrating and contains electrolytes that can help balance pH levels.
Some Vegetable Juices: Juices made from low-acid vegetables like carrots, beets, and cucumbers are naturally alkaline and can be beneficial for those with sensitive stomachs.

Comparison Table: Common Drinks and Their pH Levels


Beverage	Typical pH Range	Acidity Level
Pure Water	7.0	Neutral
Alkaline Water	8.0 - 9.0	Alkaline
Chamomile Tea	6.8 - 7.5	Near Neutral to Alkaline
Cow's Milk	6.4 - 6.8	Slightly Acidic
Almond Milk (Unsweetened)	~7.0 - 8.0	Neutral to Alkaline
Unsweetened Soy Milk	6.5 - 7.0	Slightly Acidic to Neutral
Coffee	4.85 - 5.70	Moderately Acidic
Orange Juice	3.30 - 4.15	Highly Acidic
Cola Soda	2.50 - 2.52	Very Highly Acidic
Sports Drinks	2.75 - 3.27	Highly Acidic

Drinks to Avoid: High Acidity Culprits

For those needing to reduce acid intake, it's best to minimize or avoid these common high-acid beverages:

Soda and Carbonated Drinks: The carbonation itself and added acids like phosphoric and citric acid make these drinks extremely acidic, with pH levels often well below 4.0.
Fruit Juices: Most fruit juices, especially citrus varieties like orange and grapefruit, are naturally high in acid due to citric and ascorbic acids. Even apple and grape juices are moderately acidic.
Coffee: Black coffee is notably acidic, and while milk can help buffer this effect, it may not be enough for sensitive individuals.
Most Teas with Caffeine or Added Fruit: While many herbal teas are low-acid, black and green teas contain caffeine and some organic acids that can cause irritation, and fruit-flavored teas are often very acidic.

Conclusion

Choosing low-acid or neutral beverages is a proactive step for better digestive health and dental hygiene. While pure water stands alone as a truly acid-free drink, options like certain herbal teas, low-fat milks, and unsweetened plant-based milks offer palatable and safe alternatives. By consciously selecting your drinks and consulting your doctor for persistent issues, you can effectively manage acid sensitivity and enjoy a variety of delicious, stomach-friendly options. For more information on managing acid reflux, the Mayo Clinic provides a helpful overview of the condition and potential treatments: Alkaline water: Better than plain water? - Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The pH level of pure, distilled water is 7.0, which is considered perfectly neutral. The pH of tap water can vary depending on the local source, but is generally safe for consumption.

For those with acid reflux, soothing herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, and peppermint are excellent options due to their low acidity and calming properties. Avoid teas that contain citrus or hibiscus, as these are more acidic.

Cow's milk is slightly acidic, with a typical pH range of 6.4 to 6.8. While not perfectly neutral, it is a much less acidic option compared to many other beverages like soda or coffee.

No, carbonated drinks are very acidic. The carbonation process itself and added ingredients like phosphoric and citric acids give them a very low pH, often below 4.0.

While most fruit juices are acidic, some are less so than others. Low-acid vegetable juices like carrot, beet, and cucumber are better choices. Diluting any fruit juice with water can also reduce its acidity.

Proponents of alkaline water suggest its higher pH can help neutralize acid in the body, and some studies indicate it might help relieve acid reflux symptoms. However, scientific evidence is still limited, and more research is needed.

Yes, unsweetened and unflavored soy milk is generally considered a low-acid drink. It typically has a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.0, making it a neutral to slightly acidic option.

Plain, unflavored coconut water contains minimal acid and is often considered a good, low-acid hydrating option. It's rich in electrolytes, which help balance pH levels in the body.