What is the most acidic juice? Exploring the pH Levels

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to various sources, freshly squeezed lemon juice is consistently ranked among the most acidic juices, with a pH often ranging between 2.0 and 2.6. This high acidity is primarily due to its high concentration of citric acid, which gives it its characteristic tart and sour flavor.

Quick Summary

Lemon and lime juice are the most acidic, with pH levels as low as 2.0. The high citric acid content is a key factor. Highly acidic juices can impact dental enamel and trigger acid reflux in some individuals, necessitating a balanced approach to consumption. While tart, these juices also offer valuable nutrients.

Key Points

Lemon and lime juice are the most acidic: With pH levels as low as 2.0, freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice are consistently identified as the most acidic commonly consumed juices.
Acidity is measured on the pH scale: A lower pH number indicates greater acidity, with each step representing a tenfold increase in acid concentration.
Cranberry juice is also highly acidic: The pH of pure cranberry juice typically falls between 2.3 and 2.9, making it a very acidic option.
High acidity can cause dental erosion: The acid in these juices can soften and wear away tooth enamel over time, causing irreversible damage.
Acidic juices can trigger acid reflux: For individuals prone to heartburn or GERD, highly acidic juices can worsen symptoms by irritating the esophagus.
Dilution and straws can mitigate risks: To protect teeth and manage reflux, experts recommend diluting acidic juices, using a straw to minimize contact with teeth, and rinsing with water after consumption.
Processing and ripeness affect pH: Factors like fruit variety, ripeness, and commercial processing techniques can cause slight variations in a juice's pH.
Moderation is key: Consuming highly acidic juices in moderation is essential for balancing their nutritional benefits with potential health risks.

Understanding the pH Scale for Juices

The acidity of a liquid, including juice, is measured using the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, with lower values indicating greater acidity and higher values indicating greater alkalinity. The scale is logarithmic, meaning a pH of 2 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 3, and 100 times more acidic than a pH of 4. Many factors can influence a juice's pH, including the ripeness of the fruit, the specific variety, and any processing or additives involved.

The Most Acidic Juices Explained

Several juices are known for their high acidity, but a few stand out as the most prominent. It's important to note that pH can vary slightly depending on the source and processing method.

Lemon and Lime Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice are renowned for their extremely low pH levels. Lemon juice typically has a pH between 2.0 and 2.6, while lime juice is comparably acidic, with a pH between 2.0 and 2.35. The primary acid in these citrus fruits is citric acid, which accounts for their intense sour taste and high acidity. While highly acidic, lemon and lime juice are used in small quantities for flavoring rather than consumed in large volumes.

Cranberry Juice

Following closely behind lemon and lime, cranberry juice is another one of the most acidic juices, with a pH commonly found in the 2.3 to 2.9 range. Commercially prepared cranberry juice cocktail can have slightly higher pH levels due to dilution and added sugars, but the natural juice remains very acidic. This acidity is the reason Clostridium botulinum cannot grow in cranberry juice, which is a key factor in its preservation.

Comparing pH Levels of Common Juices

To put the acidity of these juices into perspective, the following table compares the typical pH ranges of several popular juices. Note that while all fruit juices are acidic (below pH 7), there is a significant difference between them.


Juice	Typical pH Range	Primary Acid	Notes
Lemon Juice	2.0–2.6	Citric Acid	Extremely high acidity, often used for flavoring.
Lime Juice	2.0–2.4	Citric Acid	Very similar to lemon juice in acidity.
Cranberry Juice	2.3–2.9	Citric/Quinic Acid	Natural cranberry is very acidic; cocktails may be less so.
Grape Juice	2.9–3.8	Tartaric/Malic Acid	Acidity varies with ripeness and grape variety.
Orange Juice	3.3–4.2	Citric Acid	Popular juice with moderate acidity.
Apple Juice	3.3–4.0	Malic Acid	Moderately acidic and generally well-tolerated.
Tomato Juice	4.3–4.9	Citric/Malic Acid	Less acidic than most fruit juices, but still well below neutral.
Pear Juice	3.5–4.6	Various	One of the least acidic fruit juices.

Health Implications of Highly Acidic Juice

While consuming acidic juices as part of a balanced diet is generally safe, excessive consumption can have health consequences, particularly for dental health and digestive comfort.

Dental Erosion

One of the most significant risks of consuming highly acidic beverages is dental erosion. The high acid content can soften tooth enamel, leading to its gradual wear. Since tooth enamel cannot naturally repair itself, this damage is permanent. Dentists often recommend limiting exposure to highly acidic drinks and taking precautions such as using a straw and rinsing the mouth with water afterward.

Acid Reflux (GERD)

For individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or frequent heartburn, highly acidic juices like lemon, lime, and cranberry can act as a trigger. The acid can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and cause irritation. People with these conditions are often advised to avoid or limit their intake of very acidic foods and beverages.

Nutritional Benefits and Mitigation Strategies

Despite the risks, acidic juices also offer nutritional benefits, such as high concentrations of Vitamin C and antioxidants. The key is to consume them in moderation and be mindful of their impact. Diluting acidic juices with water, drinking them with meals, and consuming them through a straw are effective ways to mitigate some of the negative effects. Additionally, pairing them with alkaline foods like bananas or almonds can help balance the overall intake.

Conclusion: Which Juice Tops the Acidity Chart?

When asking what is the most acidic juice, the title is a close contest between lemon and lime juice. Both boast pH levels as low as 2.0, driven by a high concentration of citric acid. Following them is pure cranberry juice, which also exhibits significant acidity. While all fruit juices are acidic to some extent, these stand out for their particularly low pH. Understanding these acidity levels is crucial for managing health concerns like dental erosion and acid reflux. By practicing moderation and adopting protective habits, one can still enjoy the nutritional benefits of these tart beverages.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding your health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lemon and lime juice have the lowest pH among common juices, with typical ranges between 2.0 and 2.6. A lower pH signifies a higher level of acidity.

Yes, all fruit juice is acidic to some degree, as they have a pH of less than 7. However, the level of acidity varies widely, with citrus and berry juices being the most acidic, while juices from fruits like pears tend to be less so.

The pH of orange juice is moderately acidic, typically ranging from 3.3 to 4.2. It is significantly less acidic than lemon or lime juice.

Yes, frequent consumption of highly acidic juice can damage tooth enamel. The acid softens the enamel, leading to gradual erosion over time. Using a straw and rinsing your mouth with water can help reduce this risk.

For individuals with a history of acid reflux or GERD, highly acidic juices can trigger or worsen symptoms. They can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

To reduce the effects, you can dilute the juice with water, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth, and consume it with meals rather than on an empty stomach. You can also follow up with a glass of milk or water to neutralize acids.

By definition, all fruit juices are acidic (pH < 7). There are no common fruit juices that are truly neutral or alkaline. However, some, like pear juice, are much less acidic than others.