What Is the Most Alkaline Thing You Can Drink? Unpacking the pH Myth

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

With a high pH level, algae is often cited as a contender for what is the most alkaline thing you can drink?. The idea of using beverages to influence your body's pH balance has gained immense popularity in nutrition and wellness circles, but the reality behind these claims is more complex than simple alkalinity, and most health benefits come from the nutritious whole foods, not the extreme pH itself.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the most alkaline drinks available, from safe, natural options like green juices to potent, but risky, concoctions like baking soda water. It examines the science behind alkaline-forming foods and beverages, the body's natural pH regulation, and the potential benefits and dangers of consuming highly alkaline substances.

Key Points

Algae is extremely alkaline: Microalgae like Chlorella and Spirulina are exceptionally alkaline and nutrient-dense, often considered the most alkaline food source.
Baking soda water is potent but risky: A mixture of baking soda and water can be very alkaline but can cause serious side effects like metabolic alkalosis if consumed in excess.
Blood pH is tightly regulated: Your body has powerful systems, including the kidneys and lungs, to maintain a stable blood pH regardless of your diet.
Focus on safe, natural options: Green juices, herbal teas, and lemon water are excellent, safe alkaline-forming beverages rich in nutrients.
Benefits from diet, not pH: The health benefits of an 'alkaline diet' primarily come from the high consumption of fruits and vegetables, not from shifting blood pH.
Consult a healthcare professional: Before trying potent alkaline remedies, especially with pre-existing health conditions, always talk to a doctor.

Understanding the pH Scale and Your Body’s Balance

The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline). A pH of 7 is considered neutral. The human body has intricate systems, primarily involving the kidneys and lungs, to tightly regulate the blood's pH within a narrow, slightly alkaline range of 7.35 to 7.45. This means that what you eat or drink has a minimal, temporary effect on your blood's overall pH, although it can influence the pH of your urine and other body fluids.

The alkaline diet is based on the unproven theory that by eating and drinking alkaline-forming foods, you can shift your body’s pH and improve health outcomes. While the underlying science is debated, the diet's emphasis on consuming more fruits and vegetables is beneficial in itself.

Potential Candidates for the 'Most Alkaline' Drink

When searching for the single most alkaline liquid, several contenders emerge, but it's crucial to understand the risks and practicality of consuming them.

Baking Soda Water

Perhaps the most potent and readily available alkaline substance is baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) dissolved in water. It has a pH of around 9.0 and is a known antacid. A quarter-teaspoon mixed with water can temporarily neutralize excess stomach acid for relief from indigestion.

However, consuming concentrated baking soda is not recommended and carries significant risks. Excessive intake can cause serious side effects, including metabolic alkalosis, gastrointestinal distress, and electrolyte imbalances, especially for those with high blood pressure or kidney conditions.

Algae Extracts and Chlorophyll

Certain algae superfoods, particularly Chlorella and Spirulina, are renowned for their highly alkaline properties. Concentrated chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, also boasts alkalizing effects. These are generally consumed in small, safe doses, often in powder or tablet form mixed into drinks. Some brands explicitly formulate chlorophyll water with an alkaline pH.

Highly Concentrated Electrolyte Water

Some commercially produced alkaline water undergoes a process called electrolysis, which is designed to raise its pH to between 8 and 9. This process, along with added alkaline minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, contributes to its higher pH level. While generally safe, the benefits beyond regular water are debated, and the effectiveness can depend on the filtration process.

Safer and Healthier Alkaline Beverage Options

For those interested in consuming alkaline-forming beverages as part of a healthy diet, several safe and delicious options exist:

Green Juices and Smoothies: Combining leafy greens like kale and spinach with fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, lemons, and avocados creates a highly nutritious and alkalizing drink. Lemons and limes, despite being acidic in their natural state, have an alkalizing effect on the body after digestion.
Herbal Teas: Chamomile, ginger, and peppermint teas are known for their soothing and alkaline-forming properties. They can aid digestion and are a great alternative to acidic coffee or black tea.
Coconut Water: A naturally occurring electrolyte-rich beverage, coconut water is alkaline and hydrating.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a great dairy-free, alkaline-forming alternative.
Filtered Water with Added Lemon or Baking Soda: A simple and effective method is to add a slice of lemon or a small pinch of baking soda to your daily water intake. Remember, moderation is key for baking soda to avoid side effects.

Comparing Alkaline and Acidic Drinks

This table outlines key differences between common alkaline-forming and acidic beverages:


Feature	Alkaline-Forming Drinks	Acidic Drinks
Examples	Green juice, herbal tea, almond milk, lemon water	Soda, coffee, alcohol, most fruit juices
Effect on Stomach Acid	Can temporarily neutralize excess stomach acid	Increases stomach acid, potentially worsening reflux
Health Benefits	Often rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promotes hydration	Provides temporary energy, but often with high sugar content and empty calories
Body pH Impact	The body’s regulatory systems maintain stable blood pH; affects urine pH	The body regulates blood pH regardless; affects urine pH
Nutritional Density	High, especially with green juices made from fresh produce	Generally low, especially for processed sugary drinks

Key Considerations for an Alkaline Diet

For those considering incorporating more alkaline drinks into their diet, here are some important points to remember:

Moderation is key: Even with safe options, a balanced approach is best. Excessive intake of any one substance can cause issues, such as tooth enamel erosion from too much lemon water.
Focus on whole foods: The real benefit of an alkaline diet often comes from the increased consumption of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, not the pH alteration.
Listen to your body: While some people report feeling better, others may not notice a difference. Pay attention to how different foods and drinks affect you.
Consult a professional: Before making significant dietary changes, especially for medical conditions like kidney disease, it is vital to consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.

Conclusion: The Alkaline Truth

While there may not be a single, safe contender for what is the most alkaline thing you can drink for regular consumption, the true value lies in incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich, alkaline-forming foods and beverages into your diet. Safe options like green juices, herbal teas, and lemon water offer excellent nutritional benefits without the risks associated with more extreme, high-pH substances like concentrated baking soda. The focus should be on a balanced, whole-food diet, which naturally supports overall health and wellness, rather than chasing a specific pH level.

Ultimately, a healthy diet is about balance, not extremism. Incorporating more fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and managing stress are proven ways to support your body's natural functions far more effectively than any quick-fix alkaline drink could.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, your body's blood pH is tightly regulated by your kidneys and lungs within a very narrow, slightly alkaline range. What you drink may temporarily affect the pH of your urine, but it does not significantly alter your blood's pH.

Drinking a small amount (like a quarter teaspoon) of baking soda in water for temporary acid reflux relief is generally considered safe for healthy adults. However, excessive or prolonged consumption is very dangerous and can lead to serious health issues like metabolic alkalosis, electrolyte imbalances, and high blood pressure.

There is no single 'best' option, but natural, whole-food options like fresh green vegetable juices, herbal teas (such as chamomile and ginger), and water with a squeeze of lemon or lime are excellent, safe choices.

Lemons and limes are naturally acidic in their raw form. However, when metabolized by the body, they have an alkalizing effect. Adding them to water is a simple and beneficial way to make an alkaline-forming beverage.

While alkaline water can contain some minerals like calcium and potassium, it should not be your sole source. A balanced diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds is the most reliable way to obtain a full spectrum of essential minerals.

Excessively alkaline intake can lead to metabolic alkalosis, a potentially serious condition. It can also cause gastrointestinal issues, electrolyte imbalances, and in extreme cases, be dangerous for individuals with kidney disease.

An alkaline diet focuses on a high intake of fruits and vegetables (leafy greens, peppers, melons, avocado), nuts, seeds, and legumes. It encourages limiting or avoiding acidic-forming foods like meat, dairy, refined grains, and processed foods.