What Milk Is Considered Alkaline? Separating pH from Bodily Effects

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

While many people believe cow's milk is neutral, it is actually slightly acidic and is known to be an acid-forming food in the body. To determine what milk is considered alkaline, one must look beyond its initial pH and instead focus on how the body metabolizes it. This distinction is key for anyone following an alkaline diet or managing symptoms like acid reflux.

Quick Summary

Different milks are categorized based on their acid-forming or alkaline-forming effect on the body after digestion, which is more significant than their initial pH. Some plant-based milks and raw goat's milk are considered alkaline-forming, while most pasteurized dairy and oat milk are acid-forming.

Key Points

Alkaline-Forming vs. pH: A milk's effect on your body's pH balance after digestion (alkaline-forming) is more important than its initial pH level.
Almond and Soy Milk: Unsweetened almond milk and soy milk are widely considered alkaline-forming in the body.
Coconut Milk Varies: Fresh coconut milk is alkaline-forming, but dried coconut milk or heavily processed versions may be acid-forming.
Raw vs. Pasteurized Goat's Milk: Raw goat's milk is an alkaline-forming option, while pasteurized goat's milk is acid-forming.
Cow's Milk Is Acid-Forming: Most commercially available pasteurized cow's milk is classified as an acid-forming food.
Oat Milk is Acid-Forming: Despite being a popular plant-based alternative, oat milk is typically considered acid-forming.
Dietary Context is Key: The body naturally regulates its pH, and focusing on an overall balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is beneficial, regardless of a single milk's pH effect.

Understanding the Distinction: pH Level vs. Alkaline-Forming Effect

Before diving into specific types of milk, it is crucial to understand the difference between a food's intrinsic pH level and its acid-forming or alkaline-forming effect on the body after digestion. The pH scale runs from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 being neutral. However, a food's effect on your body's pH is determined by the mineral residue left after digestion, known as ash. Milk's precise pH can vary based on factors like fat content, processing methods, and freshness, but its overall impact on your body is the key consideration for those interested in alkalinity.

The Alkaline Contenders: Plant-Based Options

Several plant-based milks are consistently cited as being alkaline-forming. These have become popular alternatives for individuals with specific dietary needs or those seeking to reduce acid-forming foods.

Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is generally considered an alkaline-forming beverage. While its initial pH can vary, the resulting metabolic effect is alkalizing. It's often recommended for people with acid reflux due to this property.
Soy Milk: Made from soybeans, which are neutral to alkaline, soy milk is typically considered alkaline-forming in the body. It provides a good source of protein and has a creamy texture, making it a popular dairy alternative.
Coconut Milk: The preparation method for coconut milk influences its effect. Milk made from fresh coconut is considered alkaline-forming, whereas milk from dried coconut is often acid-forming. Unsweetened coconut milk is a versatile option for adding alkalinity to your diet.

The Unexpected Alkaline: Raw Goat's Milk

Interestingly, some animal-based milks can also have an alkaline-forming effect, but with an important caveat regarding processing. Raw goat's milk is known to be alkaline-forming in the body. This is in contrast to most commercially available pasteurized goat's milk, which, like cow's milk, is acid-forming. The distinction lies in the heat treatment, which alters the milk's properties.

A Closer Look at Acid-Forming Milks

For context, it is helpful to identify milks that have an acid-forming effect on the body, even if their initial pH is close to neutral.

Cow's Milk: As mentioned, pasteurized cow's milk is widely considered an acid-forming food. The exact pH of fresh milk is slightly acidic (between 6.4 and 6.8), but its high protein and mineral content create an acid residue when metabolized.
Pasteurized Goat's Milk: Unlike its raw counterpart, pasteurized goat's milk is typically acid-forming after digestion.
Oat Milk and Cashew Milk: Despite being plant-based, these milk alternatives are often categorized as acid-forming due to their metabolic end products.

Comparison Table: Milk pH vs. Bodily Effect

This table provides a quick overview of how different milks are classified in the context of an alkaline diet.


Milk Type	Typical pH Range	Bodily Effect	Notes
Cow's Milk (Pasteurized)	6.4–6.8	Acid-forming	High in protein, leads to acidic metabolic residue.
Goat's Milk (Raw)	~6.6–6.8	Alkaline-forming	Raw, unprocessed milk has an alkalizing effect.
Goat's Milk (Pasteurized)	~6.6–6.8	Acid-forming	Heat treatment alters the metabolic effect.
Almond Milk (Unsweetened)	6.9–7.6	Alkaline-forming	Almonds are naturally alkaline-forming, making this a good alternative.
Soy Milk	~7.0	Alkaline-forming	Made from soybeans, which are typically neutral or alkaline.
Coconut Milk (Fresh)	~7.0	Alkaline-forming	Processing affects the outcome; fresh is best for alkalinity.
Oat Milk	Slightly Acidic	Acid-forming	Despite its popularity, oats are considered acid-forming.

Incorporating Alkaline Milks into Your Diet

For those looking to increase their intake of alkaline-forming foods, incorporating the right type of milk can be a simple change. Plant-based milks like almond, soy, and fresh coconut are the most readily available and consistent options. These can be used in smoothies, cereals, coffee, and baking. While raw goat's milk is another option, its availability and safety considerations due to pasteurization are important factors to keep in mind. Combining alkaline milks with other alkalizing foods, such as fruits and leafy greens, can help create a more balanced diet.

The Role of Milk in Overall Health

While the alkaline diet has gained popularity, it's worth noting that the body has a complex system for regulating its pH, and the claims about significantly altering blood pH through diet are largely unsubstantiated by scientific evidence. However, proponents and users of the diet suggest it can have indirect benefits related to health. Regardless of the pH effect, choosing whole, unprocessed foods and a balanced intake of fruits and vegetables is widely regarded as beneficial for overall wellness. Therefore, choosing an alkaline-forming milk alternative is a way to align with general healthy eating principles.

Conclusion

When asking what milk is considered alkaline, the answer depends more on its metabolic effect after digestion than its precise pH. Plant-based options like unsweetened almond milk and soy milk are reliable alkaline-forming choices, as is milk from fresh coconut. Raw goat's milk can also be alkaline-forming, but pasteurized varieties and other milks like oat milk and cow's milk are generally acid-forming. For individuals managing digestive issues or exploring dietary trends, understanding these distinctions can help make more informed choices. As with any dietary change, it is wise to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best plan for your individual needs. For more information, read Healthline's detailed article on the pH of milk and plant-based alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, oat milk is generally considered an acid-forming beverage, even though it is plant-based.

Yes, unsweetened almond milk is metabolized in the body to have an alkaline-forming effect, making it a good choice for those seeking alkaline options.

Both unsweetened almond and soy milk are considered alkaline-forming, so the choice often comes down to nutritional preferences and taste. Almonds tend to produce a higher final pH, while soybeans are closer to neutral.

Raw goat's milk is uniquely alkaline-forming in the body, whereas the pasteurization process alters the milk's metabolic effect, making it acid-forming.

Some individuals with acid reflux report relief from symptoms when consuming alkaline-forming milks like almond milk, as they can help neutralize stomach acid. However, individual reactions can vary significantly.

The pH of cow's milk is slightly acidic, typically ranging between 6.4 and 6.8. However, it is primarily considered an acid-forming food in the body.

While consuming more fruits and vegetables (alkalizing foods) is healthy, there is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that an alkaline diet can fundamentally alter your body's pH balance or prevent major diseases. The body has robust mechanisms for self-regulation.

In addition to certain plant-based milks, other alkaline-forming drinks include alkaline water, herbal teas like chamomile or ginger, and green vegetable juices.

Coconut milk from fresh coconuts is alkaline-forming, but canned versions often use dried coconut and may contain additives, which can make them acid-forming.