Which Apple Is the Least Acidic? Your Guide to Low-Acid Apples

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

Apples, while generally mildly acidic with a pH typically ranging from 3.3 to 4.0, have significant variation among varieties. For many, the question of which apple is the least acidic is crucial for managing sensitive digestion, acid reflux, or simply preferring a sweeter flavor profile.

Quick Summary

Golden Delicious is widely considered one of the least acidic apple varieties due to its mild flavor and high pH. Other sweet, low-acid options include Fuji, Red Delicious, Gala, and Ambrosia apples, which are gentler on sensitive stomachs.

Key Points

Golden Delicious: Often cited as the least acidic apple variety, known for its high pH and mild, sweet flavor.
Sweetness Correlates with Low Acidity: As a rule, the sweeter the apple tastes, the lower its malic acid content and overall acidity.
Best for Acid Reflux: Sweeter, red apples like Red Delicious, Fuji, and Gala are better for sensitive stomachs and heartburn than tart, green varieties.
Look for a High pH: Lower acidity means a higher pH. Red Delicious, for example, has a higher pH than a tart Granny Smith.
Ambrosia for Sensitive Digestion: This specific variety is known for its honey-sweet taste and low acid, making it ideal for those with sensitive digestive systems.
Fuji and Gala are Versatile: Both varieties offer a great balance of low acidity and crisp texture, making them suitable for both snacking and baking.

What Determines an Apple's Acidity?

An apple's acidity is primarily determined by its malic acid content. Malic acid is the dominant organic acid in apples, and its concentration directly influences the fruit's tartness. The general rule is simple: the lower the malic acid content, the sweeter and less acidic the apple will taste. Ripeness also plays a role; as an apple matures, its starch converts to sugar, naturally reducing the fruit's acidity over time.

Other factors, such as the apple's genetics and growing conditions, contribute to its final sugar-to-acid ratio. For consumers, the simplest way to identify a low-acid apple is by its flavor profile—sweet, not tart, with a higher pH value. This is particularly important for people who experience acid reflux or discomfort from more acidic foods.

The Top Contenders for Least Acidic Apples

When seeking out the least acidic apple, several varieties consistently top the charts for their mild, sweet flavors and higher pH levels.

Golden Delicious

Often cited as having one of the lowest total acid contents, the Golden Delicious apple is a quintessential low-acid variety.

Flavor: Mildly sweet with a soft, forgiving texture.
pH Range: Approximately 3.4–3.6.
Best For: Snacking, applesauce, and pies, especially when mixed with a tart apple for balance. Its low acidity makes it a favorite for those with sensitive stomachs.

Red Delicious

Known for its deep red skin and crisp texture, the Red Delicious is another excellent low-acid choice.

Flavor: Mildly sweet and crunchy.
pH Range: Around 3.9, which is on the higher (less acidic) end of the scale for apples.
Best For: Primarily a snacking apple due to its thick skin and soft flesh.

Fuji

Fuji apples are renowned for their crispness and intense sweetness, a direct result of their low acidity and high sugar content.

Flavor: Very sweet with a hint of honey or citrus.
pH Range: Approximately 3.69.
Best For: Snacking, salads, and baking, as they hold their shape well.

Gala

Gala apples have a balanced flavor profile that leans towards the sweeter side, making them gentle on the digestive system.

Flavor: A very sweet, mild taste.
pH Range: Falls within the 3.3 to 4.0 range, but its sweetness indicates a higher pH than tart varieties.
Best For: Snacking, especially for kids, and cooking due to their balanced flavor.

Ambrosia

This low-acid snacking apple is known for its honey-sweet flavor and delicate, thin skin, making it particularly gentle on the stomach.

Flavor: Honeylike and reminiscent of pears.
Best For: Snacking and fresh salads.

Honeycrisp

While it has a good balance of sweet and tart, the Honeycrisp's overall acidity is on the lower side compared to many other varieties, and its flavor is described as sub-acid.

Flavor: Honeyed and mildly sweet with a very crisp, juicy texture.
Best For: Snacking, salads, and desserts.

Low-Acid vs. High-Acid Apple Comparison

For a clear contrast, here is a comparison of some popular apple varieties based on their acidity and usage.


Apple Variety	Flavor Profile	Typical pH	Best For	Note on Acidity
Golden Delicious	Mildly sweet, soft	3.4–3.6	Snacking, cooking	One of the least acidic
Red Delicious	Mildly sweet, crunchy	~3.9	Snacking	Very low acidity
Fuji	Sweet, crisp, juicy	~3.69	Snacking, baking	Naturally low in acid
Gala	Sweet, mild, balanced	Higher end (3.3-4.0)	Snacking, cooking	Gentle on the stomach
Ambrosia	Honeylike, low acid	Unspecified (High)	Snacking	Very low acid, sensitive stomachs
Granny Smith	Very tart, firm	~3.14	Baking, sauces	Highly acidic
McIntosh	Tangy, tart, juicy	~3.34	Baking, sauces	Moderately high acidity
Pink Lady	Sweet-tart, crisp	High sugar/acid balance	Snacking, baking	Tartness from high acid levels

Choosing an Apple for Your Needs

Best for Sensitive Stomachs and Acid Reflux

If you have a sensitive stomach or suffer from acid reflux, opting for a sweeter, low-acid apple is the best choice. The higher pH of these apples can help to buffer stomach acid, potentially reducing heartburn symptoms. Look for varieties like Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Gala, and Ambrosia. It is also beneficial to eat apples after a meal rather than on an empty stomach to further minimize any potential irritation. For more information on dietary choices for managing acid reflux, consider consulting authoritative sources like Medical News Today on foods that help with acid reflux.

Best for Snacking

For raw consumption, texture is just as important as sweetness. The crispness of a Fuji or Honeycrisp, combined with its low acidity, makes for a delightful snack. Red Delicious and Gala are also classic sweet snacking choices that are gentle on the palate.

Best for Baking

While tart apples like Granny Smith are prized for baking due to their ability to hold their shape and provide a counterbalance to sweetness, low-acid apples can also be used effectively. Golden Delicious and Fuji hold up well in pies and crisps and are great for creating a sweeter, milder-tasting dish. You can also combine low-acid varieties with a smaller amount of a tart apple for a multi-layered flavor profile.

Factors Affecting Acidity

Besides the variety itself, several factors can influence an apple's final acidity level:

Ripeness: A fully ripe apple will have a lower acid content than an underripe one. This is why late-season varieties often taste sweeter.
Storage: While apples are in cold storage, their acidity can continue to decrease slightly as the fruit respires.
Growing Conditions: Environmental factors, such as sunlight and soil composition, can affect the apple's sugar-to-acid ratio. For instance, apples grown in areas with ample sunlight tend to be sweeter.

Conclusion

For those wondering which apple is the least acidic, the answer points to sweeter, less tart varieties. Golden Delicious often takes the top spot for its reliably low acid content, with Red Delicious, Fuji, Gala, and Ambrosia following closely behind. These apples are not only excellent for satisfying a sweet tooth but are also a much better option for individuals with sensitive digestive systems or acid reflux. By understanding the link between flavor profile and pH level, you can choose the right apple for your specific needs, whether it's for a soothing snack or a sweet culinary creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Golden Delicious apple is widely regarded as one of the least acidic varieties available. Its mild, sweet flavor is a result of its low malic acid content, making it a favorite for people who prefer a less tart taste.

For those with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux, sweet, low-acid apples like Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Gala, and Ambrosia are the best choices. Their higher pH helps to neutralize stomach acid and is less likely to cause irritation.

Red apples are typically less acidic than green ones. For example, a sweet Red Delicious has a higher pH than a tart Granny Smith. The level of acidity and ripeness is more important than color alone, but red varieties generally offer a milder flavor profile.

As an apple ripens, its starch is converted into sugar, which naturally lowers the fruit's overall acidity level. A fully mature, ripe apple will almost always be less acidic than an unripe one.

Many people with heartburn find that eating low-acid apples can actually help relieve their symptoms, particularly sweet red varieties. The fruit's beneficial minerals and nutrients may help create a more alkaline environment in the stomach. Eating it after a meal rather than on an empty stomach is also recommended.

The Golden Delicious apple is a great choice for baking due to its low acidity and mild flavor. Fuji apples are also excellent, as their high sugar content and crisp texture hold up well when cooked.

Granny Smith apples are known for their distinct tart flavor due to their high concentration of malic acid. This makes them a high-acid apple and less suitable for people seeking a sweet, mild-flavored fruit.