Skip to Content

Are Grapes Acidic? And Bad For Acid Reflux?

What Does pH Stand For?

Great question! Although there is some debate over what the “p” represents, most industry professionals believe it stands for potential. Together with the “h,” pH stands for hydrogen.

A food or drink pH value denotes the concentration of hydrogen compounds. Keep reading to understand the significance of grape acidity.

3 Quick Reasons To Eat Grapes

Tasty and versatile, grapes make a delicious snack and salad addition. But their pungent acidic powers offer so much more than snackability. We’re covering three quick reasons below before diving deeper into the details:

  • Resveratrol — This antioxidant appeared years ago as a supreme skincare ingredient. Eat a handful of grapes and you’ll reap the advantages linked to anti-aging and cancer prevention.
  • Low glycemic index — Scoring a 43-53 on the index, they’re a good choice for diabetics. Diabetics should avoid foods scoring above 55. They’re also a smart snack choice for those monitoring their blood sugar levels.
  • Improved cognitive function —We’ll dive deeper into this later, but grapes have been shown to protect your central nervous system. This means your brain and spinal cord. The protection comes from flavonoids that can prevent memory loss and amplify brain function.

Are Grapes Acidic Compared To Other Foods?

Grapes Acidic

As mentioned in the quick answer, almost all fruit is acidic. Grapes are no exception with a pH that ranges between 3.5 and 4.5. Check out the table below based on research from Clemson University to see how the pH of different varieties of grapes compares to other fruits. Remember, the lower the pH, the more acidic it is.

FruitHighest approximate pH*
Lime juice2.35
Lime2.80
Pomegranate3.20
Concord grapes3.20
Niagara grapes3.27
Seedless grapes3.82
McIntosh apple3.34
Grapefruit3.75
Strawberries3.90
Mangoes4.80

*The data shown in the table above reflects the highest recorded pH values of common foods. pH values vary among different types of each food shown above. Time and temperature can also contribute to varying pH values.

The table above indicates grapes fall somewhere in the middle between the least acidic and the most acidic fruits.

If you enjoyed seeing how grapes compared to other fruits, check out the other table below to see how they perform against other household foods

FoodHighest approximate pH*
Concord grapes3.00
Mint jelly3.01
Niagara grapes3.27
Vinegar3.40
Sauerkraut3.60
Dill pickles3.70
Seedless grapes3.82
Tomatillo3.83
White onions5.85
Potatoes5.90
Zucchini6.10

This table proves grapes are acidic, but not the most acidic thing you can eat! If you’re worried about heartburn or acid reflux, you can safely trade your pickles or salt and vinegar chips for a handful of grapes.

Crunchy, sweet, and loaded with nutrients, grapes are an ideal snack choice. Even outside of tantalizing charcuterie boards.

What Makes Grapes Acidic?

You don’t have to be a sommelier to understand grape acidity. According to The Journal of Wine Research, grapes are acidic due to malic and tartaric acid. Essentially, the components that make grapes acidic also make them superior antioxidants.

Keep reading to learn about the extraordinary benefits of grapes that go beyond a sweet, satisfying snack.

Should I Avoid Grapes If I Have Acid Reflux?

Doctors will recommend limiting acidic foods if you have acid reflux. Grapes aren’t acidic compared to other fruits but are still classified as acidic. Because they offer an array of brain and body benefits, you can enjoy them as part of a wholesome diet.

If you experience heartburn or acid reflux, limit your intake. Also, pay heed to other triggers.

RELATED: Are Bell Peppers Acidic

Why Does The Acidity Of Grapes Matter?

Grapes Acidic

As noted earlier, grapes contain acids that make them a vital source of antioxidants, metabolites, and nutrients. This makes grapes a powerful tool in combating viral infections such as the common cold and the flu. The acids can also prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, and even cancer. Grapes are plentiful in

  • Vitamin B
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin K
  • Manganese
  • Fiber
  • Beta-carotene
  • Flavonoids
  • Resveratrol

What are the benefits of the list above? Let’s dig in with five key points from Dr. Axe’s article:

  1. Combat heart disease — Research indicates that vitamins can help you avoid heart disease. While these vitamins can’t be expected to act alone against heart attacks, they can help in the battle. Notable heart warriors include vitamins B, C, E, and K, which can decrease stiffness and hardening of your arteries.
  2. Oxidative stress prevention — Grapes are strong defenders against oxidative stress, resveratrol, and beta-carotene. They’re also full of metabolites known as flavonoids, which can do the same. Combined, these phytonutrients and metabolites are a dynamic duo fit for heart protection.
  3. Inflammation reduction — The flavonoids in grapes also act as an anti-inflammatory. This means they can help prevent chronic inflammation without the need for medication in many cases.
  4. Improved cognition — These same inflammation-reducing flavonoids can help contribute to better cognition. This means grapes can potentially help prevent brain fog, memory decline, and more.
  5. Improved cognition — These same inflammation-reducing flavonoids can help contribute to better cognition. This means grapes can pote of the low-glycemic index we mentioned early on. Grapes were also reported to have a positive effect on blood sugar levels.

The benefits of grapes cannot be understated. While we gave a high-level overview above, you don’t just have to take our word for it! There’s a reason grapes are constantly admired by scholars.

Check out the article detailing the positive effect of grapes on cancerous colon cells. And be sure to also read the study highlighting the impact of grapes on cancerous breast cells.

When It Comes To Grapes, Sharing Is Caring. So We’re Sharing 5 Tips.

Grapes Acidic

When it comes to purchasing and storing grapes, we suggest the following

  1. Go organic — Grapes are no stranger to the dirty dozen list, so choosing organic is more than a suggestion. This helps you avoid pesticide exposure while supporting eco-friendly farming.
  2. Look for consistency — The best grapes should be uniform in color and still on the stem. Green grapes should appear slightly yellow, while red and black grapes shouldn’t have any visible greenness.
  3. Avoid washing — Many recommend not washing grapes before storing to prolong their lifespan. Moisture can heighten their decay, which means they won’t last as long. Rinse them right before you eat them for the best results.
  4. Keep the bag — Most grapes come in bags with holes that promote airflow. This is ideal for grape storage, so don’t move them to Tupperware.
  5. Refrigerate them — Like most food, grapes stay fresher in the fridge. Although safe to consume at room temperature, they won’t last as long.

3 Easy Grapes Dishes

Grapes are among the fruits that are easy to eat. The health benefits that come with them are great. There are plenty of varieties of grapes, and the acidic level in them differs.

There are plenty of reasons to add grapes to your diet, and one can get bored having them in their standard form. But, on the other hand, you can have innovative grape dishes, so you can easily include them in your diet.

Grapes can also serve as a naturally sweet snack and are sources of vitamins K and C. It also has other phytonutrients. It can help you maintain immunity and heal wounds fast.

Quick Table: 3 Best Grape Dishes

RecipeCaloriesPreparation Time
Grape Smoothie15030 Minutes
Fruit Salad With Honey-Lime Dressing120 20 Minutes
Oven-Dried Grapes60480 Minutes

RELATED: Are Lemons Acidic

1. Grape Smoothie

Here is a go-to smoothie that takes no time in preparation and has ingredients that are found quickly. 

All you need is some baby spinach, green grapes, pineapple, and oranges. Of course, you may add more fruits according to your taste.

Now, take all these and then put them in a blender to blitz till it becomes thick. Finally, add milk according to your will for consistency, and you can even add a little water to it. 

Calories Per Serving: 150

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

RELATED: Cherry Juice Acidic Or Not? – The Rusty Spoon

2. Fruit Salad With Honey-Lime Dressing

It is a salad that one can easily make at home. But, first, grab everything you need for this salad—some strawberries, blueberries, seedless grapes of red and green, honey, and Juice.

Rinse all your fruits, and pat them dry. Next, cut all these halves and remove the stems from the juicy blueberries. Remove if there are any seeds. 

Put all these in a bowl and mix properly with honey and lime. There, your salad is ready for you!

Calories Per Serving: 120

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

3. Oven-Dried Grapes

Here is a simple dish for those who love to have baked items and like to cook things in the oven. But this dish can consume a lot of time.

Grab some seedless red grapes. Put these grapes on a rimmed baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 225 degrees and then put it in it.

Bake them until they are soft. It can take up to 8 hours. Let them cool down for an hour and refrigerate them. Now enjoy having them for a week.

Calories Per Serving: 60

Preparation Time: 480 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

How Acidic Are Grapes?

Depending on the kind, grapes have a pH value between 2.8-3.8. This means they’re acidic, but not compared to more acrid fruits such as lemons and limes. Explore the tables in this article to compare.

Are Red, Green, Or Black Grapes Better?

All three have tremendous health benefits. Some studies indicate green grapes may have less resveratrol, a remarkable antioxidant. This may be due to its lighter color.

Why Are Grapes Different Colors?

The same reason eye colors are different: genes! Darker grapes have an antioxidant responsible for pigmentation called anthocyanin. Green grapes do not produce this gene due to a mutation.

Are Grapes Good For You?

Yes, grapes offer a variety of vitamins and nutrients vital to human health. We can’t sing their praises enough!

What Makes Grapes Healthy?

Their vitamin and nutrient content, as well as their antioxidants and flavonoids.

What Are Antioxidants?

Natural molecules found in fruits and veggies that can help prevent oxidative stress and cancer.

What Are Flavonoids?

Compounds found in fruits and veggies. They work with your cells to protect against oxidative damage, inflammation, and cancer.

Do I Need To Buy Organic?

Yes. Grapes are on this year’s list of foods most commonly contaminated with pesticides. For this reason, we urge you to buy organic grapes whenever possible.

Should I Wash Them?

Only right before you eat them to extend their longevity. Don’t wash them before immediately storing them in the fridge. The moisture can cause mold to develop and shorten the life of the grapes. Avoid wasting money and grapes by waiting to rinse them.

How Long Will Grapes Last?

Only a day or two if kept on the counter. If stored in a temperature-balanced fridge, your grapes will last up to four or five days. You can also freeze them in the summer for a healthy treat that lasts longer.

3 Best And Easy Grapes Recipes Collection

Grapes are the flavorful cut of the delicious recipes that is perfect for your favorite simple recipe.

Directions

  • Pick a recipe from the list above
  • Click the recipe name and visit the website
  • Collect the ingredients and cook the food
  • Enjoy – don’t forget to leave a review
Jess Smith
Share

binance

Sunday 24th of March 2024

Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

skapa binance-konto

Saturday 13th of January 2024

Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks! https://www.binance.info/sv/join?ref=WTOZ531Y

20bet

Friday 15th of September 2023

Your article gave me a lot of inspiration, I hope you can explain your point of view in more detail, because I have some doubts, thank you.