No, milk is not alkaline.
While many may presume milk to be alkaline, it is actually slightly acidic. According to our reference, milk has a pH between 6.5 and 6.7. This places it on the acidic side of the pH scale, where 7 is neutral. Therefore, though it may have some acid-neutralizing properties, it is not truly alkaline.
Understanding pH Levels
To clarify, the pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is:
- 0-6.9: Acidic
- 7: Neutral
- 7.1-14: Alkaline (or Basic)
The Slightly Acidic Nature of Milk
The fact that milk falls within the 6.5-6.7 pH range makes it slightly acidic.
Milk's Effect on Stomach Acid
- Milk is often thought to neutralize stomach acid.
- While milk does have some acid-neutralizing capacity, it is not as strong as a true alkaline substance.
- The reference states that milk "can neutralize stomach acid to some degree but not as much as you might assume."
Here's a summary of milk's properties related to acidity and alkalinity:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| pH Level | Between 6.5 and 6.7 |
| Acidity/Alkalinity | Slightly Acidic |
| Neutralization | Can neutralize some stomach acid |
Therefore, while milk may offer some relief, it's not due to being an alkaline substance.
