• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Tastylicious
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Subscribe
  • Recipes
  • Health
  • Cooking
  • Reviews
  • Food
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Subscribe
  • Recipes
  • Health
  • Cooking
  • Reviews
  • Food
×

Home » Acidic Foods

Are Tomatoes Acidic?

aaron l gravelyMedically Reviewed by Aaron Gravely, MD · Written by Rizza Joyce Mira, MD · Updated on February 12, 2023

Tomatoes are an integral part of many people's diets, and most of us always have some in our fridges. Although they're technically a fruit, most think of them as vegetables as they're used in salads, savory sauces, and sandwiches.

Are Tomatoes Acidic?

They're delicious, juicy, and nutritious, but many people nowadays design their diets around a specific health issue. For example, those suffering from acid reflux and GERD may want to limit their intake of acidic foods to avoid triggering symptoms such as heartburn.

How well do tomatoes fit into the meal plan of those following such a diet?

Table of Contents
  • Are Tomatoes Acidic or Alkaline?
  • What Is the pH of Tomatoes?
  • How Healthy Are Tomatoes?
  • Are Tomatoes Bad for Acid Reflux and GERD?
  • Is Tomato Juice Acidic?
  • Are Cherry Tomatoes Acidic?
  • Are Canned Tomatoes Acidic?

Are Tomatoes Acidic or Alkaline?

Tomatoes are acidic; they stimulate stomach acid production, triggering or worsening the symptoms of GERD and acid reflux. However, riper tomatoes tend to be less acidic than unripe.

Therefore, if you're sensitive to acidic foods, it's best to strictly limit your intake of tomatoes or eliminate them from your diet completely.

  • Are Apples Acidic?

What Is the pH of Tomatoes?

The pH of tomatoes is between 4.3 and 4.9, and foods with a pH of 4.6 or lower can aggravate the symptoms of GERD and acid reflux.

Tomatoes' acidity may also cause indigestion in people with other food sensitivities.

Are Tomatoes Acidic?
Are Tomatoes Acidic?

Tomato pH varies with variety and preparation methods, so some may tolerate different tomato dishes better than others.

How Healthy Are Tomatoes?

Tomatoes are nearly 95% water and are low in calories, most of which come from carbohydrates, such as sugars and fiber.

Fiber aids digestion and soaks up excess stomach acid, so eating tomatoes occasionally may aid some digestive issues.

  • Are Cucumbers Acidic?

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K1 and potassium, which are important to bodily functions, such as blood clotting and bone density.

Vitamin C helps prevent scurvy and strengthens your immune system, while potassium keeps your heart healthy.

Tomatoes contain a lot of antioxidants, which flush out free radicals, ensuring proper metabolism. They also flush out unnecessary substances from our digestive systems, resulting in healthy bowel movements.

Are tomatoes good for you?
Are tomatoes good for you?

Doctors recommend antioxidants for acid reflux sufferers, as they help alleviate the damage that excess acid causes to the stomach lining and intestines.

  • Are Eggs Acidic?

The nutrients in tomatoes help prevent heart attacks and strokes, and tomatoes have anti-inflammatory properties that keep the heart healthy.

Tomatoes may also prevent blood clots from forming.

Are Tomatoes Bad for Acid Reflux and GERD?

Tomatoes contain two acids: malic and citric. Both of these trigger acid reflux, especially in those particularly sensitive.

Many medications prevent or alleviate heartburn, but if you're sensitive to tomatoes, it's better to remove them from your diet entirely. Some people may find this difficult, but there are many substitutes, such as bell pepper paste and sauce.

Are tomatoes acidic?

  • Are Bell Peppers Acidic?

Is Tomato Juice Acidic?

Tomato juice is slightly more acidic than raw tomatoes, with a pH between 4.1 and 4.6. This is because tomato juice doesn't contain the fiber of raw tomatoes.

Tomato Juice
Is tomato juice acidic?

Some tomato juices are also loaded with pepper and pungent spices, making them even worse for acid reflux and heartburn.

  • Are Raisins Acidic?

Are Cherry Tomatoes Acidic?

Cherry tomatoes are nearly as acidic as regular tomatoes; however, they're sweeter, which masks their acidity.

Some people tolerate cherry tomatoes better than regular, probably due to their ripeness.

Are Canned Tomatoes Acidic?

Canned tomatoes are more acidic than raw, as the added preservatives lower their pH to around 3.5.

Why do tomatoes cause heartburn?

Tomatoes are acidic and may trigger or worsen acid reflux and GERD symptoms.

However, they're delicious and highly nutritious, so if you can tolerate their acidity, they're an excellent addition to your diet.

Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level

Related posts:

  1. The New Health Hero: Tart Cherry Juice
  2. 10 Best Tomato Puree Substitutes for Cooking
  3. Tomato Sauce vs. Tomato Paste: An Essential Guide
  4. Tomato Juice, A Wonder Drink: Benefits, Risks, Recipes, and More
  5. What to Drink for Acid Reflux? Here's Everything You Need to Know
  6. 20+ Most & Least Acidic Juices

Primary Sidebar

aaron l gravely

Aaron L. Gravely, MD earned his MD from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and BA in Neurobiology from Harvard College.

Aaron has over 5 years of experience revising medical content and scientific language for usage, flow, and clarity in accordance with the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) and the American Medical Association (AMA).

More about us →

More Posts

  • The New Health Hero: Tart Cherry JuiceThe New Health Hero: Tart Cherry Juice
  • 10 Best Tomato Puree Substitutes for Cooking10 Best Tomato Puree Substitutes for Cooking
  • Tomato Sauce vs. Tomato Paste: An Essential GuideTomato Sauce vs. Tomato Paste: An Essential Guide
  • Tomato Juice, A Wonder Drink: Benefits, Risks, Recipes, and MoreTomato Juice, A Wonder Drink: Benefits, Risks, Recipes, and More

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023