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Home » Sauces

Is Pesto Acidic?

shirinMedically Reviewed by Shirin Buta · Written by Rizza Joyce Mira, MD · Updated on August 25, 2023

Italian cuisine has many dishes that are great with pesto, including pasta, chicken, and fish. Pesto is an excellent alternative to tomato or cream sauces, and it has a delightful, piquant flavor and rich aroma.

is pesto acidic or alkaline

Traditional pesto has basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese ground into a paste in a mortar and pestle.

It's a delicious accompaniment to many healthy meals. But how well does it fit into the low-acid diet followed by many sufferers of acid reflux, or GERD?

Table of Contents
  • Is Pesto Acidic or Alkaline?
  • Are Acidic Foods Bad for You?
  • Is Pesto Good for You?

Is Pesto Acidic or Alkaline?

Many of the ingredients are acidic, making pesto acidic, with a pH of around 4.9.

READ NEXT: Is Garlic Acidic?

Seven on the pH scale is neutral, and anything below that is acidic.

Are Acidic Foods Bad for You?

High levels of acid in the body cause acidosis, gastritis, acid reflux, and ulcers.

However, many vegetables (like broccoli) can reduce acidity and lessen its effects on your body.

RELATED: 15 Alkaline Foods You Should Include in Your Diet

italian pesto sauce in a white porcelain bowl

RELATED: Are Brussel Sprouts Acidic?

Is Pesto Good for You?

The basil and garlic in pesto are excellent sources of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, which flush out free radicals, preventing oxidative damage.

Pesto's main ingredient, basil, contains up to 1 mg of vitamin C in 2 tablespoons. Pesto made with extra virgin olive oil contains nearly 13% of the recommended daily vitamin E intake in a tablespoon.

Pesto is high in fat and calories but contains good amounts of iron, calcium, potassium, and manganese.

RELATED: Is Cauliflower Acidic?

Related posts:

  1. Pistou Vs Pesto – Ultimate Comparison Guide
  2. Keto Pesto with Pecans
  3. What to Serve with Pesto Pasta
  4. Basil Companion Plants: Top 25 Plants To Grow Near Basil
  5. What Does Pesto Taste Like? Everything Explained.
  6. 9 Best Coconut Oil Substitutes: Everything You Need To Know

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shirin

Shirin is a registered Medical Laboratory Scientist who teaches Immunology and Serology subjects. In her free time, she writes health-related articles to help advocate the prevention of lifestyle and infectious diseases. When not teaching or writing, she loves to try new food and attempts to recreate them at home.

More about us →

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