pH of Drinks

Written by: Oli Baise
Last updated: April 17, 2023

I bought a pH tester and tested the acidity and alkalinity of common drinks. This includes various types of drinking water, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, fruit juices and vitamin waters.

Key Findings

  • Still, sugar free flavored waters and vitamin waters tended to be more acidic than fizzy drinks.
  • Sainsburys Strawberry and Kiwi flavoured water was the most acidic drink tested with a pH of 2.8. This is the same as malt vinegar.
  • Sugar free fruit drinks and energy drinks (including squash) are just as acidic as fizzy drinks.

Here is a searchable table of all the tested drinks along with their pH and level of erosiveness:

Name of DrinkpHType of drinkErosiveness
Doombar (Brown Ale)4Alcoholic drinkErosive
Guiness (Stout)4.2Alcoholic drinkErosive
Strongbow (Cider)3.4Alcoholic drinkHighly erosive
Strongbow Dark Fruit (Cider)3.2Alcoholic drinkHighly erosive
IPA (World Top Scarborough)4Alcoholic drinkErosive
Heineken (Lager)4.5Alcoholic drinkErosive
Alcohol Free Heineken (Alcohol free lager)4.5Alcoholic drinkErosive
Gin (Gordons - unflavored)6.7Alcoholic drinkNon erosive
White Rum (Bacardi Carta Blanca)6.9Alcoholic drinkNon erosive
Vodka (Smirnoff - unflavored)6.2Alcoholic drinkNon erosive
Gin and tonic (Gordons unflavored gin and Schwepps tonic)3.2Alcoholic drinkHighly erosive
Gin and slimline tonic (Gordons unflavored gin and Schwepps slimline tonic)2.9Alcoholic drinkHighly erosive
Rum and Coke (Bacardi Carta Blanca and Diet Coca cola)2.9Alcoholic drinkHighly erosive
Rum and Diet Coke (Bacardi Carta Blanca and Coca cola)3.3Alcoholic drinkHighly erosive
Vodka and lemonade (Smirnoff and Schwepps lemonade)3.2Alcoholic drinkHighly erosive
Vodka and Diet lemonade (Smirnoff and Schwepps lemonade)3.3Alcoholic drinkHighly erosive
Vodka and Soda water5.3Alcoholic drinkMildly erosive
Medium Red wine3.5Alcoholic drinkHighly erosive
Medium White wine3.6Alcoholic drinkErosive
Prosecco3.4Alcoholic drinkHighly erosive
Fanta Orange3Soft drinkHighly erosive
Lemonade (Schweppes)2.2Soft drinkHighly erosive
Diet lemonade (Schweppes)2.2Soft drinkHighly erosive
Tonic water (Schweppes)2.8Soft drinkHighly erosive
Slimline tonic water (Schweppes)2.8Soft drinkHighly erosive
Ginger beer (Old Jamaican)3.1Soft drinkHighly erosive
Lucozade Original3.1Soft drinkHighly erosive
Ginger Kombucha3.3Soft drinkHighly erosive
Coca cola2.6Soft drinkHighly erosive
Diet Coke3Soft drinkHighly erosive
Coca cola Zero2.6Soft drinkHighly erosive
Dr Pepper2.7Soft drinkHighly erosive
Robinsons Sugar Free Fruit and Barley Squash (Summer Fruits Flavored)3.1Soft drinkHighly erosive
7up3.2Soft drinkHighly erosive
Diet 7up3.5Soft drinkHighly erosive
Ginger Ale (Canada Dry)2.8Soft drinkHighly erosive
Club Soda (Canada Dry)5.2Soft drinkMildly erosive
Mountain Dew3.2Soft drinkHighly erosive
Diet Mountain Dew3.2Soft drinkHighly erosive
Lucozade Sport (Raspberry)3.3Sports drinkHighly erosive
Gatorade Cool Blue3.2Sports drinkHighly erosive
Gatorade Cool Blue Low Calorie3.2Sports drinkHighly erosive
Gatorade Fruit Punch3Sports drinkHighly erosive
Gatorade Lemon Lime3Sports drinkHighly erosive
Gatorade Orange3Sports drinkHighly erosive
Powerade Fruit Punch2.8Sports drinkHighly erosive
Powerade Grape2.8Sports drinkHighly erosive
Powerade Zero Grape3Sports drinkHighly erosive
Powerade Lemon and Lime2.8Sports drinkHighly erosive
Powerade Zero Lemon Lime2.9Sports drinkHighly erosive
Powerade Mountain Berry Blast2.8Sports drinkHighly erosive
Powerade Zero Mixed Berry2.9Sports drinkHighly erosive
Monster Energy3.5Energy drinkHighly erosive
Monster Energy Low Carb3.6Energy drinkErosive
Red Bull3.3Energy drinkHighly erosive
Sugar Free Red Bull3.6Energy drinkErosive
Rockstar Energy2.7Energy drinkHighly erosive
Rockstar Energy Sugar Free3.2Energy drinkHighly erosive
Evian Still6.4WaterNon erosive
San Pellegrino4.6WaterMildly erosive
Glaceu Smart Water6.7WaterNon erosive
Highland spring water7.2WaterNon erosive
Dasani5WaterMildly erosive
Tap water (UK)6.9WaterNon erosive
Fiji Water7.3WaterNon erosive
Soda water (Schwepps)4.8Carbonated waterMildly erosive
Sparkling water (Sainsburys)4.4Carbonated waterErosive
Evian Sparkling4.9Carbonated waterMildly erosive
Perrier5.3Carbonated waterMildly erosive
Still flavored water (Sainsburys Kiwi and Strawberry)2.8Flavored WaterHighly erosive
Still flavored water (Sainsburys Lemon and Lime)3Flavored WaterHighly erosive
Volvic Touch of Fruit Strawberry3.1Flavored WaterHighly erosive
Volvic Touch of Fruit Lemon3Flavored WaterHighly erosive
Glaceau Vitamin Water XXX Acai, Blueberry & Pomegranate3Flavored WaterHighly erosive
Glaceau Vitamin Water XXX Acai, Blueberry & Pomegranate Zero Sugar3.1Flavored WaterHighly erosive
Glaceau Vitamin Water Orange3.2Flavored WaterHighly erosive
Glaceau Vitamin Water Orange Zero Sugar3.2Flavored WaterHighly erosive
Glaceau Vitamin Water Fruit Punch3.7Flavored WaterErosive
Glaceau Vitamin Water Power C Dragonfruit3Flavored WaterHighly erosive
Robinsons Summer Fruit and Barley Squash (Diluted)3.2Flavored WaterHighly erosive
Robinsons Orange Fruit Squash (Diluted)3Flavored WaterHighly erosive
Clear American Strawberry Flavored Water3.4Flavored waterHighly erosive
Clear American Tropical Fruit Flavored Water3.1Flavored waterHighly erosive
Clear American Pomegranate Blueberry Acai Flavored Water3.2Flavored waterHighly erosive
Clear American White Grape Flavored Water3.4Flavored waterHighly erosive
Active Water Focus Dragonfruit2.8Flavored waterHighly erosive
Active Water Power Strawberry Kiwi3.4Flavored waterHighly erosive
Active Water Vigor Triple Berry2.7Flavored waterHighly erosive
Dasani Grape3.1Flavored waterHighly erosive
Dasani Lemon3Flavored waterHighly erosive
Dasani Strawberry3Flavored waterHighly erosive
Propel Grape3.1Flavored waterHighly erosive
Propel Berry3Flavored waterHighly erosive
Propel Kiwi Strawberry3.2Flavored waterHighly erosive
Propel Lemon3Flavored waterHighly erosive
Skinny Water Acai Grape Blueberry3.8Flavored waterErosive
Skinny Water Raspberry Pomegranite3.7Flavored waterErosive
Skinny Water Goji Fruit Punch3.7Flavored waterErosive
Sobe Life Water Acai Fruit Punch3.2Flavored waterErosive
Sobe Life Water Blackberry Grape3.2Flavored waterErosive
Sobe Life Water® Cherimoya Punch3.3Flavored waterErosive
Sobe Life Water® Strawberry Dragonfruit3.3Flavored waterErosive
Sobe Life Water Fuji Apple Pear3.5Flavored waterErosive
Sobe Life Water Mango Melon3.3Flavored waterErosive
Dairy milk (Organic - 2% fat)6.9MilkNon erosive
Almond milk (Rude Health)5.9MilkNon erosive
Rice milk (Rice Dream)5.5MilkMildly erosive
Unsweetened soya milk (Sainsburys)6.9MilkNon erosive
Hazlenut milk (Rude Health)6.1MilkNon erosive
Oat milk (Rude Health)6.1MilkNon erosive
Coconut milk (Rude Health)6.3MilkNon erosive
Green tea (Sainsburys)5.9TeaNon erosive
Black tea (Yorkshire Tea)5.2TeaMildy erosive
Red bush tea (Tick Tock)6.1TeaNon erosive
Camomile tea (Sainsburys)6.2TeaNon erosive
Cranberry and Raspberry tea (twinings)3.8TeaErosive
Pineapple juice (Sainsburys not from concentrate)3.5Fruit juiceHighly erosive
Orange juice (Tropicana smooth)3.9Fruit juiceErosive
Apple juice (Copella)3.5Fruit juiceHighly erosive
Grape juice (Sainsburys)3.2Fruit juiceHighly erosive
Fresh lemon Juice2.2Fruit juiceHighly erosive
Fresh lime juice2.4Fruit juiceHighly erosive
Fresh tomato juice3.9Fruit juiceErosive
Ginger and Turmeric shot (Plenish)3.1Fruit juiceHighly erosive
Apple juice (Minute Maid)3.7Fruit juiceErosive
Orange juice (Minute Maid)3.8Fruit juiceErosive
Cranberry Juice (Ocean Spray)2.5Fruit juiceHighly erosive
Espresso (lavazza beans)4.8CoffeeMildly erosive
Filter coffee (lavazza beans)4.8CoffeeMildly erosive
Instant coffee (Sainsburys Costa Rican single origin)4.7CoffeeMildly erosive
Starbucks Medium Roast5.1CoffeeMildly erosive
Balsamic vinegar (Sainsburys)2.9VinegarHighly erosive
Red wine vinegar (Sainsburys)2.6VinegarHighly erosive
White wine vinegar (Sainsburys)2.5VinegarHighly erosive
Apple cider vinegar (Aspalls)2.8VinegarHighly erosive
White vinegar (Sainsburys)2.3VinegarHighly erosive
Rice winegar (Sainsburys)2.4VinegarHighly erosive
Malt vinegar (Bramwells)2.7VinegarHighly erosive

What are the Health Affects of Drinking Too Many Acidic Drinks?

According to the NHS and The Oral Health Foundation the two main health problems associated with consuming a lot of acidic food and drinks are:

  • Oral health problems: sensitive teeth and tooth decay due to acid erosion.
  • Digestive problems: acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion.

You can see a full breakdown of my findings below:

Jump to:

pH of Drinking Water

pH of Flavored Water & Vitamin Waters

pH of Carbonated Water

pH of Beer

pH of Wine

pH of Spirits and Mixed Drinks

pH of Soft Drinks

pH of Energy Drinks

pH of Fruit Juice

pH of Milk and Plant Based Milks

pH of Sports and Isotonic Drinks

pH of Tea

pH of Coffee

pH of Vinegar

pH of Drinking Water

  • Tap water: 6.9
  • Evian: 6.4
  • Glaceau Smart Water: 6.7
  • Highland Spring Water: 7.2
  • Volvic: 6.7
  • Dasani: 5.0
  • Fiji Water: 7.3

pH of Flavored Water & Vitamin Waters

  • Sainsburys Kiwi and Strawberry Flavoured Water: 2.8
  • Sainsburys Lemon and Lime Flavoured Water: 3.0
  • Volvic Touch of Fruit Strawberry: 3.1
  • Volvic Touch of Fruit Fruit Lemon: 3.0
  • Glaceau Vitamin Water XXX Acai, Blueberry & Pomegranate: 3.0
  • Glaceau Vitamin Water XXX Acai, Blueberry & Pomegranate Zero Sugar: 3.1
  • Glaceau Vitamin Water Orange: 3.2
  • Glaceau Vitamin Water Orange Zero Sugar: 3.2
  • Glaceau Vitamin Water Fruit Punch: 3.7
  • Glaceau Vitamin Water Power C Dragonfruit: 3.0
  • Robinsons Summer Fruit and Barley Squash (Diluted): 3.2
  • Robinsons Orange Fruit Squash (Diluted): 3.0
  • Clear American Strawberry Flavored Water: 3.4
  • Clear American Tropical Fruit Flavored Water: 3.1
  • Clear American Pomegranate Blueberry Acai Flavored Water: 3.2
  • Clear American White Grape Flavored Water: 3.4
  • Active Water Focus Dragonfruit: 2.8
  • Active Water Power Strawberry Kiwi: 3.4
  • Active Water Vigor Triple Berry: 2.7
  • Dasani Grape: 3.1
  • Dasani Lemon: 3
  • Dasani Strawberry: 3
  • Propel Grape: 3.1
  • Propel Berry: 3
  • Propel Kiwi Strawberry: 3
  • Propel Lemon: 3
  • Skinny Water Acai Grape Blueberry: 3.8
  • Skinny Water Raspberry Pomegranite: 3.7
  • Skinny Water Goji Fruit Punch: 3.7
  • Sobe Life Water Acai Fruit Punch: 3.7
  • Sobe Life Water Blackberry Grape: 3.2
  • Sobe Life Water Blackberry Grape: 3.2
  • Sobe Life Water Strawberry Dragonfruit: 3.3
  • Sobe Life Water Fuji Apple Pear: 3.5
  • Sobe Life Water Mango Melon: 3.3

pH of Carbonated Water

  • Sparkling water (Sainsburys): 4.4
  • San Pellegrino: 4.6
  • Soda water (Schweppes): 4.8
  • Evian sparkling water: 4.9
  • Perrier: 5.3

pH of Beer

  • Lager (Heineken): 4.5
  • Alcohol free beer (Alcohol free Heineken): 4.5
  • Stout (Guinness): 4.2
  • Brown Ale (Doom Bar): 4.0
  • IPA (World Top Scarborough): 4.0
  • Cider (Strongbow): 3.4
  • Flavoured Cider (Strongbow Dark Fruits): 3.2

 pH of Wine

  • Red Wine (Merlot): 3.5
  • White Wine (Chardonnay): 3.6
  • Prosecco: 3.4

pH of Spirits and Mixed Drinks

All mixed drinks had a double shot of spirit along with 150 ml of mixer.

  • Gin (Gordons unflavored): 6.7
  • White Rum (Bacardi Carta Blanca): 6.9
  • Dark Rum (Captain Morgan Spiced Rum): 6.7
  • Vodka (Smirnoff unflavored): 6.2
  • Gin and tonic (Gordons unflavored gin and Schweppes tonic): 3.2
  • Gin and slimline tonic (Gordons unflavored gin and Schweppes slimline tonic): 2.9
  • Rum and Coke (Bacardi Carta Blanca and Coca Cola): 2.9
  • Rum and Diet Coke (Bacardi Carta Blanca and Diet Coca Cola: 3.3
  • Vodka and lemonade (Smirnoff and Schweppes lemonade): 3.2
  • Vodka and lemonade (Smirnoff and Schweppes diet lemonade): 3.3
  • Vodka and soda water (Smirnoff and Schweppes soda water): 5.3

pH Soft Drinks

  • Coca Cola: 2.9
  • Diet Coke: 3.3
  • Coca Cola Zero: 2.5
  • Pepsi Cola: 2.4
  • Diet Pepsi: 3.0
  • Pepsi Max: 2.7
  • Dr Pepper: 2.7
  • Diet Dr Pepper: 2.8
  • Sprite: 3.3
  • Sprite Zero: 3.3
  • Fanta Orange: 3.0
  • Lemonade (Schweppes): 2.2
  • Diet Lemonade (Schweppes): 2.3
  • Tonic water (Schweppes): 2.8
  • Slimline tonic water (Schweppes): 2.8
  • Kombucha: 3.3
  • Lucozade Original: 3.1
  • 7up: 3.2
  • Diet 7up: 3.5
  • Ginger Ale (Canada Dry): 2.8
  • Club Soda (Canada Dry): 5.2
  • Mountain Dew: 3.2
  • Diet Mountain Dew: 3.2

pH of Energy Drinks

  • Monster Energy (Original): 3.5
  • Monster Energy Low Carb: 3.6
  • Red Bull: 3.3
  • Sugar Free Red Bull: 3.4
  • Rockstar Energy: 2.7
  • Rockstar Energy Sugar Free: 3.2

pH of Fruit Juice

  • Copella Cloudy Apple Juice: 3.5
  • Minute Maid Apple Juice: 3.7
  • Tropicana Apple Juice: 3.5
  • Apple juice from concentrate: 3.7
  • Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice: 2.4
  • Tropicana Orange Juice: 3.9
  • Orange juice from concentrate (Sainsburys): 3.9
  • Minute Maid Orange Juice: 3.7
  • Pineapple Juice (Sainsburys not from concentrate): 3.6
  • Grape Juice (Sainsburys not from concentrate): 3.2
  • Fresh lemon juice: 2.2
  • Fresh lime juice: 2.4
  • Fresh tomato juice: 3.9
  • Ginger and turmeric shot: 3.1

pH of Milk and Plant Based Milks

  • Dairy milk (2% organic): 6.9
  • Soy milk (unsweetened – Sainsburys): 6.9
  • Oat milk (Rude Health): 6.1
  • Almond milk (Rude Health): 5.9
  • Rice milk (Rice Dream): 5.5
  • Hazelnut milk (Rude Health): 6.1
  • Coconut milk (Rude Health): 6.3

pH of Sports and Isotonic Drinks

  • Lucozade Sport Raspberry: 3.3
  • Lucozade Sport Orange: 3.0
  • Gatorade Cool Blue: 3.1
  • Gatorade Fruit Punch: 3.0
  • Gatorade Orange: 3.0
  • Gatorade Lemon Lime 3.1
  • Powerade Lemon and Lime: 2.7
  • Powerade Diet Lemon and Lime: 2.8
  • Pocari Sweat: 3.3

pH of Tea

All teas were brewed for five minutes. No milk was added.

  • Black tea (Yorkshire Tea): 5.2
  • Green tea (Sainsbury): 5.9
  • Red bush tea/Rooibos (Tick Tock): 6.1
  • Camomile tea (Sainsburys): 6.2
  • Twinings Cranberry and Raspberry Tea: 3.8

pH of Coffee

All coffees were brewed with the same beans unless otherwise stated.

  • Espresso: 4.8
  • Filter coffee: 4.8
  • Instant coffee (Sainsburys Costa Rican single origin): 4.7
  • Starbucks Medium Roast: 5.1

pH of Vinegar

  • Apple cider vinegar (Aspalls): 2.5
  • Balsamic vinegar (Sainsburys): 2.9
  • Red wine vinegar (Sainsburys): 2.6
  • White wine vinegar (Sainsburys): 2.5
  • Rice vinegar (Sainsburys): 2.4
  • Malt vinegar (Bramwells): 2.8
  • White vinegar (Sainsburys): 2.3

Methodology

The vast majority of this data was created myself.

I bought a Bluelab pH testing pen (this is considered the most accurate Ph tester on the market) and tested all the products myself following the pen’s manufacturer instructions.

My Bluelab pH pen in a sample of Dr Pepper

A few drinks I could not get my hands on, so I took the data from a 2015 study in the Journal of American Dentistry

pH of Drinks

I bought a pH tester and tested the acidity and alkalinity of common drinks. This includes various types of drinking water, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks,

Read More »

Leave a Comment