What Is the pH of Lemon Juice?

Lemons are extremely acidic. Any chemical with a pH less than 7 is considered acidic. Lemon juice has a pH of around 2.0, ranging between 2 and 3. To put that in perspective, the pH of battery acid (sulfuric acid) is 1.0, while the pH of an apple is about 3.0. Vinegar (a weak acetic acid) has a pH comparable to lemon juice, around 2.2. The pH of soda is about 2.5.

The Acids in Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains two acids. The juice is about 5-8% citric acid, which accounts for the tart flavor. Lemons also contain ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C.

Lemon Juice and Your Body

Although lemons are acidic, drinking lemon juice really does not have an impact on the pH of your body. Drinking lemon juice increases the acidity of urine, as the kidneys rid the body of excess acid. The pH of the blood is maintained between 7.35 and 7.45, regardless of how much lemon juice you drink. While some people believe lemon juice has an alkalizing effect on the digestive system because of its mineral content, there is no scientific data to support this claim.

The acid in lemon juice will attack tooth enamel. Eating lemons and drinking lemon juice can put you at risk for tooth decay. Lemons are not only acidic but also contain a surprisingly high amount of natural sugars, so dentists typically caution patients about eating them.