If you follow this blog, you will know that I have been living with gastritis for the past few years. It’s a potentially debilitating ailment, but if you follow the guidelines, you can live well enough without constant pain. One of these guidelines relates to staying away from acidic foods. But are potatoes acidic?
The pH of Potatoes: Acidic or Alkaline?
The pH scale ranges from 0 (very acidic), to 14 (very alkaline), with 7 being neutral. Most fruits and vegetables fall somewhere on the alkaline side, and potatoes are no exception.
The table below shows the PH levels of potatoes prepared in various ways;
| Potato Preparation | Approximate pH Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Potatoes | 5.4 – 5.9 | Naturally slightly acidic due to organic acids like citric and malic acid. |
| Boiled Potatoes | 5.6 – 6.0 | Boiling leaches some acids into water, slightly increasing pH. |
| Steamed Potatoes | 5.8 – 6.1 | Less leaching than boiling; slightly less acidic. |
| Mashed Potatoes | 6.0 – 6.5 | Added milk, cream, and butter raise pH. |
| Baked Potatoes | 5.9 – 6.3 | Moisture loss concentrates compounds but may slightly raise pH. |
| Fried Potatoes (Fries/Chips) | 5.8 – 6.2 | Surface drying and Maillard reaction; fat has minimal effect on pH. |
| Potato Salad | 3.5 – 4.5 (with vinegar) | Acidic due to vinegar or mustard-based dressings. |
| Scalloped Potatoes | 6.0 – 6.4 | Cream and cheese raise pH to near neutral. |
| Instant Potatoes | 5.5 – 6.2 | Depends on added ingredients and processing. |
| Fermented Potatoes | 4.0 – 5.0 | Lactic acid bacteria lower pH significantly. |
Raw potatoes have a pH between 5.4 and 5.9, which puts them slightly on the acidic side. However, when cooked, especially boiled or baked without heavy seasoning, they tend to have a mildly alkaline effect on the body.
In other words, while technically on the acidic side when raw, potatoes are generally considered neutral to mildly alkaline when prepared properly.
Gastritis and Acidic Foods
Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, can cause discomfort, bloating, nausea, and even sharp abdominal pain. One of the most common triggers? The food you eat, especially acidic foods.
Acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar-based dressings, and carbonated beverages can irritate the already sensitive stomach lining in people with gastritis. While these foods might not cause gastritis directly, they can certainly worsen the symptoms.
If you suffer from gastritis, it’s helpful to steer clear of high-acid foods and opt for more soothing alternatives like oatmeal, bananas, and non-citrus fruits. Also, small, frequent meals and staying hydrated with non-caffeinated, non-carbonated drinks can help reduce flare-ups.
Always consult a healthcare professional for a personalized plan, but in general, listening to your body and adjusting your diet can make a significant difference in managing gastritis symptoms.
Acidic foods, spicy dishes, and anything that could irritate your stomach lining might be on your “avoid” list. But what about potatoes? They’re a common staple in many diets, but are they safe for your sensitive stomach?
Potatoes and Stomach Health
Potatoes are very good for people suffering from gastritis. In fact, they are one of the foods that I personally eat without any problems. Of cause, preparation is key.
Fried potatoes (French fries) may not be that good. Though frying does not change the PH value, the fat can be hard to digest. As such, you may need to limit your intake.
For someone dealing with gastritis or a peptic ulcer, minimizing acid production and reducing irritation to the stomach lining is key. Here’s why plain, cooked potatoes can actually be beneficial:
- Soothing effect: Soft, bland foods like boiled or mashed potatoes are gentle on the stomach.
- No acidity spike: Unlike citrus fruits or tomatoes, potatoes do not trigger acid production.
- High in fiber: Especially when eaten with the skin, potatoes contain insoluble fiber, which supports digestion without aggravating ulcers.
- Nutrient-rich: Potatoes offer vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins—nutrients that can support healing.
Best Ways to Eat Potatoes with Gastritis or Ulcers
To get the most benefit without triggering symptoms:
- Boil, bake, or steam – avoid frying, which adds fat and irritants.
- Skip heavy spices – no hot sauce, black pepper, or acidic toppings like vinegar.
- Pair wisely – combine with lean proteins or cooked vegetables rather than acidic foods.
What to Avoid
Even though potatoes themselves are not a problem, how you prepare them can make a big difference.
Avoid:
- French fries and chips (high fat and salt). We have already talked about this.
- Potato dishes with sour cream, cheese, or spicy toppings
- Heavily seasoned or processed potato products
The Bottom Line
Are potatoes acidic? Technically, raw ones are mildly acidic, but when cooked simply, they’re neutral to alkaline and very stomach-friendly.
For anyone with gastritis or a peptic ulcer, plain cooked potatoes are generally a safe and soothing food choice. Just be mindful of how you prepare them, and skip the extras that might upset your stomach.
As always, talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if you’re unsure about how a specific food fits into your healing plan.