The actual question here: ‘is tomato juice acidic or basic?’ Tomatoes are one of the most common things found in people’s kitchens, and they are versatile and can be used in many recipes to spice things up and add color.
Many people enjoy the savory taste of tomato juice for beverages like Bloody Marys or Caesars.
Unfortunately, because of its acidic nature, tomato juice can cause discomfort.
There are several acids found in tomatoes, so tomato juice is acidic. These acids are a good thing and contribute to your overall health.
Is Tomato Juice Acidic or Basic?
Tomato juice is acidic. A ph scale measures acidity, and the scale goes from 0 to 14.
The lower end of the scale is the most acidic, and the ph level of tomatoes falls between 4.3 and 4.9.
The word acid might make you shudder, but in this case, acid is not necessarily a bad thing.
Citric, ascorbic, and malic acid are all found in tomatoes. These acids play a vital role in producing and releasing energy in the body, and they can also help reduce the risk of specific ailments.
Citric acid is the most commonly found natural acid in tomatoes, and this acid is highly beneficial to your overall health.
The increased intake of citric acid can reduce the development of kidney stones and reduce the risk of developing gout.
Ascorbic acid is more commonly known as vitamin C. There are significant quantities of ascorbic acid in tomatoes.
The human body cannot create and store vitamin C. You must get as much as you can from dietary means.
Malic acid is most prominent in tomatoes during the earlier stages of ripening.
The malic acid gives tomatoes its sour taste, and it remains consistent throughout the ripening process. Malic acid can treat stomach ulcers.
In addition to acids, you can also find sugars in tomatoes. Tomatoes contain fructose and glucose, and these sugars are linked to acidity, and both increase together.
Glucose is a source of energy for the body. Glucose found in tomatoes is absorbed and transported to the liver. The liver metabolizes it and releases it into the bloodstream.
Your body extracts the glucose from the blood and uses it as energy. Insulin is needed to metabolize glucose.
Tip: Having a glass of tomato juice is a great way to boost energy when you feel tired.
Fructose is another sugar found in tomatoes, and this sugar does not need insulin, and fructose is tolerated better by people with diabetes.
Why is Tomato Juice so acidic?
Tomato juice is acidic because tomatoes have a high content of acids.
It is not as acidic as some other juices, but it contains enough acidity to cause problems with acid reflux.
Some manufacturers add acid to their tomato juice to extend the tomato juice’s shelf life and prevent bacteria from forming.
It is best to check the label to see the citric or ascorbic acid levels.
Why is Some Tomato Juice More Acidic Than Others?
You will find some differences in the acidity of different types of tomato juice. So, is tomato juice an acid or a base? It is considered an acid.
Tomato juice will be lower in acidity than raw tomatoes because it is processed. Making tomato juice usually involves removing the skin where we find most of the fiber.
People who can eat raw tomatoes benefit from the fiber found just under the skin, which helps soak up excess acid in the stomach.
So, if you like tomatoes, you might think that drinking tomato juice is a great idea.
Unfortunately, the tomato juice that does not have this fiber will usually flare-ups for people with acid reflux.
The acidity will also depend on the type of tomatoes used to make the tomato juice, and it also depends on the level of ripeness of the tomatoes used. Riper tomatoes tend to be less acidic.
Can You Make Tomato Juice Less Acidic?
Yes, you can undoubtedly make tomato juice less acidic. If you find that drinking tomato juice is causing you some discomfort, add baking soda.
The baking soda will balance the ph level in the juice, and it will have less of an effect on your stomach.
Is Tomato Juice a Healthy Option?
Yes, tomato juice is a very healthy option for people who do not suffer from acid reflux.
Tomato juice is a tasty drink that contains many vitamins and minerals. Drinking just one glass of tomato juice covers your daily needs for vitamin C and fulfills 22% of your vitamin A requirements in the form of carotenoids.
Carotenoids convert into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision and tissue maintenance. Carotenoids also act as powerful antioxidant that protects your cells. They help your cells from breaking down.
Tomato juice has magnesium and potassium, which are essential for your heart health.
Tomato juice is also an excellent source of vitamin B, which contributes to a healthy metabolism.
Tomato juice also contains Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from damage, and Lycopene is known to reduce inflammation in your body.
Tip: Drinking just one glass of tomato juice a day helps you meet your daily requirements of vitamins.
Different Types of Tomato Juice
There are several different types of tomato juice. You can enjoy tomato juice that you make at home, and you can buy canned or bottled tomato juice at the grocery store.
The best way to enjoy tomato juice with low acidity is to make it yourself.
Homemade tomato juice is probably the best tasting juice that you can have.
With anything, homemade is always the best. You have the luxury of making it to suit your taste. If you are ambitious, you can grow your tomatoes.
You can lower the acidity in your tomato juice by choosing low in acid tomatoes.
You can make your tomato juice when your tomatoes are ripe or even overripe.
Please choose your favorite tomatoes and let them ripen. The healthiest way to make your tomato juice is to leave the skin on so your juice will be full of fiber.
Throw your tomatoes in a blender or juicer, and you instantly have a healthy drink.
You can also add baking soda to balance the ph in your tomato juice.
Homemade juice will have a much different consistency than the juice you buy at the store, and it will be thicker and might take some getting used to the texture.
Making juice from cooked tomatoes is also easy. Dice your tomatoes and cook for about twenty minutes. Let your tomatoes cool for about twenty minutes, and then put them through a sieve.
You can add whatever spice to your tomato juice that you enjoy. Knowing what is in your tomato juice can give you the peace of mind that you are drinking a healthy juice with no additives.
Tip: You can add sugar to your tomato juice to make it less sour.
Who Should not Drink Tomato Juice?
Tomato juice is a healthy choice for most, but some people should avoid it.
People with acid reflux disease should avoid this drink because of its acidity, and tomato juice can trigger reflux episodes in people with no history of the disease.
People suffering from gastritis should also avoid tomato juice because of its acidity.
Anyone who has an ulcer should stay away from tomato juice because the acid in the juice will irritate the condition.
If you have teeth sensitivity, tomato juice can worsen, and the acidity can erode the enamel on your teeth.
Read Next: Best Substitute For Tomato Sauce In Stuffed Peppers
FAQ’s
Is tomato juice good for you?
Yes, tomato juice is an excellent choice for a healthy diet. It has many vitamins and minerals, and it also has Lycopene which has a variety of health benefits.
Does tomato juice go bad?
If unopened, tomato juice will last 3-6 months. Once opened, it will stay in the refrigerator for five days to a week.
What happens if you drink too much tomato juice?
Drinking too much tomato juice can cause severe acid reflux in your system as you know the answer to the question “is tomato juice is acidic or basic?”.
You will have an excess of gastric acid in your stomach.
Tomato juice is an acidic drink, but it is not as acidic as other fruit drinks such as orange or pineapple juice.
If you enjoy tomato juice’s taste and do not suffer from acid reflux, then it is a healthy option.