Yes, Pink Lady apples are acidic, and they’re one of the more acidic apples you can buy. When the variety was first described in 1993, its breeders reported an average titratable acidity of 0.73%, more than double that of Golden Delicious (0.32%) (Cripps et al., 1993). A 2018 study measured Pink Lady at pH 3.13 to 3.28, with more total acid than Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, or Red Delicious (Mezey and Serralegri, 2018).

That doesn’t make Pink Lady a bad apple. It’s popular precisely because its tartness is balanced by plenty of sugar. But if you have acid reflux or GERD and fruit sometimes bothers you, it helps to know where Pink Lady falls compared with gentler varieties.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how acidic Pink Lady apples are, why they taste sweet-tart, how they compare with other popular apples, and which apple varieties are usually the gentlest choices for people with reflux.

Key Takeaways

• Pink Lady apples are acidic, with a pH of about 3.1 to 3.3 and above-average total acid.
• They’re among the tarter apples. Pink Lady has roughly twice the acid of Golden Delicious and more than Gala, Fuji, or Red Delicious, though less than Granny Smith.
• They also have plenty of sugar, which is why they taste sweet-tart instead of sour.
• No apple is proven “GERD-safe.” But lower-acid apples like Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Envy, Fuji, and Gala may be gentler choices than Pink Lady or Granny Smith.
• Apples aren’t on the NIH’s list of common reflux triggers, and many people with reflux eat them without trouble.
• Eating apples with a meal, in modest portions, is the easiest way to reduce discomfort.

For a broader look at apples, see our main guide, Are Apples Acidic?, and our variety profile, Are Honeycrisp Apples Acidic?

Are Pink Lady Apples Acidic or Alkaline?

Pink Lady apples are acidic, not alkaline or basic. On the pH scale, anything below 7 is acidic. Pink Lady apples measured about pH 3.13 to 3.28 in a 2018 study (Mezey and Serralegri, 2018). That’s well into the acidic range, similar to most apples.

The main acid in Pink Lady, as in all apples, is malic acid. In the 2018 study, malic acid made up most of Pink Lady’s total acid: about 6.9 to 7.3 grams per liter of juice (Mezey and Serralegri, 2018).

Acidic on the plate, alkaline-forming in the body?

You may see apples described as “alkaline” foods. That refers to something different: a food’s estimated effect on the body’s acid load after digestion. Most fruits and vegetables are considered alkaline-forming because they’re rich in potassium and other minerals (Remer and Manz, 1995). Either way, food doesn’t change your blood pH, which your body keeps at about 7.35 to 7.45 (Hopkins et al., StatPearls).

Are Pink Lady apples “acid loving”?

That phrase is about the tree, not the fruit. Apple trees aren’t true acid-loving plants like blueberries. Extension fruit specialists note that apples grow best when soil pH is about 6.0 to 7.0 (apples.extension.org).

How Acidic Are Pink Lady Apples? The Numbers

Two good sources tell us how acidic Pink Lady apples are.

The original variety description (1993)

Pink Lady, also known by its variety name Cripps Pink, was bred by John Cripps at the Stoneville Horticultural Research Station near Perth, Western Australia. It came from a 1973 cross between Lady Williams and Golden Delicious, and was released for commercial testing in 1986 (Cripps et al., 1993).

When the breeders introduced it in HortScience, they compared it with both parent apples:

Source: Cripps, Richards, and Mairata, HortScience, 1993.

Pink Lady inherited most of its acid from Lady Williams and some of its sweetness from Golden Delicious. The breeders described the flesh as “sweet, with an acid balance.”

A 2018 apple comparison study

A study published in the Athens Journal of Sciences measured 11 apple varieties grown both organically and conventionally. Here are Pink Lady’s results (Mezey and Serralegri, 2018):

So, are Pink Lady apples “very acidic”?

Compared with other apples, Pink Lady is on the higher end, but it isn’t the most acidic. In the 2018 study, Granny Smith had more total acid, and so did Kanzi in the organic samples. Compared with truly sour foods like lemon juice (pH 2.0 to 2.6), Pink Lady is far milder (FDA).

Are Pink Lady apples more acidic or less acidic than other apples?

• More acidic than: Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Envy, and Honeycrisp (on average).
• Similar to: Braeburn and Kanzi.
• Less acidic than: Granny Smith.

Why Pink Lady Tastes Sweet-Tart (Not Sour)

If Pink Lady is so acidic, why doesn’t it taste sour? Because it also has plenty of sugar, about 13% soluble solids, according to its breeders (Cripps et al., 1993). Australian agriculture officials describe the variety as having “high sugar with acid balance” (NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development).

Sugar and acid together create Pink Lady’s signature taste: a sweet start with a tangy, refreshing finish. Some people would call it tart, but few would call it sour like a Granny Smith.

This balance is a good reminder that taste isn’t a reliable acid test. We saw the same thing with tomatoes: sweet cherry tomatoes can carry plenty of acid. See Are Cherry Tomatoes Acidic?

Are Pink Lady apples pink inside?

No. The pink-red color is on the skin. The flesh is described as firm, dense, fine, crisp, and juicy, not pink (NSW DPIRD). Apples with pink or red flesh are separate varieties.

Is “Pink Lady” the same as “Cripps Pink”?

Mostly, yes. Cripps Pink is the variety name. Pink Lady is a trademarked brand name used for Cripps Pink apples that meet certain quality standards (NSW DPIRD). So every Pink Lady is a Cripps Pink, but not every Cripps Pink can be sold as a Pink Lady.

Apple Acidity Chart: Pink Lady vs Other Varieties

The 2018 study is especially useful because it measured many varieties side by side. Here are the results for apples grown conventionally (the kind most people buy), ranked from most to least total acid (Mezey and Serralegri, 2018):

Source: Mezey and Serralegri, Athens Journal of Sciences, 2018, Table 4 (conventional production).

A few points to keep in mind:

• These are results from one study, so individual apples will vary with orchard, ripeness, and storage time.
• Total acid matters more for taste than pH in apples, because the pH differences are small.
• Apples lose acid in storage. USDA research notes that all apples lose acid during storage (Good Fruit Grower, quoting USDA’s Dr. Jim Mattheis). A Pink Lady bought late in the season may taste milder than one bought soon after harvest.

Pink Lady vs Honeycrisp vs Granny Smith

These three are often compared at the store. Here’s how they stack up on acid:

Sources: Cripps et al., 1993 (Pink Lady); Good Fruit Grower, quoting USDA’s Dr. Jim Mattheis (Honeycrisp and Granny Smith). Values come from different sources and growing regions, so treat them as general ranges.

If you like a tangy apple but find Granny Smith too sharp, Pink Lady sits in between. If even Pink Lady feels too acidic, Honeycrisp is usually a step milder.

How to Pick a Milder-Tasting Pink Lady

You can’t change an apple’s variety, but you can sometimes choose a gentler Pink Lady:

• Look for full color. Growers in Australia are advised to pick Cripps Pink when its base color shifts from green to yellow, a sign of ripeness (NSW DPIRD). Greener-looking apples may have been picked earlier and may taste sharper.
• Consider the season. Pink Lady is a late-season apple that stores well. Since apples gradually lose acid in storage (Good Fruit Grower), a Pink Lady bought months after harvest may taste a little milder than one bought fresh.
• Pair it with something creamy. Pink Lady slices with yogurt or cheese taste softer and are friendlier to your teeth.

None of these tips turns Pink Lady into a low-acid apple. If you’re very sensitive, choosing a lower-acid variety will make a bigger difference.

GERD-Safe Apple Varieties: Which Apples Are Gentlest?

Let’s be clear about one thing first: no apple variety has been tested and proven “GERD-safe.” There are no clinical studies comparing apple varieties for heartburn. But if acidic foods bother you, it makes sense to start with apples that contain less acid.

Based on the acid measurements above, here’s a practical guide:

Gentler choices (lower acid)

• Red Delicious and Red Chief: The lowest total acid in the 2018 study. USDA physiologist Jim Mattheis also gives Red Delicious just 0.2% to 0.3% titratable acidity at harvest (Good Fruit Grower).
• Envy: Low acid and very sweet in the 2018 study.
• Golden Delicious: Pink Lady’s own parent, with less than half its acid (0.32% vs. 0.73%) (Cripps et al., 1993).
• Fuji and Gala: Moderate acid with lots of sugar.

Middle of the road

• Honeycrisp: Usually 0.3% to 0.7% acid at harvest (Good Fruit Grower). Read more in Are Honeycrisp Apples Acidic?

Tarter choices (higher acid)

• Pink Lady, Braeburn, and Kanzi: Above-average acid.
• Granny Smith: The most acidic common apple.

What about Pink Lady specifically?

If you have mild, occasional reflux and enjoy Pink Lady apples, there’s no reason to give them up automatically. But if you’ve noticed that acidic fruit triggers your symptoms, a lower-acid apple like Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Fuji, or Gala may be a better everyday pick.

Are Pink Lady Apples Good, OK, or Bad for Acid Reflux?

For most people, Pink Lady apples are OK. Apples aren’t on the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases’ (NIDDK) list of foods that commonly worsen reflux. That list names citrus fruits and tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate, coffee and caffeine, high-fat foods, mint, and spicy foods (NIDDK).

But reflux triggers vary. The American College of Gastroenterology’s 2022 guideline advises people with GERD to identify their own trigger foods rather than avoiding long lists of foods (Katz et al., 2022).

So here’s the honest answer:

• Good for acid reflux? There’s no evidence that Pink Lady, or any apple, treats reflux.
• OK for acid reflux? Yes, for many people, especially in moderate portions with a meal.
• Bad for acid reflux? Possibly, if you’re sensitive to acidic fruit. Pink Lady’s higher acid makes it more likely to bother you than a low-acid apple.

Tips for enjoying apples with GERD

1. Choose a lower-acid variety if tart apples bother you.
2. Eat apples with a meal or snack, such as with cottage cheese, yogurt, or a small amount of nut butter.
3. Start with half an apple and see how you feel.
4. Try cooked apples. Some people find baked apples easier to eat, although cooking doesn’t remove the acid.
5. Avoid eating close to bedtime. NIDDK suggests eating meals at least 3 hours before lying down if you have nighttime symptoms (NIDDK).
6. Go easy on apple juice and cider. The FDA lists apple juice at pH 3.35 to 4.00 (FDA), and it’s easy to drink a lot quickly. See Is Apple Cider Safe for Acid Reflux?

For more, read our guide to foods to avoid with GERD. If you have heartburn more than twice a week, trouble swallowing, or symptoms that don’t improve, see your doctor.

Lower-acid fruits to mix in

If you want fruit that’s even gentler than apples, these have a higher pH, according to the FDA (FDA):

• Cantaloupe: pH 6.13 to 6.58
• Bananas: pH 4.50 to 5.29
• Figs: pH 5.05 to 5.98
• Pears (Bartlett): pH 3.50 to 4.60

Are Pink Lady Apples Acidic for Digestion?

Some people search whether Pink Lady apples are “acidic for digestion” or “acidic to eat.” Here’s what to know:

• Your stomach is far more acidic than any apple. Apple acid doesn’t add meaningfully to the strong acid your stomach already makes for digestion.
• Apples contain fiber, about 2.4 grams per 100 grams of raw apple with skin (USDA FDC 171688), which supports regular digestion for most people.
• Discomfort usually comes from portion size or sensitivity, not from the apple’s acid “upsetting” digestion. If raw apples bother your stomach, try smaller portions, peeled apples, or cooked apples.

Are Pink Lady Apples Acidic for Cooking and Baking?

Yes, and that’s often a good thing. Acid gives baked apple dishes their bright, balanced flavor, so desserts don’t taste flat or overly sweet. Pink Lady’s firm, dense flesh (NSW DPIRD) and sweet-tart flavor make it a popular choice for baking.

A few things to know:

• Cooking doesn’t remove the acid. Applesauce, for example, has a pH of 3.10 to 3.60 according to the FDA (FDA).
• Sugar and dairy soften the taste. Pairing baked apples with oats, yogurt, or a little cream makes the dish taste milder.
• Mix varieties. Combining Pink Lady with a sweeter, lower-acid apple like Golden Delicious can give you a balanced flavor that’s a little gentler on sensitive stomachs.

Recipes to try with Pink Lady apples

• Mom’s apple cake: A classic, cozy apple cake.
• Little Brown Bettys: A baked apple dessert similar to an apple crisp.
• Apple cupcakes with apple spice buttercream: A fun fall bake.
• Maple apple muffins: Great for breakfast.
• Apple pie donut holes: A bite-size treat.
• Honeycrisp apple salad: Works beautifully with Pink Lady, too.

Warm spices like cinnamon pair well with tart apples.

Pink Lady Apples and Your Teeth

Because Pink Lady is a higher-acid apple, it’s worth protecting your enamel if you snack on apples often. The American Dental Association recommends eating acidic foods as part of a meal, rinsing with water or having milk or cheese afterward, and waiting about an hour before brushing (American Dental Association).

Read more in Are Apples Good for Your Teeth?

Are Pink Lady Apples Healthy?

Yes. Like other apples, Pink Lady is a low-fat, fiber-rich fruit. USDA FoodData Central doesn’t list Pink Lady separately in its standard reference data, but here’s what it lists for 100 grams of raw apple with skin (USDA FDC 171688):

Values are for apples in general. Pink Lady’s exact numbers may differ slightly.

A few notes:

• Keep the skin on for more fiber.
• If you’re watching blood sugar, pair apples with protein or fat. See Are Apples Good for Diabetics?
• Pink Lady stores well. Australian officials note the variety keeps for up to about four months in storage (NSW DPIRD).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pink Lady apples acidic or alkaline?

Pink Lady apples are acidic, with a pH of about 3.1 to 3.3 in one study. Like most fruits, they’re considered alkaline-forming after digestion, but that doesn’t change your blood pH.

Are Pink Lady apples very acidic?

They’re more acidic than many popular apples, with about 0.73% titratable acidity, but less acidic than Granny Smith and far less acidic than lemon juice.

Are Pink Lady apples more acidic than Honeycrisp?

Usually, yes. Pink Lady averages about 0.73% acid, while Honeycrisp typically ranges from 0.3% to 0.7% at harvest.

Are Pink Lady apples good for acid reflux?

There’s no evidence they help reflux. Many people tolerate them fine, but if acidic fruit bothers you, a lower-acid apple may be a better choice.

Are Pink Lady apples OK for acid reflux?

For many people, yes, especially in moderate portions with a meal. Apples aren’t on NIDDK’s list of common reflux triggers.

What apple is best for GERD?

No apple is proven GERD-safe. Based on acid content, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Envy, Fuji, and Gala are generally gentler than Pink Lady or Granny Smith.

Are Pink Lady apples sour?

Not usually. They’re tart, but their high sugar content balances the acid, so most people describe them as sweet-tart.

Are Pink Lady apples good for baking?

Yes. Their firm flesh and sweet-tart flavor make them a popular baking apple. Cooking doesn’t remove their acid, though.

The Bottom Line

Pink Lady apples are acidic, and they’re on the tarter side for apples. Their pH is about 3.1 to 3.3, and their total acid is roughly twice that of Golden Delicious. Their high sugar content is what keeps them tasting sweet-tart instead of sour.

For most people, Pink Lady apples are a healthy, delicious choice. If you have GERD or find that acidic fruit triggers heartburn, you don’t necessarily need to avoid apples. Instead, try lower-acid varieties like Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Envy, Fuji, or Gala, eat apples with meals, and pay attention to how your body responds.

Want to compare more foods? Explore Are Apples Acidic?, Are Honeycrisp Apples Acidic?, or our complete guide to acidic foods.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical or dental advice. If you have frequent heartburn, GERD, or dental sensitivity, talk with your doctor, dentist, or a registered dietitian.

References

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2. Mezey J, Serralegri D. Selected quantitative parameters comparison of apples from bio- and conventional production. Athens Journal of Sciences. 2018;5(4):343–354. https://doi.org/10.30958/ajs.5-4-3
3. NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Cripps Pink (apple variety profile). https://www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture/pomes/apples/varieties/cripps-pink
4. Good Fruit Grower. How to measure Honeycrisp qualities (quoting Dr. Jim Mattheis, USDA-ARS). https://goodfruit.com/how-to-measure-honeycrisp-qualities
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, CFSAN. Approximate pH of Foods and Food Products. 2007. Copy used: https://riverstonehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/FDA-Approximate-pH-of-Foods.pdf
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8. Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of GERD. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27–56. https://doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000001538
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