Is Quark Acidic or Alkaline?
Acid-forming. Full-fat quark comes in at +6.4, semi-fat quark at +8.9 and low-fat quark at +9.4 per 100 g, and the leaner the quark, the higher its protein content and its PRAL.
Why quark is acid-forming
Quark is a fresh, high-protein dairy product similar to strained yogurt. It is essentially concentrated milk protein, and protein, along with phosphorus, is the main reason for positive PRAL values. Many people are surprised that low-fat quark scores highest. When the fat is removed, more protein is left in every 100 g. That makes low-fat quark a good protein source for athletes, but the least favorable option for your acid-base balance.
A 150 g serving of low-fat quark adds about +14.1. That is more than two eggs (+12.8), and fruit can only partly offset it: one banana (−7.6) takes back a good half. Quark on its own, or with nuts and flaxseeds, stays clearly acid-forming.
Acidic or alkaline: PRAL, not pH
The PRAL (potential renal acid load) estimates what a food leaves behind after digestion. It is not the pH of the food itself: a lemon tastes sour, yet its PRAL is −4.0. If you are asking whether quark is acidic because of heartburn or reflux, that is a question of pH and your stomach, which the PRAL does not measure; talk to your doctor about it.
Quark in different forms: raw, cooked, processed
How the PRAL changes with state and product. All values per 100 g or 100 ml.
| Food | PRAL |
|---|---|
| Curd cheese (raw) | +6.4 |
| Curd cheese, semi-fat (raw) | +8.9 |
| Curd cheese, low-fat (raw) | +9.4 |
| Cottage cheese, regular (4% fat) (raw) | +8.8 |
| Cream cheese (raw) | +3.0 |
Alkaline foods that balance it
Frequently Asked Questions
Is low-fat quark acidic?
Yes. It is the most acid-forming type of quark (+9.4 per 100 g) because it has the highest protein content.
Is cottage cheese less acidic than quark?
No. At +8.8, cottage cheese is in the same range: above full-fat quark (+6.4) and just below semi-fat (+8.9) and low-fat quark (+9.4). Cream cheese, at +3.0, is the mildest option in this group.
Quark and everything else on your plate: calculated automatically.
Basentracker adds up the PRAL of every meal and shows whether your day is in the alkaline range. Over 950 foods, photo scan, recipes, free.
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More dairy compared
All dairy with their PRAL: Dairy table. Back to the overview Acidic or Alkaline?, or put together a meal in the PRAL calculator.
Source: Basentracker food database (PRAL according to Remer & Manz, calculated from protein, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium per 100 g). This information does not replace medical advice.