Are Hemp Seeds Acidic or Alkaline?
Hemp seeds (raw) are strongly acid-forming: Positive PRAL: acid-forming after digestion.
Classification
Hemp seeds reach +35.0, one of the highest values among plant foods. They are very high in protein and contain an extreme amount of phosphorus, more than magnesium and potassium can offset. That makes them a protein source, not an alkaline one. Even one tablespoon in muesli or a smoothie adds noticeable acid, but fruit alongside quickly balances it out.
In the Nuts & Seeds category, hemp seeds (raw) rank #29 of 29, sorted from alkaline to acid-forming. More alkaline options include Pumpkin seeds (+17.0), Tahini (+12.3), Sunflower seeds (+11.9).
Acidic or alkaline: PRAL, not pH
On this site, acidic and alkaline refer to the PRAL (potential renal acid load). It estimates what a food leaves behind once it has been digested: a positive value is acid-forming, a negative value is alkalizing. That is different from the pH of the food itself: a lemon tastes sour, yet its PRAL is −4.0, so it is alkalizing. Your diet does not change your blood pH. It does change how much acid your kidneys have to deal with.
What balances hemp seeds
A handful (30 g) of hemp seeds adds +10.5 to your daily balance. These three bring it back; the grams shown offset exactly this serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hemp seeds acidic?
It depends on what you mean by acidic. The pH describes the food itself, for example how sour it tastes. The PRAL describes what it leaves behind after digestion: Hemp seeds (raw) have a PRAL of +35.0 per 100 g, so they count as strongly acid-forming in your daily acid-base balance.
How much kale offsets a handful (30 g) of hemp seeds?
A handful (30 g) of hemp seeds adds +10.5 to your daily balance. Kale (fresh) has −11.7 per 100 g, so about 90 g of kale offset this serving.
Do I have to avoid hemp seeds on an alkaline diet?
No. What counts is the balance of the whole day, not a single food. Hemp seeds are strongly acid-forming; with enough vegetables, potatoes and fruit on the same plate, the meal stays balanced.
Hemp Seeds logged, balance checked.
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Compare all Nuts & Seeds: Nuts & Seeds table. Common questions are answered in Acidic or Alkaline?, and the PRAL calculator adds up a whole meal.
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.