Healthy foods that are acidic in nature are an important part of nutrition, just as foods that are alkaline in nature. In order to find the balance between the two, which is an essential part of maintaining a healthy metabolism, it is necessary to identify the nature of foods. The University of Tennessee advises that foods acidic in nature are those with a natural pH of 4.6 or less.
Fruits and Processed Sweets
Most fruits have an acidic composition, especially when fully ripe. Pineapples, pears, peaches, apples, apricots, mangoes, grapes, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are acidic in nature. Mandarin oranges have an acidic quality as well as sweet cherries, dates, cantaloupes and cranberries. According to the Australian Dental Journal, citrus fruits, fruit juices and wine, all of which are acidic, leave an acid-base residue on teeth. Processed sweet foods have an acid-producing effect on the body, such as cakes, cookies, pies, donuts, ice cream, yogurt and most dairy products. Natural sugar from fruit and refined sugar in baked goods and sweets are opposite of alkaline, or salt-base substances, and therefore they are highly acidic in nature. Foods with added sugar guarantee acid producing results.
Meats and Fats
Meats are naturally acid producing. Since beef, veal, lamb, pork, chicken and turkey are acidic in nature, all forms of processed meats, such as lunch meats, hot dogs, hamburgers or sausages become acidic foods. Butter, milk, cheese and eggs follow suit. Unhealthy acidic, saturated fats are derived from animal fat products such as lard or bacon fat, palm and coconut oils. Cashews, pecans and peanuts are snack foods that are acidic in nature.
Bread, Pasta, Drinks and Spices
White bread is an acid-producing food, as are white flour products like English muffins, biscuits, bagels and rolls. Wheat flour and its derivatives are also on the acid side of the balance sheet. This includes wheat germ and wheat bran. Certain pasta products -- such as spaghetti, macaroni or ravioli -- made from seminole create acidity. Other acid producers are coffee, caffeinated drinks and soda. Not only bland foods make the acidic list, but also spicy sauces and foods have a tendency to produce an acidic effect.
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