Alkaline Grains Guide

35 items classified under standard Alkaline guidelines.

This guide covers all 35 grains classified under Alkaline guidelines. Alkaline evaluates foods primarily by PRAL score (potential renal acid load), which determines how each item in this category is classified.

Under Alkaline guidelines, nearly every item in the grains category is classified as Not Allowed. The reason is consistent across the category: each item is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. The nutrition data below is still useful for comparing alternatives or understanding what these foods contribute when eaten on other dietary frameworks.

Quick Reference

Food Status Calories (per 100g)
Corn Limited 86kcal
Oat Flour Limited 404kcal
Oats Limited 379kcal
Quinoa Limited 120kcal
Rice Limited 392kcal
Amaranth Not Allowed 23kcal
Arrowroot Powder Not Allowed 65kcal
Bagel Not Allowed 264kcal
Barley Not Allowed 352kcal
Buckwheat Not Allowed 343kcal
Burrito Not Allowed 219kcal
Corn Flakes Not Allowed 44kcal
Cornmeal Not Allowed 398kcal
Cornstarch Not Allowed 381kcal
Croutons Not Allowed 407kcal
English Muffin Not Allowed 227kcal
Fried Rice Not Allowed 174kcal
Granola Bars Not Allowed 471kcal
Millet Not Allowed 378kcal
Naan Not Allowed 311kcal
Nachos Not Allowed 265kcal
Pancakes Not Allowed 282kcal
Pasta Not Allowed 371kcal
Pita Bread Not Allowed 457kcal
Pizza Not Allowed 280kcal
Rice Cakes Not Allowed 392kcal
Rice Crackers Not Allowed 416kcal
Rice Noodles Not Allowed 364kcal
Rye Bread Not Allowed 338kcal
Sourdough Bread Not Allowed 272kcal
Spelt Not Allowed 127kcal
Tacos Not Allowed 170kcal
Tapioca Starch Not Allowed 358kcal
Waffles Not Allowed 309kcal
Wheat Flour Not Allowed 332kcal

Classification Breakdown

5 Limited — These items have roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. 30 Not Allowed — These are acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain.

Blood pH does not change with food, but the eating pattern — produce-forward, low in processed food — is defensible on its own merits.

Limited Grains (5)

Corn

Limited

At 86kcal calories per 100g, Corn falls into the Limited category under Alkaline guidelines. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Among the 35 items in this category, corn sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Quinoa at 120kcal. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Sweet Corn (raw)86kcal3.3g1.4g18.7g2g
Sweet Corn (canned)67kcal2.3g1.2g14.3g2g

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Oat Flour

Limited

At 404kcal calories per 100g, Oat Flour falls into the Limited category under Alkaline guidelines. It is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Beyond the primary classification, oat flour also provides 14.7g protein and 9.1g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Cornmeal at 398kcal. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

404kcalCalories
14.7gProtein
9.1gFat
65.7gCarbs
6.5gFiber

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Oats

Limited

Oats is classified as Limited on Alkaline, with 379kcal calories per 100g. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. It also contains 13.2g protein and 6.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Millet and Cornstarch for calories, ranking 26 of 35. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Rolled Oats (dry)379kcal13.2g6.5g67.7g10.1g
Oatmeal (cooked)379kcal13.2g6.5g67.7g10.1g

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Quinoa

Limited

Quinoa is classified as Limited on Alkaline, with 120kcal calories per 100g. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. It also contains 2.8g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 35 items in this category, quinoa sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Spelt at 127kcal. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Dry368kcal14.1g6.1g64.2g7g
Cooked120kcal4.4g1.9g21.3g2.8g

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Rice

Limited

Rice is classified as Limited on Alkaline, with 392kcal calories per 100g. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. It also contains 7.1g protein and 4.2g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Cornstarch at 381kcal. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
White Rice (cooked)130kcal2.7g0.3g28.2g0.4g
Brown Rice (cooked)112kcal2.3g0.8g23.5g1.8g

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Not Allowed Grains (30)

Amaranth

Not Allowed

Amaranth is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 23kcal calories per 100g. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Among the 35 items in this category, amaranth sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Corn Flakes at 44kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

23kcalCalories
2.5gProtein
0.3gFat
4gCarbs
Fiber

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Arrowroot Powder

Not Allowed

Arrowroot Powder is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 65kcal calories per 100g. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Among the 35 items in this category, arrowroot powder sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Corn at 86kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

65kcalCalories
4.2gProtein
0.2gFat
13.4gCarbs
1.3gFiber

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Bagel

Not Allowed

At 264kcal calories per 100g, Bagel falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, bagel also provides 10.6g protein and 422mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between English Muffin and Nachos for calories, ranking 11 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

264kcalCalories
10.6gProtein
1.3gFat
52.4gCarbs
1.6gFiber

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Barley

Not Allowed

Barley is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 352kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 9.9g protein and 15.6g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Buckwheat and Tapioca Starch for calories, ranking 21 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

352kcalCalories
9.9gProtein
1.2gFat
77.7gCarbs
15.6gFiber

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Buckwheat

Not Allowed

With 343kcal calories per 100g, Buckwheat earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, buckwheat also provides 13.2g protein and 10g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Rye Bread and Barley for calories, ranking 20 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

343kcalCalories
13.2gProtein
3.4gFat
71.5gCarbs
10gFiber

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Burrito

Not Allowed

With 219kcal calories per 100g, Burrito earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, burrito also provides 11.1g protein and 8.5g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Fried Rice and English Muffin for calories, ranking 9 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

219kcalCalories
11.1gProtein
8.5gFat
23.9gCarbs
2.5gFiber

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Corn Flakes

Not Allowed

Corn Flakes is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 44kcal calories per 100g. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Among the 35 items in this category, corn flakes sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Arrowroot Powder at 65kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

44kcalCalories
0.8gProtein
0.2gFat
9.4gCarbs
0.5gFiber

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Cornmeal

Not Allowed

With 398kcal calories per 100g, Cornmeal earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, cornmeal also provides 10.4g protein and 5.4g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Rice Cakes at 392kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

398kcalCalories
10.4gProtein
5.4gFat
76.9gCarbs
8.7gFiber

Compare Cornmeal across all diets

Cornstarch

Not Allowed

With 381kcal calories per 100g, Cornstarch earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Oats at 379kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

381kcalCalories
0.3gProtein
0.1gFat
91.3gCarbs
0.9gFiber

Compare Cornstarch across all diets

Croutons

Not Allowed

Croutons is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 407kcal calories per 100g. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 11.9g protein and 6.6g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Oat Flour at 404kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

407kcalCalories
11.9gProtein
6.6gFat
73.5gCarbs
5.1gFiber

Compare Croutons across all diets

English Muffin

Not Allowed

At 227kcal calories per 100g, English Muffin falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 8.9g protein and 3.5g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Burrito and Bagel for calories, ranking 10 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

227kcalCalories
8.9gProtein
1.7gFat
44.2gCarbs
3.5gFiber

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Fried Rice

Not Allowed

With 174kcal calories per 100g, Fried Rice earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, fried rice also provides 387mg sodium per 100g. Among the 35 items in this category, fried rice sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Burrito at 219kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

174kcalCalories
4.1gProtein
3gFat
32.8gCarbs
1.1gFiber

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Granola Bars

Not Allowed

Granola Bars is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 471kcal calories per 100g. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 10.1g protein and 19.8g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Pita Bread at 457kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

471kcalCalories
10.1gProtein
19.8gFat
64.4gCarbs
5.3gFiber

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Millet

Not Allowed

At 378kcal calories per 100g, Millet falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, millet also provides 11g protein and 8.5g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Pasta and Oats for calories, ranking 25 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

378kcalCalories
11gProtein
4.2gFat
72.8gCarbs
8.5gFiber

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Naan

Not Allowed

At 311kcal calories per 100g, Naan falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, naan also provides 11.1g protein and 7.3g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Waffles and Wheat Flour for calories, ranking 17 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

311kcalCalories
11.1gProtein
7.3gFat
50.2gCarbs
5.2gFiber

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Nachos

Not Allowed

Nachos is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 265kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.6g protein and 15.9g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Bagel and Sourdough Bread for calories, ranking 12 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

265kcalCalories
7.6gProtein
15.9gFat
23.9gCarbs
1.7gFiber

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Pancakes

Not Allowed

With 282kcal calories per 100g, Pancakes earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, pancakes also provides 7.4g protein and 12.1g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Pizza and Waffles for calories, ranking 15 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

282kcalCalories
7.4gProtein
12.1gFat
35.3gCarbs
2.1gFiber

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Pasta

Not Allowed

Pasta is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 371kcal calories per 100g. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 13g protein and 3.2g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Rice Noodles and Millet for calories, ranking 24 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Regular Pasta (cooked)157kcal5.8g0.9g30.6g1.8g
Whole Wheat Pasta (cooked)159kcal5.8g1.5g31.5g4.6g

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Pita Bread

Not Allowed

With 457kcal calories per 100g, Pita Bread earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 11.8g protein and 15.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Rice Crackers at 416kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

457kcalCalories
11.8gProtein
15.2gFat
68.3gCarbs
3.8gFiber

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Pizza

Not Allowed

With 280kcal calories per 100g, Pizza earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 11.7g protein and 12.6g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Sourdough Bread and Pancakes for calories, ranking 14 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

280kcalCalories
11.7gProtein
12.6gFat
29.9gCarbs
1.7gFiber

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Rice Cakes

Not Allowed

Rice Cakes is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 392kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.1g protein and 4.2g fiber per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Rice at 392kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

392kcalCalories
7.1gProtein
4.3gFat
81.1gCarbs
4.2gFiber

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Rice Crackers

Not Allowed

At 416kcal calories per 100g, Rice Crackers falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, rice crackers also provides 10g protein and 233mg sodium per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Croutons at 407kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

416kcalCalories
10gProtein
5gFat
82.6gCarbs
0gFiber

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Rice Noodles

Not Allowed

At 364kcal calories per 100g, Rice Noodles falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, rice noodles also provides 6g protein per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Tapioca Starch and Pasta for calories, ranking 23 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

364kcalCalories
6gProtein
0.6gFat
80.2gCarbs
1.6gFiber

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Rye Bread

Not Allowed

With 338kcal calories per 100g, Rye Bread earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, rye bread also provides 10.3g protein and 15.1g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Wheat Flour and Buckwheat for calories, ranking 19 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

338kcalCalories
10.3gProtein
1.6gFat
75.9gCarbs
15.1gFiber

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Sourdough Bread

Not Allowed

Sourdough Bread is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 272kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 10.8g protein and 2.2g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Nachos and Pizza for calories, ranking 13 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

272kcalCalories
10.8gProtein
2.4gFat
51.9gCarbs
2.2gFiber

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Spelt

Not Allowed

At 127kcal calories per 100g, Spelt falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 5.5g protein and 3.9g fiber per serving. Among the 35 items in this category, spelt sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Tacos at 170kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

127kcalCalories
5.5gProtein
0.9gFat
26.4gCarbs
3.9gFiber

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Tacos

Not Allowed

At 170kcal calories per 100g, Tacos falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. It is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Beyond the primary classification, tacos also provides 6.7g protein and 9.2g fat per 100g. Among the 35 items in this category, tacos sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Fried Rice at 174kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

170kcalCalories
6.7gProtein
9.2gFat
15.1gCarbs
3gFiber

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Tapioca Starch

Not Allowed

Tapioca Starch is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 358kcal calories per 100g. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Within this category, it falls between Barley and Rice Noodles for calories, ranking 22 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

358kcalCalories
0.2gProtein
0gFat
88.7gCarbs
0.9gFiber

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Waffles

Not Allowed

At 309kcal calories per 100g, Waffles falls into the Not Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.4g protein and 9.5g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Pancakes and Naan for calories, ranking 16 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

309kcalCalories
7.4gProtein
9.5gFat
48.4gCarbs
2.6gFiber

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Wheat Flour

Not Allowed

With 332kcal calories per 100g, Wheat Flour earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 9.6g protein and 13.1g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Naan and Rye Bread for calories, ranking 18 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

332kcalCalories
9.6gProtein
2gFat
74.5gCarbs
13.1gFiber

Compare Wheat Flour across all diets