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
LimitedAt 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet Corn (raw) | 86kcal | 3.3g | 1.4g | 18.7g | 2g |
| Sweet Corn (canned) | 67kcal | 2.3g | 1.2g | 14.3g | 2g |
Oat Flour
LimitedAt 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
Oats
LimitedOats 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolled Oats (dry) | 379kcal | 13.2g | 6.5g | 67.7g | 10.1g |
| Oatmeal (cooked) | 379kcal | 13.2g | 6.5g | 67.7g | 10.1g |
Quinoa
LimitedQuinoa 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | 368kcal | 14.1g | 6.1g | 64.2g | 7g |
| Cooked | 120kcal | 4.4g | 1.9g | 21.3g | 2.8g |
Rice
LimitedRice 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Rice (cooked) | 130kcal | 2.7g | 0.3g | 28.2g | 0.4g |
| Brown Rice (cooked) | 112kcal | 2.3g | 0.8g | 23.5g | 1.8g |
Not Allowed Grains (30)
Amaranth
Not AllowedAmaranth 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
Arrowroot Powder
Not AllowedArrowroot 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
Bagel
Not AllowedAt 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
Barley
Not AllowedBarley 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
Buckwheat
Not AllowedWith 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
Burrito
Not AllowedWith 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
Corn Flakes
Not AllowedCorn 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
Cornmeal
Not AllowedWith 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
Cornstarch
Not AllowedWith 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
Croutons
Not AllowedCroutons 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
English Muffin
Not AllowedAt 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
Fried Rice
Not AllowedWith 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
Granola Bars
Not AllowedGranola 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
Millet
Not AllowedAt 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
Naan
Not AllowedAt 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
Nachos
Not AllowedNachos 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
Pancakes
Not AllowedWith 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
Pasta
Not AllowedPasta 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Pasta (cooked) | 157kcal | 5.8g | 0.9g | 30.6g | 1.8g |
| Whole Wheat Pasta (cooked) | 159kcal | 5.8g | 1.5g | 31.5g | 4.6g |
Pita Bread
Not AllowedWith 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
Pizza
Not AllowedWith 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
Rice Cakes
Not AllowedRice 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
Rice Crackers
Not AllowedAt 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
Rice Noodles
Not AllowedAt 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
Rye Bread
Not AllowedWith 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
Sourdough Bread
Not AllowedSourdough 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
Spelt
Not AllowedAt 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
Tacos
Not AllowedAt 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
Tapioca Starch
Not AllowedTapioca 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
Waffles
Not AllowedAt 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
Wheat Flour
Not AllowedWith 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