Alkaline Protein Guide
18 items classified under standard Alkaline guidelines.
How do protein fare on the Alkaline diet? The answer depends on PRAL score (potential renal acid load). This guide breaks down all 18 items in this category with their classification, nutritional data, and the reasoning behind each status.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Calories (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Edamame | Allowed | 121kcal |
| Tempeh | Allowed | 192kcal |
| Tofu | Allowed | 94kcal |
| Black Beans | Limited | 181kcal |
| Chickpea Flour | Limited | 387kcal |
| Collagen Peptides | Limited | 360kcal |
| Gelatin | Limited | 381kcal |
| Kidney Beans | Limited | 177kcal |
| Lentil Pasta | Limited | 111kcal |
| Pea Protein | Limited | 180kcal |
| Protein Bars | Limited | 335kcal |
| Protein Powder | Limited | 388kcal |
| Protein Shakes | Limited | 119kcal |
| Soy Protein | Limited | 335kcal |
| Veggie Burger | Limited | 224kcal |
| Whey Protein | Limited | 339kcal |
| Eggs | Not Allowed | 334kcal |
| Greek Yogurt | Not Allowed | 105kcal |
Classification Breakdown
3 Allowed — These protein are alkaline-forming after metabolism — typically vegetables, fruit, or potassium-rich plants. 13 Limited — These items have roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. 2 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.
Allowed Protein (3)
Edamame
AllowedEdamame is classified as Allowed on Alkaline, with 121kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is alkaline-forming after metabolism — typically vegetables, fruit, or potassium-rich plants. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.9g protein and 5.2g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Protein Shakes and Kidney Beans for calories, ranking 5 of 18.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Tempeh
AllowedTempeh is classified as Allowed on Alkaline, with 192kcal calories per 100g. This means it is alkaline-forming after metabolism — typically vegetables, fruit, or potassium-rich plants. It also contains 20.3g protein and 10.8g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Black Beans and Veggie Burger for calories, ranking 9 of 18.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain | 192kcal | 20.3g | 10.8g | 7.6g | — |
| Cooked | 195kcal | 19.9g | 11.4g | 7.6g | — |
Tofu
AllowedAt 94kcal calories per 100g, Tofu falls into the Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. This means it is alkaline-forming after metabolism — typically vegetables, fruit, or potassium-rich plants. Among the 18 items in this category, tofu sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Greek Yogurt at 105kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firm | 144kcal | 17.3g | 8.7g | 2.8g | 2.3g |
| Soft/Silken | 270kcal | 18.8g | 20.2g | 8.9g | 3.9g |
Limited Protein (13)
Black Beans
LimitedWith 181kcal calories per 100g, Black Beans earns a Limited classification on Alkaline. It is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Beyond the primary classification, black beans also provides 8.2g protein and 7g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Pea Protein and Tempeh for calories, ranking 8 of 18. 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 | 341kcal | 21.6g | 1.4g | 62.4g | 15.5g |
| Cooked (boiled) | 132kcal | 8.9g | 0.5g | 23.7g | 8.7g |
| Canned | 91kcal | 4.8g | 1.3g | 15.4g | 6.8g |
Chickpea Flour
LimitedAt 387kcal calories per 100g, Chickpea Flour falls into the Limited category under Alkaline guidelines. The classification reflects that it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 22.4g protein and 6.7g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Gelatin 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
Collagen Peptides
LimitedWith 360kcal calories per 100g, Collagen Peptides earns a Limited classification on Alkaline. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. It also contains 90g protein and 300mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Whey Protein at 339kcal. 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
Gelatin
LimitedAt 381kcal calories per 100g, Gelatin falls into the Limited category under Alkaline guidelines. The classification reflects that it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.8g protein and 466mg sodium per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Collagen Peptides at 360kcal. 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
Kidney Beans
LimitedKidney Beans is classified as Limited on Alkaline, with 177kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 8.1g protein and 7g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Edamame and Pea Protein for calories, ranking 6 of 18. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | 337kcal | 22.5g | 1.1g | 61.3g | 15.2g |
| Cooked (boiled) | 127kcal | 8.7g | 0.5g | 22.8g | 7.4g |
Lentil Pasta
LimitedAt 111kcal calories per 100g, Lentil Pasta falls into the Limited category under Alkaline guidelines. The classification reflects that it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 5.7g fat and 3.4g fiber per serving. Among the 18 items in this category, lentil pasta sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Protein Shakes at 119kcal. 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
Pea Protein
LimitedWith 180kcal calories per 100g, Pea Protein earns a Limited classification on Alkaline. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. It also contains 14g fat and 2.7g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Kidney Beans and Black Beans for calories, ranking 7 of 18. 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
Protein Bars
LimitedAt 335kcal calories per 100g, Protein Bars falls into the Limited category under Alkaline guidelines. It is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Beyond the primary classification, protein bars also provides 88.3g protein and 1000mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Eggs and Soy Protein for calories, ranking 12 of 18. 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
Protein Powder
LimitedProtein Powder is classified as Limited on Alkaline, with 388kcal calories per 100g. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. It also contains 55.6g protein and 5.6g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Chickpea Flour at 387kcal. 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
Protein Shakes
LimitedProtein Shakes is classified as Limited on Alkaline, with 119kcal calories per 100g. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Among the 18 items in this category, protein shakes sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Edamame at 121kcal. 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
Soy Protein
LimitedAt 335kcal calories per 100g, Soy Protein falls into the Limited category under Alkaline guidelines. It is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Beyond the primary classification, soy protein also provides 88.3g protein and 1000mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Protein Bars and Whey Protein for calories, ranking 13 of 18. 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
Veggie Burger
LimitedVeggie Burger is classified as Limited on Alkaline, with 224kcal calories per 100g. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. It also contains 13g protein and 5.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Tempeh and Eggs for calories, ranking 10 of 18. 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
Whey Protein
LimitedAt 339kcal calories per 100g, Whey Protein falls into the Limited category under Alkaline guidelines. The classification reflects that it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.7g protein and 968mg sodium per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Soy Protein at 335kcal. 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
Not Allowed Protein (2)
Eggs
Not AllowedEggs is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 334kcal 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 16.2g protein and 28.8g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Veggie Burger and Protein Bars for calories, ranking 11 of 18.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Egg (raw) | 143kcal | 12.6g | 9.5g | 0.7g | 0g |
| Egg White (raw) | 52kcal | 10.9g | 0.2g | 0.7g | 0g |
| Egg Yolk (raw) | 322kcal | 15.9g | 26.5g | 3.6g | 0g |
Greek Yogurt
Not AllowedAt 105kcal calories per 100g, Greek Yogurt 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, greek yogurt also provides 8.2g protein per 100g. Among the 18 items in this category, greek yogurt sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Lentil Pasta at 111kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain (whole milk) | 97kcal | 9g | 5g | 4g | 0g |
| Plain (nonfat) | 61kcal | 10.3g | 0.4g | 3.6g | — |