Are dairy foods acidic?

Last updated 31/01/2025

Theories exist that dairy foods are acidic and that this causes calcium to leach from the bones to neutralise the acid, which would in turn affect bone health. The science does not support this theory.

Milk and other dairy foods are not acid producing and do not make the body acidic.¹ Systemic or blood pH is not influenced by diet.

Milk, cheese and yoghurt are the richest sources of calcium in the Australian diet while also supplying phosphorus, protein and other bone building nutrients.

These nutrients have a proven role in bone health and studies have specifically shown that consuming milk and other dairy foods leads to positive calcium levels, and more calcium is absorbed than excreted .² This helps bones become stronger and reduces risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life.

If we don’t eat enough calcium rich foods (and protein), calcium will be taken from the bones to be used for other body functions and over time bones will become weak and brittle.