What is pH?

pH measures the amount of acidity or alkalinity in a food or solution using a numerical scale between 1 and 14. A pH value of 1 is most acidic, a pH value of 7 is neutral, and values above 7 are referred to as basic or alkaline. Acidic and acidified foods have a pH value less than or equal to 4.6. 

What is equilibrium pH?

Equilibrium pH is the pH of a food product after the added acid has reached throughout the food matrix; the pH of added acid and low-acid ingredients have equilibrated. To meet the legal requirements for cottage foods in MN, pH must be 4.6 or below.

Shopping for pH Meters

There are many reliable models in the $50 to $100 range. Recommended features:

• The meter uses at least two buffer solution calibrations, 4.00 and 7.00.
• Buffer solutions expire over time; check the expiration date before using and buy new solutions as needed.
• An accuracy range to at least +/- 0.00 units.

Calibrating and Using

a pH Meter

This pH Meter Calibration and User Guide explains the basic processes for most pH meters.

Sina demonstrates how to use the pH meter to test cottage foods on MFMA's YouTube Channel.