pH Meters for Food in Australia (and Why pH is Extremely Important to Measure!)
This article introduces what pH is, and lists how pH can affect food quality while providing examples of the tools needed for measuring pH to make foods stable, safe and delicious.
What is a Food pH Meter?
Table 1 – Food pH Scale
The majority of foods for human consumption fall into the pH range of 3-8.
Why Food pH Meters Are So Important for Ensuring Food Quality and Safety in Australia
The table below highlights six key ways that pH can impact food safety and quality.
Table 2 – pH Effects on Food
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1. Flavour |
pH can provide sour, tart or acidic tastes in food. Eg. Citric acid |
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2. Texture |
pH can affect the water holding capacity of some foods, impacting texture. pH can also have an impact on the hard or softness of items such as cheese. |
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3. Appearance |
The pH level plays a part in changes in pigmentation as well as the development of haze in some products. Eg Anthocyanins in some fruits change colour depending on pH. |
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4. Shelf Stability |
pH works to prevent spoilage by inhibiting bacterial growth. Lower pH can inhibit microbial growth. Most bacteria will not grow at levels below 4.6pH. |
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5. Fermentation |
pH can affect bacteria used in the production of fermented food E.g. For Yoghurt the required pH for this is ≤4.5 (FSANZ). |
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6. Safety |
Acidic pH levels can be used to control foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Clostridium Botulinum and Bacillus Cereus |
Monitoring the pH of food using a quality food pH meter and adjusting levels as required, is a smart way to help ensure great-tasting food that also complies with Quality Management and Food Safety System standards.
What You Need to Test the pH of Foods in Australia
Here’s a list of the important items:
1. A pH meter with:
- Minimum two-point calibration – Adjusting the pH to two points along the linear pH equation ensures your meter is accurate.
- Temperature compensation – Temperature affects pH. Temperature compensation takes the temperature of the sample into account when taking a pH reading and adjusts as necessary. Allowing more precise results.
- 0.01 pH resolution – Enables more precise pH readings.
For a typical Australian example of such a food pH meter see table 3.
2. An electrode:
- Built with the glass and the reference electrode in one –Easier to use and store a singular electrode.
- Fill solutions (if required) – Depending on the type, some electrodes may require fill solutions.
For an Australian example(s) of a device with such an electrode table 3.
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IC TIP: Ask one of our Scientists about application-specific electrodes and pH meters |
3. Calibration solutions.
- For the recommended two-point calibration, select buffers that sit on either side of the expected sample pH. For most food applications, pH 4.01 and 7.01 are suitable for this.
For examples of calibration solutions for food pH meters used in Australia see our calibration solutions available on Instrument Choice.
4. Cleaning Solutions:
- It is incredibly important to maintain a clean electrode for accurate results.
See examples of cleaning solutions for food pH meters recommended by Australian scientists
5. Storage solutions:
- Such solutions are used to keep the electrode bulb of a food pH meter hydrated and to ensure accurate results.
Find some Australian examples of storage solutions here
Selecting the Right Tools for Measuring pH in Food Makes the Job Simple!
The range of pH meters for food production is huge. While some applications may only require instruments that offer general functionality, others may demand more specialised or more accurate equipment. To illustrate this, in the table below you can compare the features and specifications of some example food-grade pH meters. If you’d like more information or examples you can browse these products and many more examples of food pH meters in the Instrument Choice online store
Table 3 – Examples of Food pH Meter Used in Australia
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pH 22 LAQUAtwin Compact Food pH Meter - pH-22
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Food pH/temperature Meter for Semi-solid Substances - 0563-2062 |
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| Type | Portable | Portable | Benchtop | Benchtop |
| Ideal Applications |
Great for liquids and semi-solids such as sushi rice, condiments, cured meats, dairy products, brewing and more. | Great for liquids and semi-solids such as meats, fruit, condiments, cheese and dairy products. | With the included electrode the Edge is great for liquid dairy products, juice, condiments and more. See the Instrument Choice website for more electrode options. | With the included electrode the Laqua PH110-s is great for liquid dairy products, juice, condiments and more. Semi solids such as cheese, meats and more with compatible probe 3 in 1 Electrode 6252-10D. |
| Industries | Portable and versatile this can be used from food court sushi stores, high-end kitchens to food production and manufacturing. | Portable and versatile this can be used from food court sushi stores, high-end kitchens to food production and manufacturing. | Food science laboratories, QA laboratories, Manufacturing and production line verification. | Food science laboratories, QA laboratories, Manufacturing and production line verification. |
| Resolution | 0.01pH | 0.01pH | 0.01pH | 0.1 or 0.01pH |
| Accuracy | ±0.01pH | ±0.02pH | ±0.01pH | ±0.01pH |
| Connectivity | None | None | Two USB ports | RS232C output for printer or computer |
| Logging | None | None | Yes – Manual and automatic options. Store up to 1000 points. | None |
| Automatic Temperature Compensation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes – Automatic or Manual |
| Calibration Points | 3 point | 1, 2 or 3-point calibration | 3 point | 5 point |
| Electrode – glass and reference electrode in one | All-in-one | All-in-one | The included electrode is All-in-one. Other electrodes are available. | The included electrode is All-in-one. Other electrodes are available. |
| Semi solids vs liquids | Both semi-solids and liquids | Both semi-solids and liquids | Liquids only with the supplied electrode. Electrodes for semi-solids available for purchase here. | Liquids only with the supplied electrode. Compatible electrode for semi-solids available here 3 in 1 Electrode 6252-10D. |
| Measurement range | 0 to 14pH | 0 to 14pH | -2.00 to 16.00pH | -2.00 to 19.99pH |
Conclusion
Food pH meters are vital yet inexpensive devices that play a key role in food production to help ensure food quality and safety. Getting the right meter for your application is important, as is getting the best value for money. Instrument Choice scientists are experts in guiding each customer to the right products for their needs and budget. They are also a great resource of hints and tips when it comes to how to use and care for scientific equipment.
If you would like more examples of food-grade pH meters available in Australia click here.
Need help choosing the best food pH meter for your Australian application? Call one of our friendly scientists on 1300 737 871 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help!
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