Acidity AACC International Method 02-31.

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Titratable Acidity
Final approval April 13, 1961; Reapproval November 3, 1999

Objective
Titratable acidity or acid content (ml) is measured by the amount of 0.1N
NaOH (ml) required to neutralize an acid solution. The method is applicable to
nonfat dry milk.

Apparatus
1. Buret graduated in 0.1-ml divisions.
2. Casserole, white glazed porcelain, 50-ml capacity.
3. Pipet, volumetric, 17.6 ml.

Reagents
1. Phenolphthalein indicator, 1%. Prepare by dissolving 1 g phenolphthalein
in 50 ml 95% ethyl alcohol and diluting to 100 ml with water.
2. NaOH, 0.1N standardized solution (Method 70-70.01).

Procedure
1. Dissolve and disperse 10 g of sample in 100 ml water and mix thoroughly.
Let stand approximately 1 hr. Stir gently, and then pipet 17.6 ml into porcelain
casserole. Rinse out same pipet with 17.6 ml water and add this to sample in
casserole.
2. Add 0.5 ml phenolphthalein indicator and titrate with standardized 0.1N
NaOH until faint pink color persists for 30 sec. Caution: NaOH is extremely
caustic. Protect skin and eyes. Add pellets to water and not water to pellets.

Calculation
ml 0.1N NaOH required
Percent acid as lactic acid =
20

References
AOAC International. 1995. Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International, 16th ed. Method
947.05. The Association, Arlington, VA.

doi: 10.1094/AACCIntMethod-02-31.01