Chemistry 1: pH Indicator Lab

Written by Jennifer Cabello and Nick Cordella

In this lab, you will use the juice from red cabbage as a pH indicator to test common household liquids and determine their pH levels. You will mix cabbage juice with different household liquids and see a color change produced by a pigment called flavin (an anthocyanin) in red cabbage. Through this color change, you will be able to successfully identify the approximate pH of common household liquids

Materials needed:
  • Pre-cut Cabbage
  • Blender
  • Strainer
  • Large Container
  • ~1L Beaker
  • 7 plastic cups
  • 7 plastic spoons
  • liquids to test pH (Lemon Soda, White Vinegar, Apple Juice, Baking Soda, Shampoo, Conditioner, and Hand Sanitizer)

Student instructions

Teacher instructions