The work aims to review the research progress made in the field of natural polymer based pH-responsive intelligent packaging materials in recent years and analyze the methods to improve the stability, sensitivity and accuracy of the pigments, so as to provide a scientific theoretical basis for the further development of pH-responsive intelligent indicator packaging. The realization way and discoloration mechanism of pH-responsive intelligent packaging were introduced. Through the analysis on the status and results of existing research, the methods to improve the stability, sensitivity and accuracy of pH indicator were summarized, and the latest application progress of natural polysaccharides, proteins and lipids as matrix in pH-responsive intelligent packaging materials was discussed to analyze the existing problems and future development trend of natural polymer based pH-responsive intelligent indicator packaging. Natural polymeric materials, including polysaccharides, proteins, lipids and their combinations, have been extensively employed in the field of food preservation and indication films and coatings. The overarching objective of the current research is to enhance the safety and quality of pH-responsive packaging materials, reduce the associated costs and negative environmental impact, and facilitate the industrial production of intelligent packaging.