ALKALINE DRY BATTERY

An alkaline battery which is superior in high-rate discharge characteristics and in moderate- and low-rate discharge characteristics is provided. An alkaline battery according to the present invention includes a closed-end cylindrical battery case 8 housing a hollow cylindrical positive electrode 2, a negative electrode 3 disposed in a hollow portion of the positive electrode 2, a separator 4 sandwiched between the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3, and an alkaline electrolyte. The negative electrode 3 includes a zinc porous body. The alkaline electrolyte includes 0.1% to 2% by mass, both inclusive, of a surfactant having an average molecular weight of 120 to 350, both inclusive, with respect to a mass of zinc in the negative electrode 3. A capacity balance of the negative electrode / the positive electrode calculated under a condition in which MnO 2 included in the positive electrode 2 has a theoretical capacity of 308 mAh/g and Zn included in the negative electrode 3 has a theoretical capacity of 820 mAh/g, is in the range from 0.9 to 1.1, both inclusive.