<p>An alkaline battery includes: a negative electrode including a zinc or zinc alloy powder as an active material; an alkaline electrolyte; and a positive electrode. The zinc or zinc alloy powder has a specific surface area of 0.01 to 10 m 2 /g, and the weight ratio of the electrolyte to the negative electrode active material is in the range of 0.1 to 2. This invention can provide an alkaline battery that is improved in electrolyte leakage resistance and high-rate discharge characteristics.</p>