Green Tea Acidic? Is Tea Bad for Acid Reflux?

If you’ve ever wondered whether green tea is acidic or if sipping your favorite cup might be bad for acid reflux, you’re not alone.

Tea is one of the world’s most commonly drunk beverages, but it often raises questions about its acidity, digestion, and health benefits.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from the pH level of tea to whether green tea is actually acidic or alkaline, and how that affects your stomach.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect from your cup of green tea, and whether you should keep it on your daily menu.

What Makes Tea Acidic in the First Place?

Since tea are processed from the camellia sinensis plant leaves, that naturally contains compounds like caffeine, polyphenols, and tannins. These compounds give tea its unique tea taste but also influence how acidic or alkaline it is.

When tea leaves are brewed, the compounds interact with water, creating varying acidity levels depending on the type of tea, how it’s prepared, and even how much you drink.

On the pH scale between 0 to 14, tea is typically mildly acidic in nature, with most teas falling between 5 and 6. That means tea is acidic but less acidic than coffee and other acidic beverages like soda. Still, for someone dealing with acid reflux symptoms, even mildly acidic tea can sometimes trigger discomfort.

It’s also worth noting that acidity in tea changes with brewing time. A quick brew may result in less acidic tea, while longer steeping can make the tea more acidic in taste and effect.

Is Green Tea Acidic Compared to Other Teas?

Green tea is often seen as gentler than black tea, but is green tea acidic? The answer: green tea is usually mildly acidic, though less acidic than black tea. This makes it easier on the stomach for many people.

Green tea contains caffeine, though at a lower caffeine content than black tea or coffee. The presence of tannins and caffeine can make green tea acidic in nature, but not harshly so. In fact, brewed green tea typically has a pH level around 7 to 10, meaning it can even lean toward slightly alkaline depending on how it’s prepared.

Since green tea can vary, bottled green teas may be more acidic than loose leaf tea because of additives like ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or sugar. If you’re sensitive to acidity in green tea, it’s worth choosing high-quality loose leaf green tea instead of bottled versions.

Is Tea Acidic or Alkaline on the pH Scale?

Here’s where it gets interesting: tea tends to be mildly acidic, but depending on brewing and additives, some teas like green tea are closer to neutral or slightly alkaline.

On the ph scale, acidic beverages fall below 7, while alkaline drinks increase the pH above 7. A cup of green tea may sit at a ph level near neutral, which means it’s less likely to irritate conditions like acid reflux.

Still, green tea’s pH can shift based on brewing strength. For example, adding milk or sugar doesn’t lower the pH dramatically, but adding something like lemon juice makes the tea more acidic.

So, tea is acidic or alkaline? The truth is, it can be both. It depends on the type of tea, preparation, and whether green tea is consumed plain or flavored.

Can Green Tea Trigger Acid Reflux Symptoms?

If you’ve got acid reflux or even gastroesophageal reflux disease, you might be wondering: is green tea bad for acid reflux? While green tea is less acidic than black tea, green tea may still cause discomfort for some people.

The caffeine in green tea helps to relax your lower esophageal sphincter. It is the valve that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. When this happens, stomach acid can rise into the esophagus and trigger heartburn or reflux.

Caffeine and tannins increase production of stomach acid, hence, drinking green tea can cause irritation on an empty stomach.

However, many people find that green tea can help digestion, as it’s lighter and less acidic than coffee. The effects of green tea vary, so if you notice reflux after drinking green tea, it may be a matter of how much you drink, the strength of the brew, or whether you consumed it alongside food.

How Acidic Is Green Tea Compared to Black Tea?

When comparing black and green tea, green tea is usually less acidic. Black tea undergoes full oxidation, which intensifies flavor, increases caffeine content, and raises acidity in tea. Green tea, however, comes from camellia sinensis leaves that are minimally processed, keeping it mildly acidic or even slightly alkaline.

So, while tea is acidic overall, green tea is less acidic than black tea. White tea, another type of tea, tends to be the least acidic of all, making it a good choice for those with sensitive stomachs.

If you want a tea good for conditions like acid reflux, choosing green tea or white tea over black tea is often easier on the stomach.

How Does Caffeine in Green Tea Affect Acidity?

Caffeine in green tea plays a big role in its impact on the stomach. Caffeine can stimulate production of stomach acid, which can worsen reflux or irritation for sensitive drinkers. That said, green tea has lower levels of caffeine compared to coffee and black tea.

For context, coffee and tea are both acidic beverages, but coffee’s caffeine content is higher and more likely to cause acid reflux symptoms. Green tea contains caffeine in smaller amounts, and teas like herbal tea are naturally caffeine-free, which makes them less acidic overall.

If you’re worried about whether green tea makes your reflux worse, try decaffeinated or herbal tea varieties. They’re often on the list of less acidic teas.

Are Bottled Green Teas More Acidic?

Yes—bottled green teas are often more acidic than brewed green tea. Many bottled green teas contain ascorbic acid, sugar, or flavorings that lower the pH level and increase the acidity in green tea. These bottled versions may taste refreshing but can be bad for acid reflux because of the additives.

Brewed green tea, especially loose leaf tea, is less acidic and gives you more control over the acidity level. If you want to enjoy green tea without the extra acid levels, skip the bottled versions and prepare it at home. A fresh cup of green tea is actually much gentler than acidic tea from a bottle.

Does Green Tea Hurt Your Teeth or Stomach?

Because tea is acidic in nature, there’s always the question of whether it affects teeth or stomach health.

Green tea is not as acidic as black tea, but acidity in tea can still erode enamel if consumed excessively. Pairing your cup of green tea with food or rinsing with water afterward can reduce its impact on teeth.

For the stomach, green tea’s caffeine and tannins can sometimes increase stomach acid and cause irritation.

But consuming green tea alongside a meal helps balance acidity levels and keeps stomach acid under control. Many people find that green tea can help digestion rather than hurt it, especially when compared to coffee.

So, while green tea is mildly acidic, it is rarely damaging when consumed in moderation.

Herbal Teas: A Less Acidic Alternative

If you find tea bad for acid reflux, switching to herbal tea might be the gentlest option. Herbal tea isn’t made from camellia sinensis but from herbs, flowers, or fruits. That means herbal teas are usually less acidic, caffeine-free, and easier on digestion.

Herbal teas like chamomile, rooibos, or ginger tea tend to be slightly alkaline or neutral, which makes them less likely to trigger reflux. For someone who got acid reflux from green tea, herbal tea is a soothing alternative that keeps stomach acid calm.

Still, always check labels, since some fruit-based herbal teas can be more acidic in nature.

Tips On Drinking Green Tea If You Have Acid Reflux

If you love drinking green tea but worry about acid reflux, here are some tips:

1. Brew your green tea lightly—shorter steeping reduces acidity in green tea.
2. Choose loose leaf tea instead of bottled green teas with added ascorbic acid.
3. Have something to eat before drinking tea to prevent irritation.
4. Drink tea alongside meals to keep stomach acid in balance.
5. Opt for decaf green tea or herbal tea if caffeine triggers reflux.
6. Green tea has loads of health benefits and packed with antioxidants, so it doesn’t need to be cut out entirely. It’s more about how you prepare and enjoy your cup of green tea.

Final Thoughts: Is Green Tea Bad for Acid Reflux?

So, is green tea bad for acid reflux? The answer depends on your body. Green tea is usually less acidic than black tea, and while green tea contains caffeine that can trigger reflux in some people, it’s generally gentler than coffee or soda.

Green tea’s acidity level is mild, and whether green tea is acidic enough to bother your stomach comes down to preparation, portion, and individual sensitivity. For many, green tea can help digestion and provide health benefits, but if tea makes your reflux worse, herbal teas are a soothing alternative.