No one wants to deal with acid reflux. But it’s a common problem for coffee enthusiasts. If you are suffering from the same issue, it is time to look for a way to ease the symptom.
Cold brew coffee is often said to be better for acid reflux. But, you may wonder how reliable the claim is! Is cold brew better for acid reflux? The straight answer is Yes.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how cold brews can prevent acid reflux and whether or not a cold brew is a good option for people with this condition.
Is Cold Brew Coffee Good for Acid Reflux?
We have already mentioned that a cold brew is a good option for people with acid reflux. It may be less likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms than other types of coffee.
Cold brewing reduces the amount of acid when coffee beans are in contact with water. This process reduces the acidity of the final beverage. As a result, cold brew coffee may be a good choice for people trying to avoid sparking off their acid reflux.
Is Cold Brew Less Acidic?
Yes, cold brew is less acidic than regular coffee. Unlike regular dripping, coffee beans are steeped in cold water for 12 hours or more to prepare this drink. During this time, coffee beans release their flavor and oils into the water and create a concentrated cold brew.
Cold water extracts less acidity from coffee beans. That’s why the beverage is smoother and easier on the stomach than regular coffee. For people who are sensitive to acidity, cold brew may be a better option. However, it is important to note that cold brew still contains caffeine and should be consumed in moderation.
The Acidity of Cold Brew Coffee vs. Iced Coffee
It is a common question among coffee enthusiasts: which one is more acidic between cold brew and iced coffee? To tell you the truth, both are entirely different. So, their acidity level will never be the same.
Instead of hot water, cold brew coffee is brewed with room-temperature water. On the other hand, iced coffee is brewed with hot water, allowed to cool, and served with ice.
Cold brew coffee generally has a lower acidity than iced coffee because of its unique brewing method. Its brewing technique extracts less of the acidic compounds and tannins from the beans.
As a result, cold brew coffee tastes sweeter, smoother, less bitter, and more balanced than iced coffee.
Read: Can Decaf Coffee Cause Anxiety?
What Makes Coffee Acidic?
Coffee can be quite acidic if its pH remains from 4.85 to 5.10. Though the acidity of coffee is often cited as a negative quality, the flavor and aroma of coffee depend on its acidity.
Coffee beans contain a number of acids, including citric acid, malic acid, and chlorogenic acid. When coffee beans are roasted, some of these acids are broken down, which results in a less acidic coffee.
Other factors, such as the type of coffee bean and the brewing method, can also affect the coffee’s final pH level.
For example, Arabica coffee beans tend to be less acidic than Robusta coffee beans. Besides, cold brewing methods produce less acidic coffee than hot brewing methods. Therefore, the acidity of coffee is determined by a variety of factors.
How Does Coffee Cause Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is a condition in which the stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Coffee is acidic and a common cause of the production of stomach acid.
Coffee stimulates the muscles in the lower esophagus to contract and can lead to reflux. Coffee drinking is a major risk factor for acid reflux, and it can worsen the existing symptoms.
You should avoid coffee or limit your daily consumption if you suffer from acid reflux. Moreover, you should stay away from coffee with added milk and sugar. These changes may help to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Can You Drink Coffee with Acid Reflux?
Since coffee is acidic and can worsen your acid reflux, it may not be the best choice for people with acid reflux. However, there are some ways to make it easier on the stomach. For example, you can choose Arabica beans which are less acidic than Robusta beans.
You can also dilute the coffee with milk or water to reduce acidity. Nowadays, special coffees are available that are designed for people with acid reflux. They are less acidic and contain less caffeine. If you have acid reflux, the best suggestion is to talk to your doctor about whether coffee is right for you.
How Do I Stop Acid Reflux from Drinking Coffee?
Nothing can be more pathetic for a coffee enthusiast than quitting coffee drinking. Is there any way to stop acid reflux from drinking coffee? Fortunately, you have a delicious alternative to regular coffee.
Many people find that cold brew coffee is easier on their stomachs than regular coffee. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12 hours or more. This slow brewing process results in a less acidic coffee than regular coffee.
If you are struggling with acid reflux, you may try cold brew coffee as an alternative to regular coffee. Besides, avoid adding milk or cream to your coffee since dairy can exacerbate acid reflux.
Final Words
Since coffee can trigger acid reflux, you should be careful about this drink. However, it does not mean you must forever say goodbye to coffee. Is cold brew better for acid reflux? Yes, and this can be a healthy option.
You can brew coffee in numerous healthy ways. Cold brew is one of them, which removes acidity from the final drink. It is also delicious and an excellent option as a summer drink.
The only downside of cold brew is it is highly caffeinated. So, if you have any condition that caffeine can worsen, you should avoid cold brew too. For the best suggestion, you should meet a doctor.
Thanks for cold brew and coffee info! Does sweetening coffee (with monk fruit) lessen the health effectiveness of bitter polyphenols in coffee or tea? I.E. Do you need to TASTE the bitter instead of sweetening it for it to help say, digestion, etc.
Hi Diana,
Hope you are doing great.
Adding monk fruit sweetener to your coffee seems a good and healthy alternative to refined sugar, except for a bit of change in test. It will not massively lessen the health effects of bitter polyphenols in coffee or tea.
Hello, is cold brew okay to drink if you have acid reflux? which has more acid, cold brew or earl grey? they also say adding milk can make reflux worse? and for my last question, this is probably so stupid to ask, can you have cold brew hot? thanks! Becky
Hi Rebecca,
Drinking cold brew is fine if you suffer from acid reflux because the brewing process reduces most of its acidity. Cold brew is even lower in acidity than earl grey compared to their pH level. If the milk in coffee makes you uncomfortable, try non-fat milk or soy milk. Finally, you can have cold brew hot, but you may lose its mind-blowing flavor profile.