Can You Drink Soda When Hungry? The Effects on Your Body

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

According to research, drinking carbonated beverages on an empty stomach can increase ghrelin levels, the hunger hormone, potentially making you eat more later. This raises the question: can you drink soda when hungry, and what are the effects on your body?

Quick Summary

Soda consumed on an empty stomach can cause digestive irritation and bloating due to carbonation and acidity. This can cause a rapid blood sugar spike, followed by an energy crash, and can also increase hunger due to elevated ghrelin levels. Diet sodas, though sugar-free, still pose risks for digestive discomfort.

Key Points

Digestive Discomfort: Drinking soda when hungry may cause digestive issues due to its high acidity and carbonation.
Increases Hunger: The carbonation in soda can increase ghrelin production, potentially leading to increased hunger.
Blood Sugar Imbalance: Sugary sodas can cause blood sugar spikes followed by a crash, which can lead to fatigue and increased hunger.
Diet Soda Risks: Diet soda, though sugar-free, can still cause digestive distress due to artificial sweeteners and carbonation.
Better Alternatives: Water, herbal tea, or fruit-infused water are better options for hydration and appetite management when hungry.

Digestive Distress: The Immediate Impact of Soda on an Empty Stomach

Drinking soda on an empty stomach can lead to digestive discomfort. The combination of carbon dioxide and high acidity in soda often causes problems.

Bloating and Discomfort

The carbon dioxide in soda creates gas, expanding in the stomach and causing bloating, especially when the stomach is empty. Individuals with sensitive digestive systems may find this especially problematic.

Acidity and Stomach Irritation

Sodas have high acidity levels. Without food to buffer this, the acidity can irritate the stomach lining. This may lead to heartburn or acid reflux. Those with existing conditions such as gastritis may experience more severe effects.

Sugar, Insulin, and the Body's Response

The sugar content of regular soda is a major concern when consuming it while hungry.

Blood Sugar Spikes and Crashes

A sugary soda on an empty stomach quickly introduces simple sugars into the bloodstream, resulting in a rapid blood sugar spike. This triggers a large insulin release, often followed by a significant blood sugar crash. This can cause fatigue and increased hunger.

Potential for Insulin Resistance

Frequent blood sugar spikes and crashes from sugary drinks may contribute to the development of insulin resistance over time. This is more likely when sugar is absorbed quickly on an empty stomach.

The Paradox: Feeling Full and Still Feeling Hungry

While soda may initially cause bloating, it can also increase hunger. The carbonation stimulates the stomach and triggers the release of ghrelin.

The Vicious Cycle

Initial Bloating: Gas can create a temporary feeling of fullness.
Hormonal Response: The carbonation causes a release of ghrelin.
Sugar Crash: A drop in blood sugar intensifies hunger signals.
Increased Cravings: This cycle can lead to greater cravings for food.

The Risks of Diet Soda on an Empty Stomach

Diet soda is often considered a better option, but it still poses problems when consumed on an empty stomach.

Artificial Sweeteners and Appetite

Artificial sweeteners may influence metabolic processes and gut health, affecting insulin sensitivity and metabolism. The sweet taste without calories may also interfere with the body's hormonal signals, potentially increasing cravings for sweet foods.

Carbonation-Related Issues

Diet soda is also carbonated and acidic, leading to bloating, gas, and digestive irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive stomachs.

Comparison: Soda on Empty vs. Full Stomach


Feature	Soda on an Empty Stomach	Soda with a Meal
Sugar Absorption	Very rapid, leading to significant blood sugar spikes and crashes.	Slower, as food helps to buffer and moderate the absorption rate.
Gastric Irritation	High risk due to direct contact with the unprotected stomach lining.	Lower risk, as food helps protect the stomach lining from direct acidity.
Bloating & Gas	More pronounced and uncomfortable due to gas expanding in an empty space.	Less noticeable, as food helps to absorb some of the gas.
Hunger Response	Can increase the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin, making you feel hungrier.	Does not have the same dramatic effect on ghrelin levels.
Nutrient Absorption	Can interfere with the absorption of nutrients from subsequent meals due to digestive disruption.	Less interference with nutrient absorption from the meal itself.

Healthier Alternatives to Soda

Choosing healthier drinks when hungry can support the body without negative effects.

Plain Water: This is the best way to hydrate without added calories or chemicals.
Fruit-Infused Water: Water with added fruits like lemon or berries for natural flavor.
Herbal Tea: Caffeine-free teas such as peppermint or chamomile can be soothing.
Kombucha: Provides carbonation and probiotics, but contains some sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
Homemade Sparkling Drinks: Sparkling water mixed with a small amount of 100% fruit juice.

Conclusion

Drinking soda when hungry is not recommended due to potential negative health impacts. Carbonation, high sugar, or artificial sweeteners can cause digestive discomfort, blood sugar instability, and increased hunger. An empty stomach is more vulnerable to these irritants, amplifying the negative effects. Choosing alternatives like water, infused water, or herbal tea is a better approach for hydration and managing hunger. Mindful beverage choices support digestive health and overall wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

While diet soda has no sugar, the carbonation and artificial sweeteners can cause bloating, gas, and digestive upset on an empty stomach. Some studies indicate artificial sweeteners can affect metabolic responses.

The carbon dioxide in soda expands in an empty stomach, which leads to a feeling of gas and bloating. Food helps buffer this effect, but without it, the gas can be more bothersome.

Yes, research suggests that consuming carbonated drinks can increase ghrelin, the hunger hormone, which signals your brain to feel hungrier. This, along with a blood sugar crash, can worsen hunger.

Drinking soda with a meal is less likely to irritate the digestive system than on an empty stomach, because food provides a buffer. However, regular consumption of sugary soda still carries health risks.

For a fizzy alternative, try sparkling water with fruit, kombucha, or a homemade soda with 100% juice and sparkling water. For hydration, plain water or herbal tea are great choices.

While soda doesn't cause ulcers directly, its acidity and carbonation can worsen symptoms for those with digestive issues like ulcers or gastritis. Avoiding it is best in such cases.

The high sugar in soda causes a rapid blood sugar spike. Your body releases insulin, which can lead to a quick drop in blood sugar, leaving you feeling tired.