Does Cheese Raise Acidity? What You Need to Know

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, average daily cheese consumption has doubled over the last 40 years, making it a staple in many diets. This rise in consumption has led many to question: does cheese raise acidity, and is it a trigger for conditions like acid reflux?

Quick Summary

Cheese is generally considered an acid-forming food, though its effect on stomach acidity and acid reflux can vary widely depending on the type of cheese and individual sensitivities. The high fat content in some cheeses can exacerbate reflux symptoms by delaying digestion. However, low-fat or probiotic-rich varieties may be better tolerated and some can even be beneficial for gut health.

Key Points

High-fat cheeses can trigger reflux: The high fat content in cheeses like aged cheddar and blue cheese can delay digestion and relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of heartburn.
Lower-fat options are safer: Varieties like feta, low-fat cottage cheese, and goat cheese are generally better tolerated by those with acid sensitivity and less likely to trigger symptoms.
Aging reduces lactose, not fat effect: Hard, aged cheeses are lower in lactose, which helps with lactose intolerance, but their fat content can still exacerbate reflux.
Consider probiotic cheeses for gut health: Some fermented cheeses like aged Gouda and cheddar contain beneficial probiotics that can support a healthy gut microbiome.
Moderation and portion control are crucial: Keeping cheese servings small can help mitigate potential digestive issues associated with high fat and protein intake.
Listen to your body's unique reaction: Because individual tolerance varies, observing how different types of cheese affect your digestive system is the best approach.

Understanding Acidity in Cheese and the Body

When asking if cheese raises acidity, it is important to distinguish between the inherent acidity of cheese and its effect on the body's acid-base balance. The pH of a food determines its inherent acidity, with lower numbers being more acidic. Cheeses have a wide range of pH levels, but almost all are on the acidic side of the scale. However, the more crucial factor for digestive health is how the body metabolizes cheese and other foods, which affects its overall 'acid load'.

The potential renal acid load (PRAL) is a metric that estimates the effect of food on the body's acid-base balance. Cheeses, particularly hard varieties like parmesan, have a high PRAL index, meaning they are significantly acid-forming within the body. This is due to their high protein and phosphorus content, which can increase dietary acid levels upon metabolism.

How Cheese Affects Acid Reflux and Heartburn

For many, especially those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the primary concern isn't the metabolic acid load but how cheese directly triggers symptoms like heartburn. The mechanism is not simply the cheese's own acidity but its high fat content. Full-fat cheeses can delay stomach emptying and cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax. The LES is a valve that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. When it relaxes, stomach acid can escape, causing the burning sensation of heartburn.

Comparing High-Fat and Low-Fat Cheeses for Acidity

The type of cheese and its fat content are critical factors in determining its impact on acid reflux. Full-fat cheeses, particularly those that are also aged, are often the worst offenders. Conversely, lower-fat or fresher cheeses tend to be better tolerated by those with acid sensitivities.


Feature	High-Fat Cheeses (e.g., Aged Cheddar, Blue Cheese)	Low-Fat Cheeses (e.g., Feta, Low-Fat Cottage Cheese)
Effect on LES	High fat can cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, increasing risk of reflux.	Lower fat content is less likely to cause the LES to relax, posing less risk.
Digestion Speed	Slower digestion due to high fat content, potentially increasing stomach pressure.	Faster and easier digestion, which reduces the chance of stomach contents backflowing.
Symptom Trigger	More likely to trigger or aggravate heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.	Less likely to be a trigger; often listed as more tolerable options.
Lactose Content	Often lower in lactose due to the aging process.	Can be higher in lactose, which may cause issues for those with intolerance.

Choosing Cheese Wisely for Digestive Health

For those who love cheese but struggle with acidity, moderation and careful selection are key. Not all cheese is created equal when it comes to digestive impact. Low-fat varieties like feta, goat cheese, or low-fat cottage cheese are often recommended as safer options for those prone to heartburn. Aged cheeses like Parmesan and some cheddars are lower in lactose, which can be beneficial for those with lactose intolerance, but their fat content may still be problematic. It is also worth exploring probiotic-rich cheeses like some aged Goudas or cheddars, as these can promote a healthy gut microbiome.

To minimize potential discomfort, consider these practices:

Portion Control: Keep serving sizes small, typically 1 to 2 ounces.
Combine with Fiber: Pair cheese with high-fiber foods like vegetables or whole-grain crackers to help move things through the digestive tract.
Avoid High-Fat Meals: Don't eat cheese as part of an already heavy, high-fat meal. This can exacerbate slowed digestion.
Listen to Your Body: Keep a food diary to pinpoint which types and amounts of cheese might be causing issues. What triggers one person may not affect another.

Can Some Cheeses Be Beneficial for the Gut?

While high-fat cheese can be a trigger for some, certain varieties may offer digestive benefits. Some fermented cheeses, such as Gouda, cottage cheese, and certain aged cheddars, contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome. A balanced gut can help with digestion and potentially reduce inflammation, though individual results can vary greatly. For those with lactose intolerance, hard, aged cheeses are often better tolerated since most of the lactose is removed during the cheesemaking process.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

In conclusion, the question, does cheese raise acidity, has a nuanced answer. While many cheeses are considered acid-forming in the body due to their protein and fat content, their direct impact on stomach acidity and acid reflux depends heavily on the type of cheese, the quantity consumed, and an individual's unique digestive system. High-fat cheeses are more likely to cause issues for those with GERD by relaxing the LES, while lower-fat and probiotic-rich varieties may be tolerated better or even provide some benefits for gut health. For those who experience discomfort, moderating portion sizes, choosing low-fat or aged options, and observing personal triggers are the best strategies. It is always wise to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice, especially for chronic conditions like GERD.

For more information on managing acid reflux through diet, visit the Johns Hopkins Medicine website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cheese can give you heartburn because its high fat content slows down the digestive process. This prolonged digestion increases pressure on the stomach and can cause the lower esophageal sphincter, which keeps stomach acid in place, to relax.

For acid reflux, low-fat or reduced-fat cheeses are generally the best choice. Options like feta, low-fat cottage cheese, and goat cheese are often better tolerated than high-fat varieties.

Yes, feta cheese can be a good option for people with acid reflux. It is a lower-fat cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk, which some people find easier to digest than cow's milk cheeses.

Goat cheese is often recommended for those with acid reflux. It is typically lower in lactose than cow's milk cheese and is considered more alkaline-forming, which can be easier on the digestive system.

The impact of mozzarella on acid reflux can vary. Fresh mozzarella has a neutral pH, making it less acidic, but can still be high in fat. Low-moisture or reduced-fat mozzarella may be better tolerated.

Cheese is considered an acid-forming food in the body, primarily due to its protein and phosphorus content, which contributes to the body's overall acid load upon digestion.

Yes, lactose-free cheese can still cause acid reflux. While removing lactose addresses one issue, the high fat content in some cheeses is the primary factor that triggers reflux by slowing digestion and relaxing the LES.

While the body's pH is tightly regulated, and stomach acid is naturally very acidic, consuming high-fat foods like some cheeses can influence digestive processes. The main issue for reflux is delayed emptying and LES relaxation rather than a significant change to overall stomach pH.