Does Coffee Irritate the Esophagus? Understanding the Connection

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, nearly 20% of the U.S. population experiences symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and for many, coffee is a suspected culprit. The relationship between coffee and esophagus irritation is complex, involving several key factors that can trigger discomfort for sensitive individuals.

Quick Summary

Coffee can irritate the esophagus by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increasing stomach acid production, and through its natural acidity, which can lead to acid reflux symptoms like heartburn. Individual tolerance varies based on factors like genetics, roast type, and consumption habits. Adjusting intake or exploring alternatives may provide relief.

Key Points

Caffeine relaxes the LES: The caffeine in coffee can cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to loosen, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and cause irritation.
Coffee increases stomach acid: Coffee and its compounds stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, increasing the risk of reflux, especially on an empty stomach.
Acidity is a key factor: The natural acidity of coffee, with a pH between 4.85 and 5.10, can directly irritate the esophageal lining for sensitive individuals.
Dark roasts and cold brew are better: Darker roasts and cold brew methods result in less acidic coffee, which is often a better option for those with acid reflux.
Consider timing and additives: Drinking coffee with food can help buffer stomach acid, while high-fat additives like certain dairy products can worsen symptoms.
Individual tolerance varies: Responses to coffee differ from person to person, and some studies show no consistent link between moderate coffee consumption and GERD symptoms for all individuals.

Understanding How Coffee Affects the Esophagus

Coffee's effect on the esophagus is not a one-size-fits-all issue, but it is a frequent trigger for people with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Several components and factors interact within the body to create the conditions that can lead to esophageal irritation.

Caffeine's Role in Acid Reflux

Caffeine, a primary component of regular coffee, is known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts as a valve, normally closing to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up. When this muscle relaxes inappropriately, it creates an opportunity for stomach acid to escape into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation known as heartburn and potential irritation. This effect is often cited as a major reason why coffee can be problematic for those prone to reflux.

Coffee's Natural Acidity and Gastric Acid Production

In addition to caffeine, the natural acidity of coffee can play a significant role. Coffee typically has a pH between 4.85 and 5.10, making it an acidic beverage. This inherent acidity can irritate the lining of the stomach and esophagus, particularly in individuals who already have a sensitive digestive system. Beyond its own acidity, coffee also stimulates the stomach to produce more gastric acid. This increase in stomach acid, combined with a relaxed LES, makes it more likely for stomach contents to reflux and cause discomfort.

Other Contributing Factors

Certain habits and types of coffee can also influence irritation. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach, for example, can increase stomach acid production without any food to buffer it, which amplifies the risk of reflux symptoms. The type of coffee bean, roast level, and brewing method also matter. Darker roasts are generally less acidic than lighter roasts, and brewing methods like cold brew produce a less acidic final product. For some, high-fat additions like whole milk or cream can further relax the LES and exacerbate symptoms.

Strategies for Enjoying Coffee without Irritation

If you find that coffee irritates your esophagus, there are several adjustments you can make to continue enjoying it with minimal discomfort:

Switch to a low-acid variety: Choose darker roasts or brands that are specifically labeled as low-acid.
Try cold brew: The cold brewing process results in a coffee concentrate that is significantly less acidic than traditional hot-brewed coffee.
Pair it with a meal: Drinking coffee with food, especially a meal with low-acidity items, can help neutralize stomach acid.
Limit your intake: Simply reducing the number of cups you drink per day can make a big difference in managing symptoms.
Change your brewing method: Using a paper filter, like in a pour-over or drip machine, can trap some of the acid-causing oils that would pass through a metal filter, such as a French press.
Avoid certain additives: High-fat dairy and sugar can worsen symptoms for some. Consider alternatives like plant-based milks.

Coffee and Esophageal Irritation: Hot vs. Cold Brew

One of the most effective strategies for minimizing coffee-related reflux is changing the brewing temperature. Cold brew is a popular choice for those with sensitive stomachs.


Aspect	Hot-Brewed Coffee	Cold-Brewed Coffee
Acidity Level	Higher acidity, as heat extracts more of the acidic compounds from the beans.	Up to 70% less acidic due to the lower temperature and longer steeping process.
Flavor Profile	Brighter, with more nuanced and potentially bitter or sour notes from the acidic compounds.	Smoother and naturally sweeter, with less bitterness and reduced acidic flavors.
Caffeine Content	Varies by roast, with light roasts having the most caffeine.	Can be higher, but the concentrate is often diluted with water or milk, reducing the caffeine per serving.
Recommended For	Individuals without significant digestive sensitivities to coffee.	People prone to heartburn, GERD, or a sensitive stomach.
Brewing Time	Short, typically a few minutes to extract flavors and compounds.	Long, involving a steeping period of 12 to 24 hours.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Personal Tolerance

Ultimately, whether coffee irritates your esophagus is highly individual. While scientific evidence points to caffeine and acidity as potential triggers, studies have yielded mixed results, showing that not everyone with GERD reacts negatively to coffee. Keeping a food and symptom diary can help you identify if coffee is a personal trigger. By experimenting with low-acid options, adjusting your consumption habits, and considering alternative brewing methods, you can often find a way to enjoy your coffee ritual without the discomfort of esophageal irritation.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Coffee Consumption

For those who experience heartburn or discomfort, the answer to "does coffee irritate the esophagus?" is often yes, but it's not an automatic sentence to give up your favorite brew. The irritation stems primarily from coffee's natural acidity and caffeine's effect on the esophageal sphincter, which can increase the likelihood of acid reflux. By understanding these mechanisms and applying practical strategies like choosing low-acid beans, opting for cold brew, and being mindful of your timing and additions, many can significantly reduce or eliminate negative symptoms. The key is to listen to your body and adjust your approach accordingly. If symptoms persist, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.

The Cleveland Clinic also notes that many foods and drinks, including coffee, can relax the LES, which may lead to acid reflux symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, even decaffeinated coffee can sometimes cause irritation. While it lacks the high caffeine content that relaxes the LES, other compounds in the coffee bean can still stimulate stomach acid production or cause a reaction in sensitive individuals.

It is generally better to drink coffee with food. Consuming coffee on an empty stomach increases acid production without a buffer, which raises the risk of heartburn and irritation. Eating a meal can help neutralize some of this acid.

Yes, cold brew coffee is significantly less acidic than hot-brewed coffee. The process of brewing with cold water over a long period extracts fewer of the acidic compounds from the beans, resulting in a smoother, lower-acid beverage.

Darker roasts are typically better for sensitive stomachs. The longer roasting process breaks down more of the acidic compounds in the beans, resulting in a lower-acid coffee compared to lighter roasts.

Yes, you can. Adding alkaline substances, such as a pinch of baking soda, can help neutralize some of the coffee's acidity. Plant-based milks can also be a gentler option than high-fat dairy, which might relax the LES.

Not necessarily. The American College of Gastroenterology does not recommend routine elimination of coffee for all GERD patients, as individual triggers vary. The best approach is to monitor your own symptoms and experiment with different types of coffee or consumption habits to find what works for you.

While the brewing temperature affects acidity (cold brew being less acidic), very hot beverages can also be an irritant to the esophageal lining on their own. Allowing coffee to cool slightly before drinking can be beneficial.