Does Tea Cause Gout to Flare Up?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 UK Biobank study, regular tea consumption was associated with a decreased risk of developing gout, indicating it does not cause gout to flare up for most individuals. Understanding the components of tea and their effects on uric acid levels provides clarity on why it is generally a safe beverage for gout patients.

Quick Summary

This article explores the relationship between tea consumption and gout flares by examining its effect on uric acid levels. It details the safety of unsweetened tea, distinguishing it from coffee, and explains how different tea types, including herbal and black tea, impact gout management. Additionally, it highlights beneficial components in tea and emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded diet.

Key Points

Unsweetened tea is safe: Unlike high-purine foods, unsweetened tea does not increase the risk of a gout flare-up for most individuals.
Sugar is the real risk: Adding sugar or high-fructose corn syrup to tea can significantly increase gout risk, so it should be avoided.
Hydration is key: Drinking tea contributes to overall fluid intake, which is vital for flushing excess uric acid from the body.
Herbal teas offer extra benefits: Varieties like ginger, turmeric, and hibiscus possess anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties that can help manage gout symptoms.
Coffee and tea differ: While coffee has been consistently linked to lower uric acid levels, the effect of traditional tea (green or black) is less pronounced and still debated.
Consult a professional: For personalized dietary advice, individuals with gout should always consult a healthcare provider or a nutritionist.

The Relationship Between Tea and Gout

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, a condition known as hyperuricemia. For individuals with this condition, managing their diet is a crucial step in preventing flare-ups. One common question that arises is whether tea contributes to this issue. The good news is that unsweetened tea is generally considered safe for people with gout and is not known to cause flare-ups. Recent large-scale studies reinforce this, showing a correlation between regular tea consumption and a lower risk of developing gout.

Caffeine: Not the Enemy Many Assume

While tea contains caffeine, the effect on uric acid levels differs from that of coffee. Research has shown that the positive impact of coffee on uric acid levels seems to be from compounds other than caffeine. In fact, some studies found tea consumption was not associated with the same protective effect on uric acid as coffee. However, unlike alcohol and high-fructose corn syrup, caffeine itself is not a major concern for most gout patients when it comes to flares. The key is to consume it in moderation.

Purine Content in Tea

Purines are chemical compounds that break down into uric acid in the body, and foods high in purines, such as red meat and certain seafood, should be limited in a gout-friendly diet. An important factor for tea's safety profile is that it contains negligible purine content. This is in stark contrast to other high-purine foods and beverages that can significantly elevate uric acid levels, thereby increasing the risk of a gout flare.

Differentiating Between Tea Types

Not all teas are created equal when it comes to managing gout. The impact varies based on processing and ingredients. Here is a breakdown:

Green Tea: Often praised for its high antioxidant content (catechins), green tea has been studied for its potential to modestly lower uric acid levels. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help fight inflammation associated with gout. However, some meta-analyses show mixed results on its association with uric acid levels, highlighting the need for more research.
Black Tea: This type of tea is more fermented and, according to one older source, may contain a small amount of purine-like alkaloids. Some studies suggest it might inhibit xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in uric acid production. However, adding milk to black tea can increase the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation in gout patients.
Herbal Teas: Many herbal teas offer potential benefits for gout patients, as they do not contain the caffeine found in true teas (from the Camellia sinensis plant). Teas made with ingredients like ginger, turmeric, hibiscus, and dandelion are known for anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which can aid in managing symptoms. It is crucial to choose pure herbal teas and avoid sweetened varieties.

What About Added Sugar and Other Factors?

While the tea itself may not be a trigger, what you add to it can be. Sugary beverages, including sweetened iced teas, are a significant dietary risk factor for gout and hyperuricemia due to their high fructose content. It is essential to drink tea unsweetened to maximize any potential benefits and avoid negative effects. Proper hydration, which unsweetened tea contributes to, is also vital for flushing excess uric acid from the body.

Comparison of Beverage Effects on Gout


Beverage	Purine Content	Primary Mechanism	Effect on Gout Risk	Caveats
Unsweetened Tea	Negligible	Antioxidants, hydration	Generally reduces risk	Avoid adding sugar; potential oxalate in black tea
Coffee	Negligible	Inhibits xanthine oxidase, improves excretion	Reduces risk	Benefits may be from non-caffeine compounds; avoid sugar
Water	None	Hydration aids uric acid excretion	Reduces risk	Best choice for hydration; essential for gout management
Beer	High	High purine and alcohol content	Increases risk	Should be avoided by gout patients
Sugar-Sweetened Drinks	None	High fructose increases uric acid	Increases risk	Includes most store-bought iced teas

Conclusion: Tea is a Safe Choice, with Caveats

In summary, the notion that tea causes gout to flare up is largely a misconception, provided you drink it unsweetened. Modern research, including extensive meta-analyses, suggests that regular tea consumption is not associated with an increased risk of gout and may offer protective benefits, especially for those with renal impairment. The key takeaway is to choose pure, unsweetened tea, ensuring you avoid any high-sugar preparations that are a proven risk factor for gout flares. Prioritizing overall hydration is also a cornerstone of effective gout management. As with any dietary change for a medical condition, consulting with a healthcare professional is always the best approach to confirm it fits into your individual treatment plan.

Potential Anti-Gout Teas and Their Benefits

Ginger Tea: Contains potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce joint swelling and pain.
Turmeric Tea: The active compound curcumin offers strong anti-inflammatory effects, which may soothe joints during a gout flare.
Hibiscus Tea: Research indicates that hibiscus can help lower uric acid levels in the blood, potentially preventing future flare-ups.
Dandelion Tea: As a natural diuretic, it helps the kidneys flush excess uric acid from the body, supporting effective management.
Cherry-Infused Tea: Cherries contain anthocyanins, antioxidants known to reduce inflammation and lower uric acid levels.

Final Recommendations

For individuals with gout, unsweetened tea, particularly green and certain herbal varieties, can be a safe and healthy addition to a balanced diet. It's an excellent way to increase overall fluid intake, which is essential for flushing uric acid. Always steer clear of added sugars and be mindful of individual sensitivities. Pairing tea consumption with other healthy lifestyle choices, such as a low-purine diet and adequate hydration, provides the most comprehensive approach to managing gout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unsweetened black tea is not a known trigger for gout flares for most people. While it contains low levels of purine-like alkaloids, studies have not established a strong link between black tea consumption and increased gout risk.

Green tea is generally considered beneficial for gout. Rich in antioxidants like catechins, some studies suggest it may help lower uric acid levels and reduce inflammation, though more definitive clinical evidence is needed.

Unsweetened tea helps with hydration, which assists the kidneys in flushing excess uric acid from the body. Some teas also contain compounds with potential anti-inflammatory or uric acid-lowering effects.

The caffeine in tea is not considered a major risk factor for gout flares. Research suggests that other compounds in coffee, not caffeine itself, are responsible for its noted uric acid-lowering effects.

You should avoid any tea with added sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or other sweeteners, as these are major risk factors for gout and hyperuricemia. Pure, unsweetened tea is the recommended choice.

Yes, many herbal teas are considered safe for gout and can be beneficial. Examples include teas with ginger, turmeric, hibiscus, and dandelion, which are known for their anti-inflammatory or diuretic properties.

Research has shown that coffee may have a more pronounced uric acid-lowering effect than tea. However, both unsweetened coffee and tea are generally safe, healthy choices for gout patients when consumed in moderation, and the best option depends on individual preference and sensitivity.