Is Coffee or Tea Better for Gout? A Comprehensive Comparison

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

A study analyzing data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that while higher coffee intake correlated with lower serum uric acid levels, tea consumption did not. For those managing gout, understanding how these common beverages impact uric acid is a key part of controlling symptoms and preventing painful flares.

Quick Summary

This article offers a detailed comparison of how coffee and tea consumption relate to gout, exploring the impact each has on uric acid and inflammation based on available scientific evidence.

Key Points

Coffee is likely better for gout: Research consistently associates moderate, regular coffee consumption with lower uric acid levels and a reduced risk of developing gout.
Non-caffeine compounds are key: The beneficial effects of coffee appear to come from compounds like chlorogenic acid and other antioxidants, not just caffeine.
Tea's effects are inconclusive: Studies on tea's impact on general gout and uric acid levels are conflicting, with some finding no association and others suggesting potential risks or benefits in specific cases.
Prioritize hydration: Staying well-hydrated with plain water is the most effective and universally recommended strategy for helping the kidneys excrete uric acid.
Avoid sugary additions: Adding sugar or high-fructose corn syrup to any beverage can increase uric acid levels and should be avoided by individuals with gout.
Consider the bigger picture: While coffee has shown benefits, it should be part of a balanced, low-purine diet and not relied upon as a sole treatment.
Consult a professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if managing a condition like gout.

Understanding Gout and Uric Acid

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the body, which leads to the formation of sharp, needle-like urate crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product from the breakdown of purines, which are found naturally in the body and in certain foods and drinks. Managing gout often involves dietary changes to help reduce uric acid levels. A primary question for many is how daily beverages like coffee and tea fit into this dietary management plan.

The Scientific Verdict on Coffee and Gout

Extensive research suggests that moderate coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing gout and may help reduce uric acid levels. The protective effects of coffee are linked to several mechanisms:

Inhibits xanthine oxidase: Coffee contains compounds like caffeine and chlorogenic acid that can inhibit xanthine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for converting purines into uric acid. This is similar to how a common gout medication, allopurinol, works.
Increases uric acid excretion: Coffee may increase the rate at which the body, particularly the kidneys, excretes uric acid. This helps to prevent the buildup that leads to crystal formation.
Enhances insulin sensitivity: Polyphenols in coffee, such as chlorogenic acid, can improve insulin sensitivity. Better insulin sensitivity is associated with enhanced uric acid elimination.

It is important to note that these beneficial effects are most pronounced with regular, daily coffee intake, and appear to be linked to compounds other than just caffeine. Studies show decaffeinated coffee also has a modest effect. A key caveat is to avoid adding sugary syrups or high-fructose corn syrup to coffee, as sugar is a known risk factor for increasing uric acid levels.

The Mixed Evidence on Tea and Gout

Unlike coffee, the relationship between tea consumption and gout or uric acid levels is not as clear-cut and has produced conflicting results in research.

No consistent association: Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found no significant association between overall tea consumption and serum uric acid levels or the risk of gout.
Conflicting findings: Some studies have suggested that green tea extract might have a positive, albeit temporary, effect on lowering uric acid. However, other studies, particularly in certain populations, have indicated a positive association between tea drinking and a higher risk of hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels).
Potential benefits for renal-related gout: A recent study using genetic analysis suggested that tea intake may be associated with a reduced risk of gout that is specifically linked to impaired kidney function. This may be due to tea's potential role in regulating kidney function and promoting intestinal uric acid excretion.
Avoid sugary teas: Similar to coffee, adding sugar to tea is detrimental for gout management, as high sugar intake is linked to increased uric acid production.

Coffee vs. Tea for Gout: A Side-by-Side Comparison


Feature	Coffee	Tea (General)
Effect on Uric Acid Levels	Consistent evidence for reduction	Inconsistent and often no significant association
Effect on Gout Risk	Associated with lower risk, especially with regular intake	Generally not significantly associated with lower risk
Active Compounds	Chlorogenic acid, antioxidants, and caffeine	Flavonoids and antioxidants
Underlying Mechanism	Inhibits xanthine oxidase; enhances uric acid excretion	Research inconclusive; some studies point to antioxidant effects
Best For	Lowering risk and general uric acid management	As a hydrating beverage, potential specific benefit for renal issues
Key Recommendation	Moderate, regular, and unsweetened intake	Unsweetened, as part of a hydrated lifestyle

Crucial Considerations for Your Morning Brew

When choosing between coffee and tea for gout, it's essential to consider the broader context of your diet and lifestyle. Your beverage choice is just one piece of a larger management strategy.

Prioritize Hydration

The most effective fluid for preventing and managing gout is water. Drinking 8 to 12 glasses of water daily is recommended to help the kidneys flush out excess uric acid. This practice is universally beneficial regardless of your coffee or tea consumption.

Avoid Sugary Additions

For both coffee and tea, it is critical to avoid adding sugar, honey, or other sweeteners, especially those with high-fructose corn syrup. High sugar intake is a significant contributor to increased uric acid production and gout risk.

Moderation is Key

While coffee shows a clearer benefit, excessive consumption can have other health consequences, such as increased heart rate and anxiety. As with any dietary change, moderation is crucial. Consulting a healthcare provider can help determine the right amount for you.

What to Drink Instead or In Addition to Coffee and Tea

Beyond coffee and tea, other beverages can support gout management. These include:

Unsweetened Cherry Juice: Tart cherries and their juice have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties and can significantly reduce uric acid levels and gout flare frequency.
Low-Fat Dairy: Skim milk and other low-fat dairy products have shown a uric acid-lowering effect.
Ginger Tea: For those seeking an herbal option, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that may help with gout-related pain.
Plain Water: Remains the most effective, safest, and easiest way to help manage uric acid levels through hydration.

Conclusion

Based on current research, coffee appears to be the better choice for managing gout due to its more consistent association with lower uric acid levels and a reduced risk of gout flares. However, the effects are linked to moderate, regular intake of unsweetened coffee. While tea's effects on overall gout risk and uric acid levels are less conclusive, it remains a suitable hydrating beverage, provided it's consumed without sugar.

Ultimately, neither coffee nor tea should be relied upon as a primary treatment. They are part of a broader dietary and lifestyle strategy that prioritizes hydration, limits high-purine and high-sugar foods, and includes consultation with a healthcare professional. For more in-depth information, you can explore reliable resources like the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, which provides expert insights on gout management through diet and other strategies: https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-news/coffee-consumption-may-protect-against-the-development-of-gout/.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, studies actually suggest that moderate coffee intake is associated with a reduced risk of gout and lower uric acid levels, not an increase. The risk from coffee is generally considered minimal, especially when consumed without added sugar.

Research suggests decaf coffee may offer a modest protective effect and lower uric acid levels, but the benefit is often less pronounced compared to regular caffeinated coffee. The benefit appears to be primarily from non-caffeine compounds.

Most unsweetened herbal teas are safe and can contribute to overall hydration, which is beneficial for gout. However, it's wise to consult a healthcare provider, as some herbs can interact with medications. Ginger tea, for example, is noted for its anti-inflammatory properties.

While coffee can be a beneficial part of a gout-friendly diet, focusing on your overall dietary pattern—such as limiting sugary drinks, alcohol, and high-purine foods—is far more crucial for effective gout management. Plenty of water and low-fat dairy are also very important.

Research on tea's effect on gout is inconsistent. Some meta-analyses and studies have shown no significant association or, in some cases, a potential positive link between certain teas (like green tea in one subgroup analysis) and serum uric acid levels, but the research is inconclusive and often conflicting.

Coffee may lower uric acid through several mechanisms: it helps the body excrete uric acid faster and contains compounds that can inhibit the xanthine oxidase enzyme, which produces uric acid from purines.

Yes, aside from unsweetened coffee, good options include plenty of water, low-fat milk, and unsweetened tart cherry juice. These have all shown potential in helping to manage or reduce uric acid levels and inflammation.