Is Cold Coffee Good for Your Stomach? A Look at Digestion

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, cold-brewed coffee can be up to 70% less acidic than its hot-brewed counterpart. This significant difference in acidity has major implications for your digestive system, leading many to question: is cold coffee good for your stomach, and is it better than hot coffee?

Quick Summary

Cold-brewed coffee is generally easier on the stomach than hot coffee due to its lower acidity, which reduces the risk of heartburn and irritation. This slow-extraction method produces a smoother, less bitter beverage that is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive digestive systems, though moderation is still key. Factors like caffeine and added ingredients also impact how your stomach reacts.

Key Points

Cold Brew is Less Acidic: Cold brew coffee is significantly less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, making it easier on sensitive stomachs and reducing the risk of acid reflux or heartburn.
Brewing Method is Key: The slow, low-temperature steeping process of cold brewing extracts fewer stomach-irritating compounds compared to the high-heat method used for hot coffee.
Caffeine Still Matters: Caffeine stimulates stomach acid production, so excessive intake of even low-acid cold brew can still cause discomfort, particularly for those with a high sensitivity.
Additives Can Affect Digestion: Ingredients like high-fat cream or sugar can worsen acid reflux symptoms, while alkaline options like almond milk can help neutralize acidity.
Know Your Body: Personal tolerance varies, so it's important to pay attention to your body's reactions and consider brewing modifications like choosing dark roasts or drinking with food to minimize digestive issues.

Hot vs. Cold Brewing: The Digestive Difference

The fundamental difference in how hot and cold coffee impacts your stomach lies in the brewing process. When coffee is brewed with hot water, the high temperature accelerates the extraction of various compounds from the grounds, including acids like chlorogenic and quinic acids. These acids are what give hot coffee its characteristically bright, sharp flavor, but they can also irritate the stomach lining and trigger acid reflux or heartburn in sensitive individuals.

Conversely, cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. This slow, low-temperature extraction method results in a smoother, less bitter, and significantly less acidic brew. This higher pH level (closer to neutral) makes cold brew a gentler option for many, alleviating the discomfort associated with hot coffee.

The Impact of Caffeine and Other Factors

While acidity is a primary concern for stomach health, caffeine also plays a significant role. Caffeine stimulates the digestive tract and can increase stomach acid production, which can exacerbate issues like GERD. However, the effect of caffeine on the stomach is highly individual, and some people may react more to it than others. Some cold brew preparations, particularly concentrates, can contain high levels of caffeine, so it is important to be mindful of your overall intake.

Another factor to consider is the additives. Many people add milk, cream, or sugary syrups to their coffee. While dairy can sometimes buffer acidity, high-fat cream and excessive sugar can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening acid reflux. For those with lactose intolerance, dairy can cause bloating and discomfort that is often mistakenly attributed to the coffee itself.

Making Cold Coffee More Stomach-Friendly

If cold brew is still giving you trouble, or you simply prefer other cold coffee types, there are several ways to make your beverage gentler on your stomach:

Choose a Dark Roast: Darker roasts are less acidic because the longer roasting process breaks down more of the acid-producing compounds in the beans.
Use a Coarser Grind: A coarser grind exposes less surface area to the water, which reduces the amount of acid extracted during brewing.
Add Dairy or Alternatives: Milk and cream can help neutralize coffee's acidity. Plant-based milks like almond or soy are also alkaline and effective.
Add a Pinch of Baking Soda: For a home remedy, a very small amount of baking soda can act as an alkaline agent to neutralize acidity, though this can affect the taste.
Avoid on an Empty Stomach: Eating food with your coffee provides a buffer, helping to absorb the stomach acid stimulated by the coffee.

Comparing Hot Coffee vs. Cold Brew for Digestion


Feature	Hot-Brewed Coffee	Cold Brew Coffee
Acidity Level	Higher; can have a pH of 4.5 to 5.	Significantly Lower; can have a pH closer to 6.
Extraction Method	Quick extraction using hot water.	Slow extraction using cold water over 12-24 hours.
Flavor Profile	Often bright, bitter, and complex due to higher acid and oil extraction.	Smoother, less bitter, and naturally sweeter due to gentler extraction.
Stomach Irritation Risk	Higher risk for individuals with sensitive stomachs, acid reflux, or GERD.	Lower risk of causing irritation or discomfort for most people.
Ideal For	People without digestive issues who prefer a traditional, bold coffee flavor.	People with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux who still want to enjoy coffee.

Gut Health and Long-Term Effects

Beyond immediate discomfort, coffee consumption can also influence long-term gut health. Coffee contains antioxidants and polyphenols that can have a prebiotic effect, supporting a healthy gut microbiome. A 2020 study published in PMC found that regular coffee consumption was associated with changes in intestinal microbiota, suggesting a positive influence on gut bacteria. Cold brew retains many of these beneficial compounds. The key takeaway is that for most people, moderate coffee consumption, especially of the lower-acid cold brew variety, can be part of a healthy diet. However, excessive caffeine intake can lead to jitters, anxiety, and digestive upset, so listening to your body is essential.

Conclusion: Navigating Cold Coffee for Your Stomach

In conclusion, the question of whether cold coffee is good for your stomach depends largely on the brewing method and your individual sensitivity. For many, cold brew is the superior option, offering a gentler, less acidic experience that minimizes irritation and discomfort. This makes it an excellent choice for those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs. While iced coffee made from hot brew is still more acidic, simple adjustments like adding milk or choosing a dark roast can mitigate its effects. By understanding how different brewing methods and ingredients interact with your digestive system, you can enjoy your cold coffee without the unwelcome side effects.

Resources

Long-Term Coffee Consumption is Associated with Fecal Microbial Composition in Humans

Frequently Asked Questions

Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for many hours, which results in a low-acid concentration. Iced coffee, however, is simply hot coffee poured over ice, meaning it retains the higher acidity from the hot brewing process.

Not necessarily. While the extraction process is different, cold brew concentrates can often have a higher caffeine content per ounce than hot coffee due to a higher coffee-to-water ratio. However, the final caffeine level depends on how much the concentrate is diluted.

Yes, heating up cold brew concentrate will not increase its acidity. The low-acid profile is locked in during the initial cold water extraction process, so it remains gentle on the stomach even when warmed.

If cold brew still causes discomfort, consider additional factors like caffeine sensitivity, the type of roast (dark roasts are less acidic), or if you are drinking it on an empty stomach. Trying decaf cold brew or adding an alkaline buffer like milk can also help.

Yes, adding milk or cream to cold coffee can help neutralize its acidity. The proteins and calcium in milk act as a buffer, which can make the beverage gentler on an acid-sensitive stomach.

Yes, opting for a dark roast when making cold brew can further reduce acidity. The roasting process breaks down more of the acidic compounds in the coffee beans, making it even smoother and less irritating to the stomach.

Cold coffee itself is less likely to cause bloating than hot coffee due to lower acidity. However, adding dairy if you are lactose intolerant, or consuming excessive amounts of sugar, can lead to bloating and other digestive issues.