Is Earl Grey Tea Acidic? Understanding pH and Its Effects

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

With a pH level of approximately 4.5, Earl Grey tea is considered acidic, largely due to its black tea base and the addition of bergamot oil. This makes it more acidic than many other tea varieties, a crucial detail for those with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux to understand.

Quick Summary

Earl Grey tea is acidic, with a pH of around 4.5, influenced by its black tea base and citrusy bergamot oil. Brewing methods and the addition of milk can modify its acidity. Those with acid reflux may find it triggers symptoms, and understanding its pH is key to enjoying it responsibly.

Key Points

Earl Grey is Acidic: With a pH level of approximately 4.5, Earl Grey tea is classified as an acidic beverage.
Black Tea & Bergamot are the Cause: The acidity comes from the oxidized black tea base and the citrusy bergamot oil used for flavoring.
Brewing Impacts Acidity: Longer steeping times and hotter water can increase the amount of tannins and acids released, making the tea more acidic.
Milk Can Neutralize Acidity: Adding milk is an effective way to raise the tea's pH level and make it less acidic and gentler on the stomach.
Consider Alternatives for Sensitivity: Individuals prone to acid reflux might find relief by switching to herbal teas or lower-acid blends.
Moderation is Key: While generally safe, excessive consumption could trigger discomfort in sensitive individuals due to caffeine and acidity.

Understanding the Acidity in Earl Grey Tea

The acidity of any tea is measured using the pH scale, which ranges from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). A neutral pH is 7. As noted, Earl Grey tea typically falls around pH 4.5, placing it in the acidic category. This is more acidic than many other teas, but still less so than beverages like coffee or soda. The primary factors contributing to this acidity are the properties of the black tea leaves and the flavoring from bergamot oil. Black teas are generally more acidic than green or white teas due to their extensive oxidation process, which develops higher levels of tannins and organic acids.

How Brewing Affects pH

The way you brew your Earl Grey tea can significantly impact its final acidity. Steeping duration is a key factor; the longer you steep the tea leaves, the more tannins and acids are released into the water, resulting in a lower pH and a more acidic taste. Water temperature also plays a role, with hotter water extracting more of these compounds more quickly. To minimize acidity, one can shorten the steeping time or use slightly cooler water. The type of water used can also be a variable, with hard, alkaline water potentially helping to balance the tea's natural acidity.

The Role of Bergamot Oil

Bergamot oil is the signature flavoring in Earl Grey tea, derived from the peel of the citrus bergamia fruit. As a citrus extract, bergamot inherently adds a level of acidity to the blend. Some variations of Earl Grey use natural bergamot oil, while others may use artificial flavorings, which can affect the tea's final pH differently. The concentration of bergamot in the blend also plays a part in the overall acidity and flavor profile.

Modifying the Acidity of Earl Grey

For those sensitive to acidity, there are several methods to make Earl Grey tea more stomach-friendly:

Add milk: The alkalinity of milk helps to neutralize the tea's acidity. This is a common practice that also softens the flavor profile.
Use less tea: Reducing the amount of tea leaves or using a shorter steeping time will result in less acid extraction.
Consider a lower-acid base: Some Earl Grey blends use less oxidized tea leaves as a base, such as green or oolong, to create a lighter, less acidic version.
Switch to an herbal blend: For those with severe sensitivity, opting for an herbal tea with bergamot flavoring can provide a similar aromatic experience without the acidity or caffeine of a black tea base.

Earl Grey vs. Other Popular Teas: An Acidity Comparison


Tea Type	Typical pH Range	Primary Reason for Acidity	Suitable for Acid Reflux Sufferers?
Earl Grey Tea	Approx. 4.5	Combination of oxidized black tea and citrusy bergamot oil.	Can trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals due to caffeine and tannins.
Black Tea	4.9–5.5	High oxidation process releases tannins and organic acids.	Generally mildly acidic, but can still cause issues for some.
Green Tea	Neutral to Alkaline	Minimally oxidized, retaining higher antioxidant levels.	Generally considered a better choice for sensitive stomachs.
Herbal Tea (e.g., Chamomile)	6–7 (near neutral)	Made from herbs, flowers, or roots; naturally low in acidity.	Highly recommended for those with acid reflux.
Fruit Tea (e.g., Rosehip)	2–3 (Highly Acidic)	Contains acidic fruit components.	Should be avoided by those with acid reflux.

Impact on Health and Considerations

While the acidity of Earl Grey is mild compared to some other beverages, it's still a factor for health-conscious individuals. The caffeine and tannins present in the black tea base can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), potentially leading to acid reflux or heartburn in some people. However, the effect varies greatly from person to person. For those without digestive issues, the mild acidity and antioxidants found in Earl Grey tea offer several potential health benefits, including supporting heart health and mental efficiency, thanks to the bergamot.

For those who enjoy Earl Grey but experience discomfort, monitoring your body's reaction and experimenting with brewing methods or additions like milk can help. It's also worth considering decaffeinated versions, as caffeine is another potential trigger for acid reflux. The ultimate enjoyment of Earl Grey tea is about finding the right balance for your body's specific needs.

Conclusion

In summary, is Earl Grey tea acidic? Yes, it is, with a pH typically around 4.5. Its acidity comes from the natural properties of black tea leaves combined with the citrus oil from bergamot. While this level of acidity is not an issue for most people, those with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux should be mindful. By adjusting brewing techniques, adding milk, or considering less-acidic alternatives, you can still enjoy the unique flavor profile of this classic tea without discomfort. Understanding the factors that influence its pH allows for a more informed and enjoyable tea experience.

This Healthline article offers more details on bergamot's properties and potential health effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Earl Grey tea is typically less acidic than coffee. Coffee has an average pH range of 4.85 to 5.10, whereas Earl Grey often sits around 4.5. However, individual variations can occur based on brewing methods.

Earl Grey's acidity stems from its two main components: the black tea base, which becomes more acidic during its oxidation process, and the citrus-derived bergamot oil used for flavoring.

Yes, adding milk to Earl Grey tea can help neutralize its acidity. Milk is alkaline, and its compounds interact with the tannins and acids in the tea, raising the overall pH and creating a smoother, less acidic taste.

For some individuals, the caffeine and tannins in Earl Grey can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially triggering or worsening acid reflux symptoms. It depends on personal sensitivity.

To reduce acidity, try steeping the tea for a shorter amount of time, using slightly cooler water, adding milk, or opting for a blend with a less oxidized tea base.

The pH level of Earl Grey tea is typically around 4.5, which is in the acidic range on the pH scale.

Most black teas are mildly acidic, generally falling between a pH of 4.9 and 5.5. The oxidation process they undergo increases their tannin and organic acid content, contributing to this acidity.