Is Earl Grey Tea Acidic or Alkaline? The Definitive Guide

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

A brewed cup of black tea, the base for Earl Grey, generally has a pH level ranging from 4.9 to 5.5, making it a mildly acidic beverage. The addition of bergamot oil, a citrus extract, further influences its final acidity, placing it firmly on the acidic side of the pH scale. This guide explores the science behind Earl Grey's pH and provides tips for enjoying it, even with a sensitive stomach.

Quick Summary

Earl Grey is a mildly acidic tea with a pH typically around 4.5, influenced by its black tea base and citrusy bergamot oil. Factors like brewing time and additives can alter its acidity. It can be a trigger for some individuals with acid reflux due to both acidity and caffeine, though many can still enjoy it with modifications.

Key Points

Mildly Acidic: Earl Grey tea typically has a pH of approximately 4.5, placing it on the acidic side of the scale.
Bergamot's Role: The citrus-based bergamot oil, combined with the tannins in the black tea base, contributes to the overall acidity.
Brewing Matters: Steeping for a shorter duration or opting for cold brewing can significantly reduce the tea's final acidity.
Add Milk to Neutralize: Adding milk is an effective way to raise the tea's pH and neutralize some of its acidity, making it gentler on the stomach.
Mindful for Reflux: The mild acidity and caffeine can trigger acid reflux symptoms in some sensitive individuals, though not everyone is affected.
Less Acidic Than Coffee: While acidic, Earl Grey is generally less so than a typical cup of coffee.
Individual Variation: The tea's exact pH can vary based on brand, water quality, and specific brewing methods.

Understanding the pH of Earl Grey

The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 being neutral. Earl Grey's acidity comes from two main components: the black tea base and the bergamot oil flavouring.

Black Tea Base: The leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant undergo full oxidation during processing to become black tea. This process increases the concentration of tannins, which are acidic compounds contributing to the tea's brisk flavour and lower pH. A plain brewed black tea typically falls within the pH range of 4.9 to 5.5.
Bergamot Oil: This essential oil is derived from the rind of the Citrus bergamia fruit. As a citrus extract, bergamot is naturally acidic and contributes to the overall acidity of the finished Earl Grey blend, pushing its pH to approximately 4.5.

Factors That Influence Your Cup's Acidity

Several variables during preparation can alter the final pH of your Earl Grey. These are important for those aiming to manage acidity levels for taste or health reasons.

Steeping Time: The longer you steep the tea leaves, the more tannins are released, resulting in a more acidic beverage. A short, 2-3 minute steep will produce a less acidic cup than one steeped for 5 minutes or more.
Additives: What you add to your tea can change its pH dramatically.
- Milk: Adding milk, which has a near-neutral pH (around 6.7), can buffer the tannins and significantly reduce the tea's acidity, making it gentler on the stomach. The casein protein in milk binds with the tannins, mellowing the flavour.
- Lemon: While some enjoy a slice of lemon, adding any citrus will lower the pH even further, increasing the tea's acidity significantly.
- Water Quality: The mineral content of your water also plays a role. Mineral-rich "hard" water is often more alkaline and can help balance the tea's pH.
Brewing Method: Cold-brewing tea extracts fewer tannins and less caffeine, resulting in a smoother, less acidic concentrate compared to hot brewing.

Is Earl Grey Safe for Sensitive Stomachs and Acid Reflux?

For those with a sensitive digestive system or conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the mild acidity and caffeine in Earl Grey can be potential triggers for discomfort or acid reflux. Caffeine is known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that keeps stomach acid contained. However, many people experience no issues and can enjoy Earl Grey without any discomfort. Some even report that the anti-inflammatory properties of bergamot oil can help soothe an upset stomach. Individual sensitivity is the most important factor.

How to Enjoy Less Acidic Earl Grey

Here are some simple techniques to reduce the acidity of your daily cup:

Shorten the Brew: Stick to a 2-3 minute steeping time instead of the standard 5 minutes to limit the release of acidic tannins.
Add Milk: A splash of milk is a traditional and effective method for neutralizing acidity and mellowing the flavour.
Use High-Quality Loose Leaf: Whole-leaf teas often release acids more slowly than the fine particles found in many tea bags.
Cold Brew: This brewing method naturally results in a smoother, less acidic, and less bitter tea.

Acidity Comparison: Earl Grey vs. Other Teas

To put Earl Grey's acidity into context, here is a comparison with other popular teas and beverages:


Tea Type	Typical pH Range	Base Oxidation Level	Acidity Notes
Earl Grey (Black Tea)	~4.5	Fully Oxidized	Mildly acidic due to black tea base and citrus bergamot.
Black Tea (Plain)	4.9–5.5	Fully Oxidized	Generally less acidic than coffee but more than green tea.
Green Tea	7–10	Unoxidized	Ranges from neutral to slightly alkaline, very low acidity.
Herbal Teas (e.g., Chamomile)	6–7	N/A	Often near neutral, non-acidic.
Herbal Teas (e.g., Hibiscus, Berry)	2–4	N/A	Can be highly acidic due to fruits.
Coffee	4.85–5.5	N/A	Typically more acidic than plain black tea.

Conclusion

In summary, Earl Grey tea is mildly acidic, with a typical pH of approximately 4.5. This characteristic is primarily due to the fully oxidized black tea base and the addition of citrus-derived bergamot oil. For most people, this level of acidity is not a major concern. However, individuals with acid reflux or sensitive digestion should be mindful of their intake, as the combination of acidity and caffeine can be a potential trigger. Fortunately, simple adjustments like shortening the steeping time, using milk, or cold brewing can effectively reduce its acidity. By understanding these factors, you can enjoy a delicious and balanced cup of Earl Grey tailored to your personal preferences and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

The pH level of Earl Grey tea is typically around 4.5, which is considered mildly acidic.

For some individuals, the mild acidity and caffeine can trigger acid reflux symptoms by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. However, sensitivity varies greatly from person to person.

To make it less acidic, try reducing the steeping time, brewing with cold water, or adding milk, which helps neutralize the acidity.

While both are acidic, black tea (the base for Earl Grey) is generally considered less acidic than coffee. However, adding lemon to tea will increase its acidity.

The mild acidity of Earl Grey is generally not enough to harm tooth enamel with normal consumption. It is significantly less erosive than sodas or most fruit juices.

Yes, adding milk is an effective way to reduce the tea's acidity. The protein in milk binds with the tea's tannins, mellowing the flavour and raising the pH.

Earl Grey (a black tea) is more acidic than green tea, which is typically unoxidized and often has a pH closer to neutral or even alkaline.

If you have a sensitive stomach, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking Earl Grey or any black tea on an empty stomach. This is because there is no food to buffer the acid and caffeine, which may increase the likelihood of discomfort.