Is Genmaicha Acidic or Alkaline? A Deep Dive into This Japanese Tea

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

While regular green tea can sometimes be slightly acidic, Genmaicha is generally considered much less acidic due to its toasted rice component. The addition of roasted brown rice not only gives this popular Japanese tea its signature nutty flavor but also helps to mellow its overall acidity, making it a smoother and more stomach-friendly beverage.

Quick Summary

This article explores the acidity of Genmaicha, explaining that the addition of roasted brown rice reduces its overall acidity compared to pure green tea. It examines how brewing methods and other factors affect the final pH, positioning Genmaicha as a milder, more stomach-friendly tea option.

Key Points

Genmaicha is less acidic than many other teas: The addition of toasted brown rice reduces the overall acidity of the final brew.
Brewing method affects pH: A shorter steep time and a lower water temperature will produce a milder, less acidic cup of Genmaicha.
Low caffeine is a key benefit: With less caffeine than pure green tea, Genmaicha is less likely to trigger acid reflux in sensitive individuals.
Offers digestive comfort: The mild nature of Genmaicha, combined with its reduced acidity, makes it a soothing and gentle tea for sensitive stomachs.
Factors like water and ingredients matter: The quality of the tea leaves and the pH of your brewing water can influence the final acidity of your cup.
Provides green tea benefits gently: You get the antioxidants and other wellness properties of green tea without the potential digestive irritation from higher acidity and caffeine.

Understanding the pH Scale for Tea

The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, with lower numbers indicating higher acidity and higher numbers indicating higher alkalinity. Most foods and beverages, including tea, fall on this scale, and their position can influence how they affect our bodies, particularly for those with sensitive digestive systems or conditions like acid reflux.

Pure water has a neutral pH of 7. For green teas, the pH can vary significantly, from mildly acidic to slightly alkaline, depending on the specific type, processing, and brewing method. Knowing where a tea falls on this scale can help people make informed choices for their health and palate.

The Unique Composition of Genmaicha

Genmaicha is a distinct Japanese green tea, famously known as "brown rice tea" or "popcorn tea," due to its special blend of green tea leaves and fire-roasted brown rice. This unique combination is the key to understanding its pH balance.

Green Tea Leaves: The base of Genmaicha is typically a lower-grade green tea like Bancha or Sencha. Green tea leaves naturally contain compounds like tannins and catechins that can contribute to a slightly acidic profile.
Roasted Rice: The addition of roasted brown rice adds starch and a nutty flavor that counteracts and dilutes the bitterness and acidity of the green tea leaves. This ingredient is what truly differentiates Genmaicha's pH from that of pure green tea.
Low Caffeine Content: Genmaicha also has a lower caffeine content compared to other green teas, simply because the blend contains fewer tea leaves and more rice. This low caffeine level is another reason it is often recommended for those with sensitive stomachs, as caffeine can stimulate stomach acid production.

Factors Influencing Genmaicha's pH

While Genmaicha is generally less acidic than other green teas, its final pH can be affected by several variables during preparation. For individuals concerned about acidity, controlling these factors is crucial for a gentler brew.

Brewing Temperature: Using very hot water can extract more tannins from the green tea leaves, increasing the acidity and astringency. Brewing at the recommended lower temperatures (around 80°C / 175°F) helps to minimize the extraction of these acidic compounds, resulting in a smoother, less acidic cup.
Steeping Time: Just like with temperature, a longer steeping time allows for greater extraction of tannins, increasing the tea's acidity. A shorter steep (e.g., 60-90 seconds) is recommended for Genmaicha to keep it mild.
Water Quality: The pH of the water used can also play a role. Harder water contains minerals that can make the tea's pH more alkaline, while very soft or distilled water may lead to a more acidic brew.
Quality of Ingredients: The specific type of green tea used in the blend (e.g., Bancha vs. Sencha) and the roast level of the rice can slightly alter the final taste and pH. High-quality, balanced blends will produce a consistent, less acidic flavor.

Comparison Table: Genmaicha vs. Other Teas


Feature	Genmaicha	Regular Green Tea (Sencha)	Black Tea	Coffee
Acidity Level	Mildly acidic to neutral	Mildly acidic to slightly alkaline (varies)	Moderately acidic	Moderately to highly acidic
Typical pH Range	~5.5–7.0 (depends on brewing)	~4.9–7.0 (depends on brewing)	~4.9–5.5	~4.5–5.5
Key Ingredient	Green tea leaves & roasted rice	Green tea leaves	Fully oxidized leaves	Roasted coffee beans
Digestive Comfort	Often gentle due to low acidity and rice	Can be irritating for some, especially on an empty stomach	Can trigger acid reflux in sensitive individuals	Frequently a trigger for acid reflux
Caffeine Content	Low due to rice dilution	Higher than Genmaicha	Higher than green tea	Significantly higher than any tea

The Health Implications of Genmaicha’s pH

Genmaicha's reduced acidity and low caffeine content make it a favorable choice for many, especially those with digestive concerns. For individuals with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs, highly acidic beverages like coffee can exacerbate symptoms by irritating the stomach lining and relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. Genmaicha offers a gentler alternative, providing the benefits of green tea without the potential drawbacks of higher acidity and caffeine.

Beyond digestion, green tea, including Genmaicha, is known for its high antioxidant content, specifically catechins like EGCG, which fight free radicals and support overall wellness. The amino acid L-theanine also promotes a sense of calm and relaxation. Combining these benefits with its low acidity makes Genmaicha an excellent choice for a calming, health-conscious beverage that won't upset the stomach.

Conclusion

While Genmaicha is made with green tea leaves that are naturally slightly acidic, the addition of starchy, roasted brown rice significantly reduces its overall acidity. This positions Genmaicha as a milder, less acidic, and more stomach-friendly beverage than many other teas and certainly more so than coffee. The final pH is influenced by brewing variables, but when prepared correctly with moderately hot water and a short steep time, Genmaicha offers a gentle, nutty flavor profile with numerous health benefits and a very low risk of triggering digestive issues. For those seeking the wellness advantages of green tea with a comforting, easy-on-the-stomach experience, Genmaicha is an excellent choice.

For more detailed scientific information on tea and health, consult resources from a trusted institution such as the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Genmaicha is generally considered safe for people with acid reflux because it is less acidic and has a lower caffeine content than many other teas. However, for those who are highly sensitive, it is recommended to drink it in moderation and not on an empty stomach.

The roasted brown rice used in Genmaicha dilutes the green tea leaves, reducing the concentration of tannins and other compounds that cause acidity. This results in a milder, less astringent, and less acidic final brew.

The pH level of Genmaicha varies based on brewing method, but it is typically in the mildly acidic to neutral range, roughly 5.5–7.0. It is significantly less acidic than coffee or black tea.

To reduce the acidity of Genmaicha, use moderately hot water (around 80°C), steep the tea for a shorter amount of time (60-90 seconds), and avoid consuming it on an empty stomach.

Genmaicha is not strongly alkaline but can have a milder, more alkalizing effect compared to highly acidic beverages like coffee. It helps maintain pH balance in the body without the drawbacks of high acidity.

Yes, Genmaicha is an excellent choice for a night-time tea. Its low caffeine content makes it suitable for evening consumption without disrupting sleep. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid known for its relaxing properties.

The pH of the water you use can affect the final acidity. Hard water, which has a higher mineral content, can make the tea's pH more alkaline, while soft water might result in a slightly more acidic brew.