Which is more acidic, coffee or soft drinks? An in-depth pH comparison

January 10, 2026 •

2 min read

Fact: Most soft drinks, including popular colas, possess a significantly lower pH level than coffee, making them far more acidic. The seemingly simple question of which is more acidic, coffee or soft drinks?, reveals a complex interplay of ingredients and processing that impacts our health.

Quick Summary

Soft drinks are considerably more acidic than coffee, with many sodas having a pH below 3, while coffee typically falls between 4.85 and 5.4. Acidity levels vary by brand, roast, and preparation method, impacting dental and digestive health.

Key Points

Acidity is Measured by pH: A lower pH number indicates higher acidity; soft drinks have a lower average pH than coffee.
Soft Drinks are More Erosive: The combination of low pH and high sugar in sodas makes them a greater risk for dental enamel erosion than coffee.
Coffee Acidity Varies: Factors like roast level, bean type, and brew method can significantly affect coffee's pH; dark roasts and cold brews are less acidic.
Caffeine Impacts Stomach Acid: Beyond the liquid's inherent pH, the caffeine in coffee can stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, affecting digestion.
Mitigate Acid Damage: Using a straw, rinsing with water after drinking, and adding milk to coffee can all help reduce the negative effects of acidic beverages.
Understand the Scale: A cola with a pH of 2.5 is roughly 100 times more acidic than a coffee with a pH of 4.5, due to the logarithmic nature of the pH scale.

The Science of Acidity: Understanding the pH Scale

To determine which is more acidic, coffee or soft drinks, you must first understand the pH scale. This scale measures the potential of hydrogen in a substance, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral (like pure water), anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is alkaline (or basic). The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number represents a tenfold change in acidity.

A Head-to-Head Comparison: Coffee vs. Soft Drinks

Comparing average pH values shows that coffee is acidic but typically has a higher pH than most soft drinks.


Feature	Coffee	Soft Drinks
Typical pH Range	4.85–5.4	2.5–4.0
Primary Acids	Chlorogenic, quinic, citric	Phosphoric, citric, carbonic
Relative Acidity	Moderately Acidic	Highly to Extremely Acidic
Key Health Concern	Staining, potential erosion with frequency	Significant enamel erosion, sugar impact

The Acidity of Soft Drinks

Soft drinks are highly acidic due to added acids like phosphoric, citric, and carbonic acids, which contribute to dental enamel erosion.

The Acidity of Coffee

Coffee's acidity comes from natural organic acids and is influenced by factors such as roast level (lighter is more acidic), bean type (Arabica > Robusta), brewing method (cold brew is less acidic), and additives.

Beyond pH: The Impact on Your Body

Beverage acidity affects health, particularly teeth and digestion.

Dental Erosion

Acidic drinks erode dental enamel. Soft drinks' lower pH and sugar content make them more damaging than coffee over time.

Digestive Issues

Acidic beverages can cause discomfort for those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs; coffee's caffeine can also stimulate stomach acid.

How to Mitigate the Effects of Acidic Beverages

Reducing the impact involves using a straw, rinsing with water, choosing less acidic options (like darker roast coffee or some sodas), adding milk to coffee, and limiting consumption.

Conclusion: Which is more acidic, coffee or soft drinks?

Soft drinks are significantly more acidic than coffee. Their lower pH and sugar content pose a greater risk to dental health and can cause more digestive upset than coffee.

For more information on acidic foods and drinks, see the guidance from {Link: Oral Health Foundation https://www.dentalhealth.org/acidic-foods-and-drinks-what-you-need-to-know}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, adding milk or creamer to coffee raises its pH level, making it less acidic.

Yes, cold brew coffee is generally less acidic because the cold brewing process extracts fewer of the acidic compounds from the grounds.

While acidity varies by brand, many colas and energy drinks contain particularly high levels of phosphoric and citric acid, making them some of the most acidic soft drinks.

Acidic beverages temporarily soften dental enamel. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to permanent erosion, increased sensitivity, and a higher risk of cavities.

No, despite not having sugar, diet sodas still contain phosphoric and citric acids for flavor, and they can have a pH comparable to or only slightly higher than their regular counterparts.

Yes, for individuals prone to acid reflux, the acidity of both soft drinks and coffee can trigger or worsen symptoms. Coffee's caffeine content can also stimulate stomach acid production.

For those with digestive sensitivities, low-acid coffee (such as dark roast or cold brew) is often gentler on the stomach as it contains fewer acidic compounds.