If you love matcha but struggle with acid reflux, you might be wondering… can these two coexist peacefully? The short answer is yes, but it depends on how you prepare and enjoy your matcha. Let’s break down how matcha affects acid reflux, how it compares to coffee and green tea, and what you can do to sip smarter.
What is acid reflux, anyway?
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus. It’s often triggered by:
● Spicy or fatty foods
● Caffeine and acidic beverages
● Eating too quickly or lying down after meals
Common symptoms include heartburn, chest discomfort, a sour taste in your mouth, and bloating. If this happens often, it might be classified as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Is matcha acidic?
Not really. Matcha has a pH between 7 and 9, making it alkaline-forming rather than acidic. That’s one reason why many people find it gentler on the stomach compared to coffee or some other teas.
However, matcha does contain caffeine, which can trigger reflux in sensitive individuals.
A standard serving (2 grams) has around 45 mg of caffeine. It’s less than coffee but still enough to affect some people. If you’ve had to give up your daily coffee due to reflux, matcha can be a better alternative. That calming compound L-theanine in matcha helps smooth out caffeine's effects, reducing jitters and digestive discomfort for some users.
Try decaf matcha for all of the benefits of regular matcha minus the caffeine.
Matcha vs. coffee for reflux
How to drink matcha if you have acid reflux
Matcha can be part of your routine, even with reflux! If you follow a few helpful tips:
● Start small - Try ½ teaspoon and see how your body reacts
● Skip the empty stomach - Have your matcha after a small meal or snack
● Avoid added sugar - Sweeteners can trigger reflux symptoms
● Use plant-based milk - Some people find dairy worsens reflux
● Watch your temperature - Extra hot drinks can irritate the esophagus
Pro tip: Some people swear by iced matcha lattes as a reflux-friendly option.
When to avoid matcha
If your reflux is severe or you're actively experiencing a flare-up, it’s smart to hold off on anything caffeinated - matcha included. Talk to your doctor if you're unsure whether it’s safe for you.
Bottom line
Matcha isn’t inherently acidic or reflux-triggering, but its caffeine content can affect sensitive individuals. With smart preparation, many people with acid reflux can still enjoy matcha (or decaf matcha!) as a gentler, antioxidant-rich alternative to coffee.
Other matcha recipes you’ll love
Pink cold foam iced matcha latte
Smashed matcha chocolate dates
Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.
Resources:
Koo, M. W., & Cho, C. H. (2004). Pharmacological effects of green tea on the gastrointestinal system. European journal of pharmacology, 500(1-3), 177–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2004.07.023
Zhang, L., Ho, C. T., Zhou, J., Santos, J. S., Armstrong, L., & Granato, D. (2019). Chemistry and Biological Activities of Processed Camellia sinensis Teas: A Comprehensive Review. Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety, 18(5), 1474–1495. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12479
Mokra, D., Joskova, M., & Mokry, J. (2022). Therapeutic Effects of Green Tea Polyphenol (‒)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) in Relation to Molecular Pathways Controlling Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(1), 340. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010340
