Is Tea Less Acidic Than Coffee? A Simple Guide

Are you a tea or coffee lover curious about the acidity levels in your favorite morning beverage?

Well, you’re not alone. Many people are concerned about the acidity in their drinks and how it can affect their health.

Using the pH scale, tea is considered less acidic than coffee. Although both are acidic, it’s insufficient to cause any damage to your teeth or stomach. The acidity level also depends on factors such as the variety of tea or coffee, the roasting process, brewing methods, and water temperature.

In this blog, we’ll explore the acidity levels of tea and coffee, how to lower acidity in your drink, and the health implications of acidity. We’ll also answer some common questions about tea and coffee, such as which tea is least acidic and whether tea or coffee is better for acid reflux.

So, let’s dive in and discover the acidity of your favorite drink!

How Do You Measure Acid Levels in Tea and Coffee?

To measure the acid levels in tea, you’ll need to determine its pH level. The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline an object is. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Values below 7 indicate acidity, while values above 7 represent alkalinity.

Start by brewing your tea according to your preferred method. Afterward, you can use pH testing strips or a digital pH meter to measure the tea’s acidity.

Simply dip the pH strip in the brewed tea or place the probe of the digital pH meter into the liquid. The color change in the pH strip or the value displayed on the meter will indicate the tea’s pH level and, thus, its acidity.

Comparing the acidity levels of different teas or between tea and coffee lets you determine which is less acidic. Factors like brewing time and water temperature can also affect acidity.

Is Tea Less Acidic Than Coffee?

The acidity of a tea and coffee are both measured on the pH scale. Lower values mean they’re higher in acidity. 

Teas derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, such as black and green tea, are less acidic than coffee. Coffee has a pH level of around 5.35, while black tea has a pH of approximately 6.37.

One of the most popular variations of tea is matcha. Matcha is less acidic than coffee because matcha has a higher pH level. Matcha has an average pH level of 6.0 – 6.5 whereas coffee is between 4.85 – 5.10. 

However, other varieties of tea are more acidic than coffee. Rosehip tea has a 3.95-4.57 pH range, which is more acidic than coffee. Due to the acidity, rosehip tea has a slight tart taste. Additionally, fruit-flavored teas and iced tea are more acidic than coffee.

The acidity level also depends on factors such as the variety of tea or coffee, brewing methods, and water temperature. Other components, such as polyphenols and caffeine in coffee and tea, also play an important role in their overall health impact.

So, if you’re particularly sensitive to acidic foods and beverages, opting for tea over coffee may be a better choice. Keep exploring various types of tea and coffee to find the one that best suits your taste and preferences.

How To Lower Acidity In Your Tea

If you have a sensitive stomach or teeth, you may want to lower the acidity in your tea. Here are several ways to lower acidity in your tea.

Avoid Brewing Your Tea For Too Long

Pay attention to the brewing time to lower the acidity in your tea. By reducing the time your tea leaves steep in hot water, you can decrease the amount of acidity extracted from the leaves. Try shorter brewing times to find the perfect balance between flavor and acidity for your taste.

Try Cold Brewing Tea

Another way to lower acidity is by opting for a cold brew method. Cold brewing extracts fewer acidic compounds from the tea leaves than hot brewing, resulting in a smoother and less acidic taste. Simply steep your tea in cold water for several hours or overnight for a less acidic and refreshing beverage.

Avoid Adding Fruit To Your Tea

Some fruit teas will add acidity because they contain fruit extracts. Similarly, fruit-based teas with berries or citrus will have a much higher acidic level. Choose teas without fruity flavors and focus on traditional or herbal blends to reduce acidity.

Dilute Your Tea With Water, Milk Or Creamer

You can always dilute your tea with water, milk, or a creamer if it is too acidic. This reduces the acidity and creates a milder taste that is easier on your palate. Milk and creamer will add richness and creaminess to your tea and balance out the bitter flavors of green or black tea.

Choose A Lower Acidic Tea

Lastly, some tea varieties are naturally less acidic than others. For example, green and white teas are less acidic than black teas. Experiment with different types of tea to find the ideal balance between flavor and acidity for you.

What Kind of Tea Is Least Acidic?

If higher acidity is causing issues with your digestion, then you may want to swap for a lesser acidity tea. When choosing a tea with low acidity, here are several that might be best suited for you.

White tea is known to be the least acidic among tea varieties, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their acid intake. It has a pH level of 8-10, making it alkaline rather than acidic. 

Green tea is a good option because it’s considered slightly acidic. It has a pH of 5.5-6, which is more acidic than white tea but still relatively low. Green tea may stain teeth due to its acidity plus tannin content.

Oolong tea is slightly acidic and one of my favorite-tasting teas. Its pH is 5.5-7, making it a more alkaline option than green tea. 

Chamomile tea is a popular herbal blend that can be enjoyed by those searching for a low-acid tea. Its pH is 6-7, making it a better option. Due to its pH level, chamomile tea is unlikely to stain teeth.

On the other hand, the most acidic teas tend to be black tea varieties, such as English breakfast tea and many iced tea blends.

Not all herbal teas are alkaline because rosehip, blackberry, and lemon-based teas are quite acidic. Generally speaking, most herbal teas are less acidic.

What Kind of Tea Is Most Acidic?

Here are several teas that are more acidic than typical blends. Although the acidity level isn’t high enough to cause stomach issues, you may want to avoid them if you’re sensitive to their effects.

Black tea is slightly acidic and higher than many tea varieties. It has a pH level of 4.9-5.5, making it alkaline rather than acidic. Black tea undergoes an oxidation process which helps develop robust flavors and aromas. It also makes black tea more acidic than partially oxidized teas such as green or white.

English Breakfast Tea is a classic blend that includes different varieties of black tea, such as Assam, Ceylon, Kenyan, and Keemun. Its pH is 4.5, making it a more acidic option than black tea alone.

Rosehip tea is a pseudo-fruit tea known for its very delicate flavor. As with any fruit-based tea, it’s considered quite acidic. Its pH is 2-3 making it one of the most acidic teas.

How To Lower Acidity In Coffee

As you’ve learned, coffee is more acidic than tea, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying freshly brewed coffee. Consider the options below if you’re trying to reduce coffee’s acidic. 

Try Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brewing your coffee can significantly reduce its acidity. The process involves steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period. This method extracts less acidic compounds, providing a smoother and less acidic drink.

Dilute With Water, Milk, Or Creamer

Like tea, you can dilute your coffee with water, milk, or creamer, which can help soften the acidity. Adding milk or creamer also neutralizes, as they tend to have a higher pH than coffee.

Try A Dark Roast Coffee

Opt for dark-roasted coffee beans, which contain lower acidity levels than light or medium roasts. The roasting process breaks down the acids, producing less acidic coffee.

Add Salt To Your Coffee Grounds

Adding a small pinch of salt to your coffee grounds before brewing can help neutralize the acidity. Salt can counteract bitterness and balance flavor, making your coffee taste smoother and less acidic. Similarly, you can add salt to tea to reduce the bitter flavor.

The Health Implications of Acidity

For some people, acidity can cause issues in the stomach. While others may be worried about how it’ll stain their teeth. Although the effects of coffee and tea are minimal, you should always practice moderation.

If you are sensitive to acidity, consume your coffee or tea with a meal or snack. Although drinking coffee or tea is safe on an empty stomach, some people may experience adverse side effects if they have acid reflux.

Is Tea Better Than Coffee For Acid Reflux?

Both tea and coffee are acidic and may still cause acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for some people. 

Tea can be less irritating for acid reflux symptoms than coffee due to its lower acidity. Some studies suggest that decaffeinated coffee or tea may further reduce gastro‐oesophageal reflux.

Is Tea Easier On The Stomach Than Coffee?

For some people, acidity in the stomach can increase issues such as poor digestion, nausea, heartburn, or gastritis. Tea is less acidic than coffee so it may be easier on your stomach. 

The caffeine content in coffee may increase the production of stomach acid, which can lead to discomfort. Switching to decaf tea or coffee may slightly help ease the symptoms of an upset stomach. 

Green tea can act as a natural remedy for digestion. It can reduce bloating, soothe stomach issues, and even reduce the symptoms of some conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 

Tooth Enamel and Acidity

According to the American Dental Association, the acid level in tea is not enough to damage your teeth. Nor will coffee’s acidity damage tooth enamel as long as you drink moderately.

Remember that tea and coffee may bind to tooth enamel and cause discoloration. Don’t swish the liquid in your mouth to avoid staining your teeth. Also, avoid brushing your teeth before or after drinking tea and coffee. So, you should wait 30-60 minutes before brushing your teeth after drinking tea or coffee.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly is essential to prevent tooth decay and other issues related to enamel erosion.

Comparing The Acidity Of Different Types of Tea and Coffee

Acidity in Green and Black Tea

When comparing the acidity levels of different tea types, remember the source. Green and black tea come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The differences in acidity levels are due to the processing methods used. 

Green tea undergoes a minimal oxidation process, which helps maintain its lighter color and milder flavor. In contrast, black tea undergoes complete oxidation, resulting in a darker color and a stronger flavor.

The pH level of green tea typically ranges from 6 to 7, while black tea falls between 4.9 and 5.5. 

Green tea is considered less acidic than black tea. Drinking green tea can be better for those looking to minimize acid intake or those sensitive to acidic beverages.

Acidity in Dark and Light Roast Coffees

The acidity levels can also vary based on the roast. Dark roast coffee undergoes a longer roasting process, producing a more intense flavor. While light roast coffee undergoes a shorter roasting duration, leading to a milder flavor profile.

Contrary to popular belief, dark roast coffee has a lower acidity than light roast coffee. Dark roast typically has a pH of 5, whereas light roasts are slightly more acidic on the pH scale.

During the roasting process, some of the natural acids present in the coffee beans break down, causing the acidity in dark roast coffee to decrease. While light roast coffee beans retain much more acid.

This might seem counterintuitive due to the bold flavors of dark roast coffee, but acidity should be distinct from flavor intensity or bitterness.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What kind of tea is the least acidic?

If you’re searching for a less acidic tea, try white tea. This type of tea has a lower acidity level than black tea, green tea, or herbal blends. It may be more suitable for those with sensitive stomachs or acidity concerns. Herbal teas, such as chamomile, are also generally less acidic.

Why should you drink tea instead of coffee?

The debate between drinking tea or coffee is dependent on your personal preference. Tea has numerous health benefits, such as high antioxidants, reduced inflammation, and weight loss. Drinking green tea has been linked to a reduced risk of depression and cognitive decline. Additionally, tea contains lower levels of caffeine, which can help reduce caffeine-induced jitters or sleep disruptions.

Why does tea bother my stomach more than coffee?

Although tea is generally considered less acidic than coffee, some individuals may experience stomach discomfort after consuming certain types of tea. This can be due to the tannins in tea, which may irritate the stomach lining. Try herbal or milder varieties, such as white or green tea, if tea upsets your stomach.

Is tea hard on your stomach?

No, tea is considered slightly acidic, which won’t be hard on your stomach. However, individuals have different sensitivities, and some may find certain types of tea irritating. If you experience stomach discomfort from tea, consider herbal teas or milder varieties, such as green or white tea.

Is peppermint tea acidic?

Peppermint tea is less acidic than traditional black or green tea, making it a good option for sensitive stomachs. Peppermint tea is an herbal blend known to soothe an upset stomach, aid digestion, and used to treat many stomach-related issues. Since it’s less acidic, peppermint tea won’t stain teeth the same way as black tea.

Is tea less acidic than coffee or milk?

Tea, especially green and black tea, is less acidic than coffee, making it a better choice for people who want to avoid acidic beverages. Milk is more alkaline than coffee and tea. As a result, milk is the least acidic, followed by tea and coffee.

Final Thoughts

Both tea and coffee are delicious, healthy, and flavorful beverages that can kickstart your morning.

If you compare the acidity levels, tea is less acidic. Opting for tea over coffee may be a better choice if you’re particularly sensitive to acidic foods and beverages. However, both can be enjoyed equally since the acidity isn’t enough to cause severe tooth decay and other issues related to enamel erosion.

So, explore various types of tea and coffee to find the one that best suits your taste and preferences. Or better yet, mix coffee and tea together to produce a flavorful concoction.