Coffee’s acid can aggravate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach contents rise up into the food pipe (esophagus). Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, mouth and throat soreness and burning sensations.

Caffeine can make the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) worse by stimulating gastric secretion and relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter to open when it shouldn’t. A single cup of regular coffee contains up to 95 mg of caffeine; tea and soda may also contribute.

As there is no truly caffeine-free coffee available, as decaffeination often leaves trace amounts of chemicals behind, you could try low-acid coffee brewed for less time, which reduces acid levels by using beans specifically roasted to be low-acid. These unique beans come in various flavors such as chocolate and hazelnut making this option an enjoyable alternative to regular brew.

Cold brew coffee offers another heartburn-friendly option using the steeping method to produce an acid-reduced drink, created by soaking grounds in water for hours or days – which cuts down significantly on acidity levels. You’ll find this heartburn-friendly beverage both at grocery stores and specialty brands; typically Arabica beans are used, which limits how much acid enters the cup based on recommendations by Cleveland Clinic.