Can Coffee Cause Heartburn? The Hidden Link Between Your Brew and Acid Reflux

You’ve just enjoyed your morning cup of coffee only to feel that familiar burning sensation in your chest. Is it the caffeine? The acidity? Or something more? If you've ever asked can coffee cause heartburn, you're not alone. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, nearly 20% of adults experience heartburn weekly, and coffee is often cited as a potential trigger.

In this article, we unpack the relationship between coffee and heartburn using evidence from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), World Coffee Research, and Barista Hustle. You'll gain insights into why coffee may affect your esophagus, and how Bazan Coffee offers flavorful solutions with minimal digestive discomfort.

What Is Heartburn and Why Does It Happen?

Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, where stomach acid moves upward into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) weakens or relaxes at the wrong time. Certain foods and beverages including coffee are known to affect LES pressure.

According to the SCA’s 2023 coffee health summary, caffeine and chlorogenic acids are primary suspects in LES relaxation and acid stimulation.

This doesn’t mean coffee must be avoided. But it does suggest that specific types, brewing methods, and drinking habits may influence your reflux risk.

Can Coffee Cause Heartburn? Understanding the Evidence

1. Caffeine and LES Relaxation

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, but it also affects the gastrointestinal system. Research from CQI highlights that caffeine can lower LES pressure, making it easier for stomach acid to travel upward.

A 2018 study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics showed that high-caffeine beverages reduced LES tension by up to 40% in sensitive individuals.

This effect is especially strong in high-caffeine Robusta coffees. Bazan’s Fine Robusta – Krong Năng, while excellent for energy and flavor, may not be suitable for reflux-sensitive drinkers unless brewed gently or mixed into a blend.

2. Coffee Acidity and Gastric Irritation

Coffee’s natural acidity can exacerbate reflux symptoms by stimulating gastric acid secretion. The average pH of brewed coffee ranges from 4.5 to 6.0, and lighter roasts or washed-process beans often contain more chlorogenic acids, which have been shown to increase acid production in the stomach.

According to World Coffee Research, coffee grown at high altitudes (like Bazan’s Cau Dat Arabica) tends to have a cleaner, rounder acidity, while still offering complexity. Roasting technique also matters longer, medium roasts reduce acid content without sacrificing body or aroma.

Brewing Matters: How Method Impacts Heartburn

Immersion vs. Percolation Brewing

The way you brew your coffee plays a key role in acid extraction:

• Espresso  and pour-over methods extract more soluble acids, which can irritate the stomach.
  

• Cold brew   and French press methods yield lower-acid profiles, especially when using coarsely ground beans and long steep times.
  

Barista Hustle recommends cold brewing for individuals prone to GERD or heartburn: “Cold brew reduces titratable acidity by up to 60%.”

At Bazan, we encourage customers with reflux issues to prepare Special Vietnam Blend as a cold brew or immersion-style coffee to enjoy the flavor without triggering acid-related symptoms

Supporting Keyword Breakdown

Can Coffee Cause Acid Reflux?

Yes. As discussed, both caffeine and coffee’s natural acidity are known contributors to acid reflux, which leads to heartburn. Reducing dose, switching roast profiles, and choosing lower-acid beans are key to prevention.

Can Coffee Cause Nausea?

Heartburn and nausea often occur together. When gastric acid is overproduced or refluxes into the esophagus, it can lead to feelings of queasiness or discomfort. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach amplifies this.

Tip: Pair your morning coffee with food especially whole grains or bananas to buffer acid and protect the stomach lining.

Can Coffee Cause Bloating and Stomach Pain?

While not always related to heartburn, bloating and stomach pain are often symptoms of a sensitive GI tract reacting to coffee. This is more common when dairy or sugar alcohols (in sweeteners) are added. Bazan’s black coffees or unsweetened oat-milk lattes are a more gut-friendly choice.

How to Enjoy Coffee Without the Burn

If you love coffee but struggle with heartburn, try these strategies:

Expert Recommendations from SCA & CQI

• Brew Ratio Matters: A 1:17 coffee-to-water ratio lowers solubles, resulting in a gentler brew.
  

• Roast Development Counts: Medium roasts reduce acidity while preserving flavor complexity.
  

• Altitude and Origin Influence Acidity: High-elevation Arabicas are smoother and less irritating.
  

At Bazan Coffee, we meticulously control fermentation and roasting to ensure that our beans are balanced, low-irritant, and optimized for health-conscious drinkers.

Conclusion: Finding the Balance Between Flavor and Comfort

So, can coffee cause heartburn? Yes but with the right bean, brew, and balance, you don’t need to give up your favorite ritual. Whether it’s caffeine sensitivity, high acidity, or brewing method that’s causing discomfort, Bazan Coffee offers solutions that don’t compromise on taste.

Explore Bazan’s Heartburn-Friendly Coffees

• Cau Dat Arabica – Smooth, medium-roasted, low-acid
  

• Special Vietnam Blend – Ideal for cold brew, mellow and rich
  

• Fine Robusta – Krong Năng – High caffeine for those who can tolerate it, best when cold brewed
  

Say goodbye to heartburn without saying goodbye to coffee. Brew smarter, sip smoother, only with Bazan Coffee. Shop Bazan Coffee Now