Coffee vs Tea: Which Is More Acidic?
Coffee is generally more acidic than tea, with a pH range of 4.5 to 6, while tea typically ranges from 6 to 7, depending on the type.
Many people wonder whether coffee or tea is more acidic, especially those with sensitive stomachs or dental concerns. The answer is clear: coffee is more acidic than tea based on pH measurements and scientific studies. Let’s explore the details behind this comparison.
Understanding Acidity in Beverages
Acidity is measured using the pH scale, which ranges from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). A pH of 7 is neutral. Most beverages we consume fall somewhere between 2.5 and 7 on this scale.
pH Levels of Common Beverages
| Beverage | Average pH |
|---|---|
| Lemon juice | 2.0-2.6 |
| Orange juice | 3.3-4.2 |
| Coffee | 4.85-5.10 |
| Black tea | 4.9-5.5 |
| Green tea | 7.0-10.0 |
| Milk | 6.5-6.7 |
| Water | 7.0 |
Scientific Comparisons of Coffee and Tea Acidity
Multiple studies have compared the acidity of coffee and tea:
- A Healthline study found black tea had a pH of 6.37 while coffee measured 5.35
- Research from Sapien Knows showed instant coffee was 18-25 times more acidic than green tea
- A clinical study published in the Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics journal found coffee induced significantly more gastro-oesophageal reflux than tea
Why Coffee Is More Acidic
Several factors contribute to coffee’s higher acidity:
- Natural acids: Coffee contains chlorogenic, quinic, citric, acetic, malic, and phosphoric acids
- Roasting process: Darker roasts tend to be less acidic than light roasts
- Brewing method: Cold brew coffee is less acidic than hot brewed coffee
- Bean origin: Beans from high altitudes tend to be more acidic
Types of Tea and Their Acidity Levels
Not all teas have the same acidity. Here’s how different varieties compare:
Most Acidic Teas
- Fruit teas (pH 2.5-3.5)
- Lemon tea (pH 3.0-3.5)
- Black tea (pH 4.9-5.5)
Least Acidic Teas
- Green tea (pH 7.0-10.0)
- Herbal teas (pH 6.0-7.0)
- White tea (pH 6.0-7.5)
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Health Implications of Acidic Beverages
Dental Health
The “safe” pH level for drinks that won’t cause tooth enamel erosion is 5.5. Both coffee and tea typically fall above this threshold, though coffee is closer to the danger zone.
Digestive Health
Research shows coffee stimulates more gastric acid secretion than tea. A study in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found:
- Regular coffee caused significant gastro-oesophageal reflux compared to water
- Tea had similar effects to water
- Decaffeination reduced coffee’s acidity but didn’t affect tea
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Reducing Acidity in Your Drinks
If you love coffee but need to reduce acidity:
- Choose dark roast over light roast
- Try cold brew instead of hot coffee
- Add milk or cream to neutralize acidity
- Use low-acid coffee brands
- Drink through a straw to protect teeth
For tea drinkers:
- Brew for shorter times (3-4 minutes instead of 5)
- Use cooler water (160-180°F instead of boiling)
- Add milk to black tea
- Choose herbal or green tea varieties
Final Thoughts
While both coffee and tea contain acids, scientific evidence consistently shows coffee is more acidic than tea. The exact difference depends on preparation methods and specific varieties, but on average, coffee’s pH is about one point lower than black tea’s, making it roughly ten times more acidic. Green and herbal teas are significantly less acidic than both coffee and black tea.
