What type of coffee does TOGO recommend if you have heartburn?

Coffee and stomach: friend or foe?

For millions of people, coffee is an indispensable daily ritual. However, for those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn or gastritis, drinking coffee can become a challenge. Why does coffee cause heartburn?

High acidity – Some coffees have a lower pH, which can irritate the stomach lining.

Caffeine – Relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to move back up into the esophagus.

Organic compounds – Some substances present in coffee stimulate the secretion of gastric acid.

If you experience symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, or bloating after drinking coffee, that doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite beverage entirely. Choosing the right type of coffee and the correct brewing method can make a significant difference.

Choosing the right coffee for a sensitive stomach

Origins of low acid coffee. Not all coffees are equally acidic. The acidity varies depending on the origin of the beans and the processing method. Recommendations for low acidity:

Brazil – Notes of chocolate, nuts and caramel, with low acidity. TOGO Energy could be the right choice.

Sumatra (Indonesia) – Earthy profile, rich body and low acidity.
Mexico (honey or natural process) – High sweetness, moderate acidity.

To be avoided: African coffees such as Ethiopia or Kenya, appreciated for their intense citrus acidity.

The right roast: Medium or Light

Did you know that roasting affects the acidity of coffee? The longer the beans are roasted, the lower the acidity. The recommended roasting profile is:

Medium roast – Reduces acidity and provides a more balanced taste.

Avoid light roasting: the beans retain their higher natural acidity.

Myth or reality: There is a misconception that medium roast is harder to digest. In reality, it’s exactly the opposite: longer roasting neutralizes some of the acids responsible for stomach irritation.

Brewing method: Cold Brew, Moka or Filter?

It’s not just the type of coffee that matters, but also the way you prepare it. The extraction method influences the level of irritant compounds and the final acidity of the drink. The gentlest methods for the stomach:

Cold beer – Cold infusion reduces acidity by up to 70%. Coffee is sweeter and easier to digest.

Moka pot – Quick method that extracts less acidity.

Filter (V60, Chemex) – If using a medium roast, this method creates a clear, more tolerable brew.

To avoid:

French Press – Leaves more oils and particles in the coffee, which can irritate the stomach.
Long Extract Espresso – Although it contains less caffeine per serving, it may contain a higher concentration of acidic compounds.

The alternative to decaf: is it worth a try?

If caffeine aggravates your symptoms, a safe option is decaffeinated coffee, especially the naturally processed Swiss Water method (without chemical solvents).

ADVANTAGES:

Decaffeinated coffee is gentler on the stomach because it contains fewer compounds that stimulate acid secretion, reducing the risk of heartburn.

It does not irritate the gastric mucosa, being a safer choice for people with gastroesophageal reflux or gastritis.

It has less acidity than regular coffee, especially if it is roasted medium-high and brewed using gentle methods such as Cold Brew.

It reduces the risk of acid reflux, because caffeine deficiency prevents the lower esophageal sphincter from relaxing, preventing gastric acid from rising back into the esophagus.

It retains beneficial antioxidants, helping to protect the digestive system, without the irritating effects of caffeine.

Other tips to reduce the effects of coffee on the stomach

Don’t drink coffee on an empty stomach. A good pairing is with a light breakfast (oats, bananas, almonds).
Hydrate sufficiently. Drink a glass of water before and after coffee to protect the gastric mucosa.
Choose plant-based milk. Oat milk, which we also recommend for preparing milk-based drinks, can help neutralize acidity.
Grind the beans properly. If ground too finely, excessive extraction can increase the acidity of the drink.

Conclusion: Coffee can be enjoyed even with a sensitive stomach!

If you suffer from gastric reflux or heartburn, you don’t have to give up coffee. Choosing the right origin, medium roast, and gentle brewing method can help you enjoy your favorite flavors without discomfort.

TOGO Tip: Try TOGO Energy coffee, a Brazilian single-origin coffee with a medium roast profile in Cluj-Napoca, brewed in Cold Brew or Moka Pot!