Is Tea Acidic: Unlock The Truth

Do you like to start your day with a sip of very strong tea? A cup of tea helps to keep you cheerful and active all day long. But your stomach can’t take it if you drink without considering your health issues!

Though tea contains antioxidants, caffeine, vitamins, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, minerals, and many more essential components. But drinking excess tea may have some side effects. Due to some acidic components, many of you have a concern: is tea acidic?

Mostly, teas are mildly acidic in nature. The pH range is between around 3 to 10 whereas green tea and white tea are less acidic. Black tea is considered moderate and lemon tea is strongly acidic. In spite of that, the pH level of tea depends on some other factors like brewing temperature, time, tea leaves type, mixing ingredients, etc.

In this article, I am going to address your concern about tea’s acidic properties. At the same time, I will discuss how you can keep your favorite tea less acidic. Let’s get started –

So, Is Tea Acidic?

The answer is “Yes” in most cases. Tea is a little bit acidic. However, some have mild alkaline properties too. Typically the pH level of teas varies from 3 to 10.

So far, there are 6 types of tea based on the tea leaf processing system such as black tea, green tea, white tea, yellow tea, Oolong tea, and last but not least pu-erh tea. The acidic property also varies from type to type too.

To understand the acidic level or alkaline genre, you must know about the pH scale. Where a pH level less than 7 is considered acidic. And, more than 7 is regarded as alkaline(basic) nature.

Here depicting the pH levels for different types of tea in the below table.

In addition, you may have your preference in adding other ingredients like milk, spice, herbs, honey/sugar, etc.

So, the pH level is also dependent on the other ingredients you mix when making a cup of tea. For instance, black tea is not that much acidic, it will become more acidic after adding lemon juice in it. Because lemon juice contains a decent amount of acidic properties.

Now, presenting a chart of pH level when you add different ingredients along with tea. Take a look-

Also Read:

Is Kombucha Acidic? Is It Good For Acid Reflux?

Why Should You Know The pH Level of Tea?

The entire discussion is about the nature of different types of tea. Now you may ask why you should know which tea is acidic and which is not. Because you may face digestion problems, and acid reflux, as well as your teeth, can be damaged if you drink high acidic tea regularly. Not only that, but you may also experience heartburn if they are too acidic.

On the other hand, less acidic teas are good for curing cold coughs, and headaches.

Note: Drinking higher acidic tea is not safe for pregnant women also. Besides, they should avoid herbal teas to get rid of stomach issues, sleep problems, and nervousness. In that case, black tea, and green tea are safer options for them. Though more than 300mg of caffeine intake is not recommended for pregnant women. In addition, excess tea intake can cause headaches, anxiety, uterine contraction, and other pregnancy complications.

Again, excessive alkaline tea can cause diarrhea, vomiting, etc. So, it’s beyond description why you should be concerned about the acidic nature of tea.

In one line, to keep yourself active, joyful, and fresh without any health issues.

Related Article:

Are Apples Acidic and Good for Acid Reflux? [pH-wise]

5 Factors Affecting Acidic Property of Tea

We already mentioned several factors that affect the pH level of tea. When you add acidic ingredients it will make your tea more acidic.

Again, when you add alkaline content to your tea, that can reduce the acidic properties. In addition, the pH level is also dependent on the water, tea types, amount, temperature, and making duration. So, if you can balance these factors, you can make less acidic tea easily. Have a look-

1. Water

The water is neutral, its pH is 7. Though hard waters are alkaline, on the other hand, soft water is regarded as acidic.

So, while you are making tea, make sure it’s in contrast with the water. That means, when you make acidic tea like lemon tea, pu-erh tea, or oolong tea, you should use hard water to make a proper balance. Similarly, when you make white tea or use cinnamon, the water should be soft.

But make sure your water is not too soft, nor too hard while making tea.

2. Packaging Type

Using loose tea or tea bags is also a game changer. The loose teas are less acidic than the tea bags. Because the tea bag contains crushed tea leaves. They can release flavor so easily and quickly. But the loose tea leaves need more time to let out. For this reason, those tend to be more acidic than the loose, full grainers.

3. Leaf amount

It’s simple if you use more leaves, that will make tea highly acidic. For example, you use 4 teaspoons of tea leaves for 1 cup of water. That will definitely be highly acidic.

So keep the amount moderate to taste better as well as make it healthy.

4. Brewing time

Mostly, you need 2 to 5 minutes to make a perfect cup of tea. Though it depends on the amount, taste buds, and other ingredients also. In general, extended brewing time is also responsible for increasing the acidic nature.

5. Temperature 

Like the brewing time, high temperature is also responsible for increasing the acidic nature of tea. For various types of tea, the temperature also varies. Usually, you can make tea at 150ºF to 180ºF. In this circumstance, if you use a high temperature for an extended period, tea will be more acidic.

Have a look at the below table to know more specifically – 

So, if you ask how to make less acidic tea. Then, you should be concerned about these factors while making tea. Maintaining the right amount of water, tea leaves, duration, and temperature will keep the tea acidic level lower and balanced.

FAQs

Can Drinking Tea Cause Acidity?

Yes, drinking tea can cause acidity. It contains a component called theophylline which is commonly responsible for acid reflux in esophageal. Also, you will experience acidity if you are not aware of the pH level of tea, tea types, brewing process, and time.

What Kind Of Tea Is The Least Acidic?

Black tea, green tea, pu-erh tea, and oolong tea are the least acidic. Besides, some fruit tea and herbal tea e.g. cinnamon, mint, and chamomile tea are also less acidic. And, their pH range is between 4.9 to 8.

Is Tea Less Acidic Than Coffee?

Yes, most teas are less acidic than coffee. So far, the pH level of coffee is 4.85 to 5.10. Typically, black tea, green tea, white tea, and herbal tea have a less acidic nature. On the other hand, lemon tea or iced tea is more acidic than coffee.

Wrapping Up

Now it’s time to wrap up. Hopefully, your queries on “is tea acidic” are clear after the whole discussion. So far, you can neutralize the acidic property of your tea to reduce the chances of any side effects.

Therefore, you can limit your daily intake of tea if you can’t maintain the factors to reduce the acidity of tea.

Feel free to comment with any queries or suggestions.

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