With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, many people increase their coffee consumption, whether at suhoor (pre-dawn meal) to wake up refreshed, after iftar (breaking the fast) to focus during Taraweeh prayers, or simply to relax during family gatherings. However, if you suffer from acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, heartburn, or gastritis), choosing the right type of coffee, how it's prepared, and the best times to drink it during Ramadan becomes crucial to avoid exacerbating symptoms while fasting or immediately afterward.
In this detailed article, we will focus on the practical points that will help you enjoy coffee during Ramadan without pain or heartburn, prioritizing them from most to least affected.
Read also: How does specialty coffee affect fasting and what is the best time to drink it?
How do you choose your coffee during Ramadan if you suffer from acidity?
1. Choosing the roast level: Medium to dark roast is better than light roast
- Light roast coffee has a higher natural acidity (chlorogenic and quinic acids are more concentrated).
- Medium roast or medium-dark to dark roast significantly reduces these acids, making the coffee gentler on the stomach.
- Choose a medium to dark roast coffee (Medium to Full City or Vienna).
- Avoid light coffee (Cinnamon or City Roast), especially during Suhoor.
2. Selection of origin and type: Avoid very acidic origins
Some types of coffee are naturally more acidic than others:
- High acidity (avoid or reduce): Ethiopia (especially Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, Goji), Kenya, Rwanda, Panama Geisha, Costa Rica.
- Low to medium acidity (best for acidity): Brazil, Colombia, Sumatra, Guatemala, India (Malabar Monsoon), Papua New Guinea, Peru.
- Look for coffee from Latin America or Asia (Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia) or "Natural" or "Honey" processed coffee of African origin (less acidic than Washed).
3. Preparation method: Less acidic is better
The method of preparation greatly affects the perceived acidity level:
- Least acidic : French press, cold brew, espresso (especially if it's dark roast), mocha pot.
- Medium : Aeropress, V60 with dark roast.
- Highest acidity : V60 or Chemex with light roasting and slow pouring.
- Use French press or cold brew after breakfast (gentler on the stomach).
- If you prefer distillation, use a higher coffee-to-water ratio (1:13 or 1:14 instead of 1:16) to reduce acid extraction.
4. Timing and quantity: When and how much should you drink?
- Best : One to two hours after breakfast (not on an empty stomach after suhoor).
- Quantity : 1–2 cups (approximately 200–300 ml total) per day maximum.
- Avoid coffee during Suhoor if you suffer from nighttime reflux or heartburn when lying down.
5. Acid-reducing additives (optional but helpful)
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom (helps soothe the stomach).
- Try almond milk or oat milk instead of cow's milk if you are making a latte or cappuccino.
- Avoid white sugar or sweet syrups; if you want a light sweetener, use natural honey in a very small amount.
Read also: The best times to drink coffee during Ramadan
Frequently asked questions about specialty coffee during Ramadan for those suffering from acid reflux
Q: Is it permissible to drink coffee during Suhoor if I suffer from acidity?
A: It's best to avoid it at suhoor if you suffer from nighttime reflux, as caffeine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter. Drink it after iftar instead.
Q: Which roasting level is best for acidity?
A: Medium to dark roasting is much gentler on the stomach than light roasting.
Q: Is decaffeinated coffee more suitable?
A: Yes, if the acidity is too high, decaf coffee is a gentler option, but make sure it is specialty and not cheap commercial.
Q: Can milk be added to reduce acidity?
A: Cow's milk may help temporarily, but it can increase bloating for some people. Try almond or oat milk as a gentler alternative.
Q: What is the best preparation method for someone suffering from acidity?
A: French press or cold brew are the gentlest, then espresso, then dark roast drip coffee.
Enjoy your Ramadan with delicious and stomach-friendly specialty coffee from the luxury of coffee.
Specialty coffee is undoubtedly a perfect choice during Ramadan, even for those suffering from heartburn , provided you opt for a medium to dark roast, avoid highly acidic brews, prepare it using gentler methods, and consume it at the appropriate time. At Luxury Coffee, we offer a carefully curated selection suitable for fasting individuals with heartburn, including Brazilian, Colombian, and Indonesian coffees (medium to dark roast), as well as high-quality decaffeinated coffee.
Airtight containers to keep your food fresh all month long, along with gentle cooking tools (French press, Moka pot), are all available now in our store with guaranteed quality and affordable prices, and fast shipping throughout the Kingdom. Shop now.