Why Does Tea Upset My Stomach? Causes, Best Teas & Tips to Avoid Discomfort

Have you ever sipped your favorite tea, only to feel an uncomfortable sensation in your stomach shortly after? If so, you're not alone. While tea is often praised for its soothing and health-boosting properties, some people find it causes stomach discomfort, ranging from mild bloating to nausea. But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you have to give up tea altogether! Understanding why this happens and choosing the right teas can make all the difference.

In this guide, we'll explore the common reasons tea may upset your stomach, the best teas for sensitive stomachs, and tips to enjoy your favorite brew without discomfort.

Why Does Tea Cause Stomach Discomfort?

While tea is generally gentle on digestion, a few key factors can sometimes lead to stomach irritation. Let's take a closer look:

1. Tea Acidity: Is It Too Harsh for Your Stomach?

Some teas, especially black and green teas, have a naturally acidic profile. While they aren’t as acidic as coffee, they can still trigger acid reflux or irritation in those with a sensitive stomach. If you find that tea worsens acid reflux, switching to a low-acid tea, like ripe Pu-erh or white tea, might help.

2. Tannins: Astringent but Sometimes Irritating

Tannins are natural plant compounds that give tea its characteristic astringency and depth. However, they can also bind to proteins in your stomach lining, which may lead to nausea or discomfort—especially when tea is consumed on an empty stomach. If tannins bother you, opt for teas with a lower tannin content, such as Fu Brick Tea or aged white tea, which tend to be milder and more soothing.

3. Caffeine Sensitivity: More Than Just Jitters

Even if you don’t consider yourself caffeine-sensitive, tea's caffeine content can sometimes stimulate acid production in the stomach, leading to discomfort. Some people experience nausea or an unsettled stomach when drinking strong black or green teas, especially without food. If this sounds familiar, try reducing your intake of highly caffeinated teas and switching to naturally low-caffeine options like ripe Pu-erh or herbal teas.

4. Tea and Acid Reflux: A Hidden Connection

For those prone to acid reflux, drinking tea—especially strong black or green tea—may exacerbate symptoms. The combination of caffeine and tannins can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to rise and cause discomfort. Herbal teas like chamomile or ginger may provide a gentler alternative.

5. Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach: Timing Matters

Ever felt queasy after drinking tea first thing in the morning? That’s because drinking tea on an empty stomach can increase acid production, leading to discomfort. Some teas, particularly those high in tannins or caffeine, may intensify this effect. A simple solution? Enjoy your tea after a meal or pair it with a light snack to reduce irritation.

Best Teas for a Sensitive Stomach

If tea sometimes upsets your stomach, don’t worry—you don’t have to give it up! The key is choosing gentle, stomach-friendly teas. Here are some of the best options:

🍵 Ripe Pu-erh Tea (Shou Pu-erh) – Smooth & Fermented

This aged tea undergoes a fermentation process that makes it incredibly smooth and easy to digest. Many tea lovers find that ripe Pu-erh actually aids digestion rather than irritating the stomach. Plus, it has a naturally earthy, mellow flavor. [Try it here →Shou Pu-erh tea Collection]

🍵 Fu Brick Tea – Naturally Probiotic & Gentle

Fu Brick Tea is another post-fermented tea with naturally occurring probiotics, which can help balance your gut and support digestion. The fermentation process not only enhances its rich, mellow taste but also makes it one of the most stomach-friendly teas available. [Shop now → Fuzhuan Brick Tea Collection]

🍵 White Tea (Shou Mei, Bai Mu Dan) – Low in Tannins & Caffeine

White tea is the least processed type of tea, meaning it has fewer tannins and lower acidity than black or green tea. Aged white teas, like Shou Mei, are especially smooth and stomach-friendly, making them an excellent choice for those with sensitive digestion. [Explore more → White Tea Collection]

🍵 Whole Leaf Tea vs. CTC Tea: A Better Choice for Your Stomach

Whole-leaf tea retains its full structure, allowing for a slower release of tannins and caffeine compared to CTC (Crush-Tear-Curl) tea bags. CTC teas are processed into small particles, which extract quickly, often resulting in a stronger brew that can be harsher on the stomach. If you have a sensitive stomach, choosing whole-leaf tea over CTC tea bags may help reduce acidity and discomfort.

Tips to Enjoy Tea Without Stomach Discomfort

If tea has been causing you discomfort, try these simple adjustments to make your experience more enjoyable:

✅ Drink Tea After Meals: Avoid drinking strong tea on an empty stomach, especially in the morning.
✅ Choose Low-Tannin & Fermented Teas: Ripe Pu-erh, Fu Brick Tea, and aged white teas are great options.
✅ Reduce Caffeine Intake: If you're sensitive, opt for naturally low-caffeine teas or steep your tea for a shorter time.
✅ Add a Splash of Milk (If You Like): A bit of milk can help neutralize acidity in black tea.
✅ Listen to Your Body: Everyone’s digestion is different—experiment with different teas to find what works best for you.
✅ Try Cold Brewing: Cold-brewed tea extracts fewer tannins, making it gentler on the stomach.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Tea Without the Discomfort

Tea should be a comforting, enjoyable experience—not something that leaves you feeling uneasy. If you've been struggling with stomach discomfort, switching to the right teas and adjusting how you drink them can make all the difference.

Still searching for the perfect stomach-friendly tea? Explore our hand-selected teas that are both delicious and gentle on digestion!

👉 [Browse Stomach-Friendly Teas Now]