If you’ve ever felt a burning sensation in your chest or stomach after drinking beer, you’re not alone. Many people wonder: is beer acidic? And more importantly, how does its acidity affect those with sensitive stomachs, such as individuals with gastritis, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), or peptic ulcers?
In this blog post, we’ll break down the acidity of beer, how it interacts with your digestive system, and whether or not it’s safe to consume if you’re dealing with stomach issues.
Is Beer Acidic?
Is beer acidic or alkaline? Let’s find out;
The pH of Beer
Beer is acidic. Depending on the type, the pH level of beer can range between 3.0 to 5.0. For context:
- Water has a neutral pH of 7.0
- Coffee has a pH of ~4.5
- Orange juice has a pH of ~3.5
- Beer usually falls between 4.0 and 5.0, making it moderately acidic
Different types of beer
In the table below, we show the PH levels of different types of beer;
| Beer Type | Approximate pH Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lager | 4.2 – 4.6 | Light and crisp, generally less acidic than darker styles |
| Pilsner | 4.1 – 4.4 | Slightly more acidic due to higher hop content |
| Wheat Beer (e.g. Hefeweizen) | 4.0 – 4.5 | Often citrusy and refreshing; pH reflects use of wheat and yeast |
| Pale Ale | 4.0 – 4.4 | Hop-forward style can increase acidity |
| IPA (India Pale Ale) | 3.8 – 4.2 | Often quite acidic due to high hop and carbonation levels |
| Stout | 4.1 – 4.3 | Dark roasted malts contribute to acidity despite smooth taste |
| Porter | 4.0 – 4.4 | Similar to stout, sometimes slightly more acidic depending on the roast |
| Sour Beers (e.g. Gose, Lambic) | 3.0 – 3.5 | Extremely acidic, intentionally brewed to be tart or sour |
| Non-Alcoholic Beer | 3.5 – 4.0 | Often more acidic due to preservation techniques and added carbonation |
| Barleywine | 4.5 – 5.0 | Higher alcohol and residual sugars may buffer acidity slightly |
What causes beer to be acidic?
You can see in the above table that some types of beer can be pretty acidic. But why are some beers more acidic than others? This comes down to a combination of;
- Carbonic acid (from carbonation)
- Organic acids (like lactic and acetic acid)
- Ingredients like hops and malt, which contribute to flavor and pH
Light Beer vs. Dark Beer Acidity
Darker beers, such as stouts and porters, may be slightly more acidic due to higher levels of roasted malts. However, light beers can also be acidic, especially highly carbonated varieties like IPAs.
Beer and Stomach Health
I have been living with gastritis for years, and in all that time, I have had to explore various foods and beverages to learn which are tolerable and which are liable to trigger gastritis pain. Beer lovers often wonder whether or not they can continue drinking while living with the disease;
1. Beer and Gastritis
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused or aggravated by alcohol, infection (like H. pylori), or stress. If you have gastritis, you should stay away from beer as much as you can. That’s because beer tends to be one of the biggest gastritis pain triggers.
Let me tell you a story; two years ago I … indulged during a Christmas party. I thought I had defeated gastritis. I paid the price for my lack of wisdom, in the form of another endoscopy. Since then, I have learnt to stay away from anything alcoholic.
How beer affects it:
- Beer’s acidity can irritate the already inflamed lining
- Alcohol increases gastric acid secretion, compounding inflammation
- Symptoms may worsen: pain, nausea, bloating
2. Beer and GERD (Acid Reflux)
GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort.
Why beer makes it worse:
- The carbonation in beer can increase pressure in the stomach
- Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing acid to escape
- Beer’s acidity adds to the acid burden
3. Beer and Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. They’re often caused by H. pylori infection or chronic NSAID use.
Beer’s impact:
- Beer may delay healing due to alcohol-induced inflammation
- The acidity and carbonation can cause pain or discomfort
- Risk of bleeding increases with alcohol consumption
Can You Drink Beer If You Have a Sensitive Stomach?
If your condition is under control and your doctor has not advised complete abstinence, occasional, small amounts of beer may be tolerable. Choose:
- Low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beers
- Low-carbonation options
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach
Tips for Reducing Impact
- Eat a meal before drinking
- Stay upright after drinking (avoid lying down)
- Avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods alongside beer
- Drink water to dilute acid
Alternatives to Beer for Sensitive Stomachs
If you love the social aspect of drinking but want to avoid irritation, consider:
- Non-alcoholic beer (with low carbonation)
- Herbal teas (like chamomile or ginger)
- Alkaline water for hydration
- Mocktails with soothing ingredients like mint, cucumber, and coconut water
Beer is acidic and you should stay away if you have gastritis, GERD or peptic ulcers
So, is beer acidic? Yes, it is moderately acidic and can worsen symptoms for those with gastritis, GERD, or peptic ulcers. While a healthy individual may tolerate beer without issue, people with sensitive stomachs should proceed with caution.
When in doubt, always consult with your doctor or a gastroenterologist. No drink is worth compromising your long-term gut health.