Baking Soda in Coffee has taken over the internet as people claim surprising benefits. Coffee is a favourite drink for many people. However, some people find that Coffee has some acidic elements and can also cause heartburn, which makes it less enjoyable.
The Baking soda trick is claimed to be the solution for this heartburn. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is well-known for its ability to neutralise acids. When a small amount is added to coffee, it can help reduce the drink’s acidity, making it gentler on the stomach and sometimes even improving the taste by smoothing out bitterness.
It requires a simple step to add baking soda to your coffee and does not need any special skills, just a tiny pinch is enough to see if it makes a difference. Many people find this easy trick helps them enjoy their daily coffee without stomach discomfort.
What Is Baking Soda?
Baking soda is a white powder that you can find in many kitchens. Its scientific name is sodium bicarbonate. People use baking soda for lots of different things:
- Baking: It helps bread and cakes rise.
- Cleaning: It can help scrub away dirt and stains.
- Getting rid of smells: It helps remove bad odours.
- Health: Some people use it to ease heartburn or to clean their teeth.
It is safe to use in small amounts, but using too much can be bad for your health.
Why Do People Add Baking Soda to Coffee?
- To Reduce Acidity
Coffee has a sour or sharp taste because it is naturally acidic. For some people, this can upset their stomach or cause heartburn. Baking soda is the opposite of acidic; it is alkaline, so it can balance out the acid in coffee. If you add just a tiny pinch of baking soda to your coffee, it can make the drink gentler on your stomach and less likely to cause discomfort.
- Enhance Taste
You can simply add a small amount of baking soda to your coffee to reduce its bitterness. This happens because baking soda reduces the acidity of the coffee, which is used to enhance the taste of coffee without adding artificial flavours. A little bit is enough to improve the taste without making the coffee salty or strange.
- To Help with Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest that happens when acid from your stomach moves up into your throat. Drinking coffee can sometimes make heartburn worse for some people. Since baking soda can balance out acid, adding a little bit to your coffee might help stop heartburn and make drinking coffee more comfortable.
- To Soften Hard Water
If your tap water has a lot of minerals in it, which is called hard water, it can make your coffee taste a bit strange or not as nice. A small amount of baking soda can help by making the water softer. This can make your coffee taste better and smoother.
How to Add Baking Soda to Coffee?
Here are the easy steps to put baking soda in your coffee effectively, so that you get the benefits:
- First, you can make your coffee just like you always do.
- Then you can add a very small pinch of baking soda, less than 1/8 teaspoon, for each cup. Using too much can make your coffee taste odd or salty.
- Stir the coffee well.
- Take a sip and see how it tastes. If it is good and gentle on your stomach, you’re all set.
The Science Behind Baking Soda and Coffee
Acidity in Coffee
Coffee contains some amount of sour taste from natural acids that come from the beans. But it can cause problems for some people who have sensitive stomachs. After drinking coffee, some people might feel a burning sensation, get heartburn, or notice their stomach feels unsettled.
How Baking Soda Works?
Baking soda is a substance that isn’t acidic; it’s a base. When you add it to something sour or acidic, like coffee, it mixes with the acids and cancels some of their sourness. This can make your coffee less acidic, which means it tastes smoother and is easier on your stomach. Because of this, adding baking soda can also help lower the chance of getting heartburn after drinking coffee.
Chemical Reaction
When you add baking soda to coffee, it gently reacts with the acids in the drink. This reaction creates a little bit of gas and water, but it happens so quietly that you won’t really notice anything happening in your cup. What’s important is that this process makes the coffee less sharp and easier on your stomach, even though you can’t see the change.
Pros and Cons of Adding Baking Soda
Pros
- Reduces Acidity: Adding baking soda lowers the acidity in coffee, which makes it gentler on your stomach. This means you can enjoy your coffee without feeling upset or uncomfortable afterwards.
- May Prevent Heartburn: If you often get a burning feeling in your chest after drinking coffee, baking soda might help. It can balance the acid in coffee and reduce the chances of heartburn.
- Improves Taste: Sometimes, coffee can taste bitter. A small pinch of baking soda can smooth out these strong flavours, making your coffee taste nicer and more balanced.
- Softens Hard Water: In places where the water has lots of minerals, coffee can taste different or not as good. Baking soda helps soften the water, which can improve the flavour and make your coffee taste better.
Cons
- Taste Changes: If you add too much baking soda to your coffee, it can start to taste salty or even a bit like soap. It’s important to use only a tiny pinch so the flavour stays pleasant.
- Sodium Intake: Baking soda has sodium in it, which is a type of salt. If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, using too much baking soda may not be good for you, so be careful and talk to your doctor if you are unsure.
- Not for Everyone: Some people might not like the taste that baking soda adds to coffee, or they might not need it at all. It’s okay if this trick does not work for you; everyone’s tastes and needs are different.
Who Should Try Baking Soda in Coffee?
Good Candidates
- People with sensitive stomachs: If your stomach does not feel well after drinking coffee, then you can add a small amount of baking soda to make it easier.
- Those who get heartburn from coffee: If you often feel a burning sensation in your chest after having coffee, then a small amount of baking soda can help you out.
- Anyone who finds their coffee too acidic or bitter: If your coffee tastes too bitter or sour, then baking soda can help you add flavour to it and enhance the taste.
- People living in areas with hard water: If your tap water contains a lot of minerals, your coffee may taste strange.
How Much Baking Soda Is Safe?
A small amount of baking soda is enough, usually about 1/8 teaspoon or less for each cup of coffee. Using more than that can make your coffee taste bad, add too much salt to your diet, or cause stomach problems. If you have any health issues, it is a good idea to check with your doctor before adding baking soda to your coffee.
Other Ways to Reduce Coffee Acidity
- Pick low-acid coffee beans: Look for beans that say “low-acid” on the package or come from places like Brazil or Sumatra.
- Try cold brew: Making coffee with cold water instead of hot water pulls out less acid, so the drink is smoother and less harsh.
- Add milk or cream: Mixing in milk, cream, or a milk substitute can help soften the sharpness of coffee and make it taste milder.
- Use eggshells: Some people put clean, crushed eggshells in with the coffee grounds before brewing. The eggshells can help lower the acidity.
- Brew carefully: Don’t let your coffee brew for too long or use water that’s too hot. These things can make coffee taste more sour or acidic.
Baking Soda in Coffee at a Glance
| Benefits | How It Helps | Caution |
| Reduces acidity | Gentler on the stomach, less heartburn | Too much can taste bad |
| Improves taste | Smoother, less bitter | May not suit all preferences |
| Softens hard water | Better flavour in some areas | Not always needed |
| Easy to use | Just a pinch per cup | Watch sodium intake |
Conclusion
If you add a small amount of baking soda to your coffee, then it will become less sour and easier on your stomach. You have to be careful when you add a little, so it does not change the taste or add too much salt. If you don’t want to use baking soda, you can try other ways, like using special coffee beans, making cold brew, or adding milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Baking Soda Make Coffee Taste Bad?
A: If you use too much, yes. But a tiny pinch usually does not change the taste much. Some people even prefer the smoother flavour.
Q: Can Baking Soda Replace Antacids?
A: Baking soda can act as a mild antacid, but it’s not a replacement for medicine.
Q: Is It Safe to Drink Baking Soda Every Day?
A: In small amounts, it is generally safe for most people. But too much sodium can be harmful, especially for people with certain health conditions.
Q: Can I Add Baking Soda to Any Coffee?
A: Yes, but it works best with regular brewed coffee. It may not be needed for low-acid or cold brew coffee.