11 Evidence-Based Facts: Coffee vs Tea Health Benefits Compared

8. Gut, digestion, and tolerance

How a drink sits in your stomach matters for daily comfort and long-term habits. Coffee is more acidic and can trigger reflux or stomach upset for some people, especially when drunk on an empty stomach. Many in India find filter coffee or strong espresso rough unless tempered with milk; others prefer to sip after breakfast. Tea tends to be gentler—green and black teas are usually easier to tolerate, and many herbal blends are soothing. Preparation can help: brewing coffee with a paper filter reduces certain compounds that may irritate, and choosing low-acid beans or cold-brew methods can be gentler. If digestive comfort is a priority, leaning on tea for mid-afternoon sips and reserving a morning coffee for when you’ve had breakfast is a practical balance that keeps both beverages in your routine without the upset.