Is chocolate bad for acid reflux?

Q: Is chocolate bad for acid reflux?

Often a trigger. Chocolate contains theobromine and some caffeine, which are thought to relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, and is often high in fat. It is one of the most commonly reported triggers.

Common trigger

Chocolate contains theobromine and some caffeine, which are thought to relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, and is often high in fat. It is one of the most commonly reported triggers.

Tips

If you cannot give it up, try a small piece earlier in the day rather than in the evening.

Try instead

Carob, or a small amount of white chocolate

Is it a trigger for you?

Reactions vary a lot between people. Log chocolate in the symptom diary for two weeks: it shows how often each food is followed by symptoms. Then try two weeks without it and compare.

Similar foods

Mints and mint gum Honey

Read the full diet guide →

Sources

Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56.
NICE. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia in adults: investigation and management (CG184). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014, updated 2019.