If you have been living with IBS, you’ll know it’s like navigating a minefield with your body. Choosing the wrong meal can create a rush of pain, bloating, and sometimes some inconvenient last-minute dashes to the bathroom. Coffee lovers, however, dread having to give up that calming morning ritual, even when there is an underlying worry about whether it will make IBS symptoms worse. Fear not! Some coffees can be friendly to your gut. In this article, we’ve ranked the best coffees for IBS symptoms, from 10 to 1, to help you find the perfect blend to wake you up without upsetting your stomach.
Why Coffee Can Help with Symptoms of IBS
IBS sufferers have long found coffee to be a soothing drink for some of the symptoms of this debilitating bowel syndrome. Still, many worry about a high caffeine intake. Examining the low-FODMAP profile of coffee can help minimize fermentation in the gut, making it protective against digestive system symptoms such as bloating and discomfort. Some coffees have a gentler impact on the stomach than others, like cold brew coffee.
Caffeinated coffee consumption can stimulate bowel movements and can also reduce exposure to toxins that irritate the gut. Decaffeinated coffee also has benefits, which is a relief to anyone who finds they are too sensitive to the impact of caffeine or who struggles with insomnia.
Ultimately, coffee contains numerous beneficial antioxidants that can help combat inflammation, a crucial factor in preventing a range of diseases and chronic illnesses, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
How We Ranked Our Coffee Brands for IBS In This Article
Not all coffee is the same. Some may trigger problem symptoms for IBS patients, such as bloating or stomach pain.
When we ranked coffees, we prioritized gut-friendly qualities:
- Low activity, which helps reduce gastric irritation
- Low FODMAP content, as high FODMAP can trigger gut symptoms
- Reduced caffeine levels to minimize bowel stimulation
- Organic coffee
- Mold-free coffee
- Pesticide-free coffee to avoid contaminants that can irritate the gut
Please note that our rankings are advisory only. Always consult your healthcare professional when you are considering making any dietary changes, especially if you suffer from a chronic condition like IBS.
10. Instant Coffee (Caffeinated)
You might be surprised to hear that a good, old favorite – instant coffee – is surprisingly effective at helping you manage IBS symptoms. That’s because it has a low FODMAP profile. It’s quick to prepare, which helps minimize some of the compounds that can often trigger bloating and worsen other IBS symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps. When choosing an instant coffee, opt for a brand that’s organic and high-quality to minimize the amount of contaminants you’re drinking, and pair it with a low-FODMAP milk alternative, such as almond milk.
9. Espresso (Caffeinated)
Espresso fans might be relieved to see this appear in our top 10, and that’s all thanks to its low FODMAP diet profile. It’s better than drip coffee, and the fast brew helps reduce some of the gut-irritating compounds that you’ll find in some coffee types, so it’s less likely to give you uncomfortable symptoms like abdominal pain. Additionally, espresso is a neat, small serving size, further minimizing any adverse effects on the gut, especially since it isn’t combined with milk. Suppose you can go for an organic espresso that has fewer potential contaminants. If you need a splash of milk in your espresso, almond or lactose-free are the best choices.
8. Single-Origin Coffee
Single-origin coffees are often grown with fewer pesticides, making them gentle on sensitive stomachs. High-quality coffee beans sourced from a single region are less likely to contain mold or contaminants that can cause problems for individuals with IBS, making it a sound choice. You’ll want to choose low-acid varieties if you opt for this type of coffee, as it isn’t ideal for people with IBS, as some of them have high acid levels. Choose a brand with an excellent reputation for quality, and always pair it with gentle, lactose-free milk if you’re drinking it as a longer drink, such as a cappuccino or latte.
7. Dark Roast Coffee
Dark roast coffee has the benefit of lower acidity compared to lighter roasts, which is worth remembering the next time you’re in your favorite cafe for your morning cup of coffee. The dark roasting procedure reduces irritating compounds in coffee, making it an excellent choice for IBS sufferers who can tolerate caffeine in energy drinks. As with other coffees on our list, you’ll want to either drink this black or combine it with milk, such as almond or lactose-free, to minimize stomach upset. Bonus point if you can choose an organic coffee bean, too.
6. Organic Coffee
Organic coffee brands, such as Purity Coffee, are an excellent go-to choice for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These coffees are made with beans that have been grown without the use of pesticides and chemicals. The lack of gut irritants means your gut is more likely to be tolerant of it and less likely to experience flare-ups of symptoms in the digestive tract, such as bloating. Focus on brands that prioritize the cleanest and highest quality coffee beans. Purity is one we would recommend. Always combine it with organic varieties of milk, ideally lactose-free, unless you tolerate cow’s milk well with your IBS.
5. Mushroom Coffee
For a unique alternative to classic coffee brands and one that’s IBS-friendly, try mushroom coffee. Mushroom coffees, such as RYZE and MUD\WTR, can be beneficial for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In coffee blends that use adaptogenic mushrooms, you’ll often find lower caffeine levels than their traditional counterparts. Whole-mushroom formulas also have another interesting benefit, as they offer prebiotics, which are great for gut health. It’s essential to try these in small quantities to begin with, however, as some IBS sufferers find it can worsen bloating. So always take it easy when introducing this type of drink.
4. Decaffeinated Instant Coffee
It’s no surprise that decaf coffee is near the top of our list. Many IBS sufferers avoid caffeine, and a decaf variety can be much easier on the gut compared to regular coffee. Decaffeinated instant coffee is a low FODMAP option, which means you are less likely to experience symptoms like bloating and stomach pain. Removing the caffeine is essential for some IBS individuals as, in some instances, caffeinated beverages can overstimulate the bowels. Organic decaffeinated instant coffee is a wise choice because it allows you to avoid any additives, keeping your morning coffee drink as clean as possible. One of the bonus points of decaf is that you can drink it throughout the day without worrying about it keeping you awake at night.
3. Decaffeinated Espresso
At number 3 on our list is decaffeinated espresso. Its gentle impact on the gut, plus its low FODMAP profile, is why it scores so highly. There is minimal gut fermentation from a decaf expresso, thanks to its rapid brewing. Without the traditional caffeine, you are less likely to experience gut aggravations. Organic decaf espresso is even better if you can find it. Enjoy a cup of decaf espresso on its own or with a splash of almond, lactose, or soy milk. If you’re new to decaf coffee, sip slowly when you try your first cup to check for any potential gut sensitivities.
2. Cold Brew Coffee
One of the trendiest drinks and growing popularity is cold brew coffee. If this is your favorite choice at the coffee shop, there’s excellent news. It has made our number 2 spot on our list of best coffees for IBS sufferers. The cold brew process means this type of coffee extracts fewer acidic compounds, making it less likely to irritate the stomach and cause gut flare-ups. It also has a pleasant, smooth task. As with other coffee types on our list, the best cold brew coffee choice is an organic bean with non-cow-based milk.
1. Low-acid decaffeinated Coffee
Securing our number 1 slot is a coffee you might not be familiar with, but it ticks many boxes when it comes to gut health. Low-acid decaffeinated coffees, such as Lifeboost, have minimal acidity, making them an ideal choice for individuals with sensitive stomachs. Lifeboost offers organic, mold-free beans, ensuring you get the cleanest coffee possible, which is perfect if you are highly sensitive to caffeine. It’s least likely to trigger IBS symptoms, especially when combined with a gentle vegan alternative milk like almond.
A Final Thought: Finding a Balance With the Best Coffee for IBS
Living with IBS doesn’t mean giving up on the things you love, like your morning coffee. You can focus on this list in order, or you can try the coffee types on this list that sound most appealing to you, whether that’s a strong espresso, an alternative mushroom coffee, or a trendy cold brew. Try these things, keep a diary of your symptoms, and find an option that works best for you. For more tips on how to improve your gut health, stay with us and check out some of the most popular articles on our website. We’re here with practical advice to keep your gut happy!
Pin This Post
