You CAN Have Coffee on the Low FODMAP Diet – Maybe
The very concept of coffee comes up a lot in discussions of IBS and FODMAPs, so we thought we would address this in this article, The Low FODMAP Diet, Coffee & Coffee Drinks.
Everyone wants to know if they can still have their favorite coffee drink – and the answer is, perhaps!
Low FODMAP is Not The Whole Issue
Coffee is low FODMAP, but caffeine can be an irritant for many people, those with IBS and even those without, hence the confusion.
Coffee contains caffeine, which is a gut irritant,so although it may be low FODMAP, there are still other issues to address. In addition to raising blood pressure and giving some folks the “jitters”, that anxious, nervous feeling, it can also stimulate gastric motility.
Simply put, it revs up your gut, you may get cramps from contracting muscles along the digestive tract and this is why it can send you running for the bathroom. Coffee can also increase stomach acid, which for many results in heartburn and indigestion.
PS: Caffeine found in sodas, energy drinks – even supplements – all could create the same reaction, so be aware.
Let’s Talk About Cold Brew
We bet you think that cold brew coffee is less acidic and therefore easier on the stomach – and the Internet certainly would have you think so!
Is Cold Brew Coffee Less Acidic?
Well, is cold brew less acidic? Indeed, this has been a marketing message that is repeated frequently – and is widely accepted as true. I personally did not have this experience and found it curious; I had begun to do research when I met Hilary H.
Coffee scientist to the rescue! Hilary H. shared very recent research from within the coffee industry and it turns out that while hot coffee contains more antioxidants (which I also found curious), both cold and hot coffee have similar acidity levels! This runs counter to the ubiquitous marketing claims one sees, but it is also important to note that those originated with manufacturers of cold brew beverages and brewing equipment.
Another fact is that darker roast beans have a lower acidity level in general – again, something that surprised us.
One thing to note is that even the researchers suggest not to make any blanket assumptions as their research “focused on brews that differ from normal brewing practices in homes and cafes.”
I Want My Coffee!
Drinking a nice hot cup of coffee or espresso in the morning is a very personal decision, not only from the energizing caffeine point of view, as it affects everyone differently in that regard, but also from a digestive upset point of view.
Some folks can drink coffee right before they go to bed and sleep like a baby. Others (like me) cannot have any caffeine after 2pm, or my nighttime sleep will be compromised.
It cannot be overstated that YOUR INDIVIDUAL experience is very important. Work with your registered dietitian to assess your reactions, and proceed accordingly.
Brewed Coffee, Espresso & Instant Coffee
When you check your Monash University Low FODMAP Diet Smartphone App you will see many entries for coffee, including espresso, instant coffee and many coffee based drinks combined with dairy milk, as well as alt milks.
The FODMAP Friendly App provides some lab-tested results for various coffees as well.
Here is some basic information from both sources.
Low FODMAP Coffee Amounts
Black Coffee:
Brewed coffee, regular or decaffeinated, black: 6-ounce (180 ml) cup
Espresso, regular or decaffeinated, black: single shot (30 ml); double shot (60 ml)
Instant coffee, regular or decaffeinated, black: two heaping teaspoons (4 g total)
Coffee pods, black:1 pod (8 g)
Coffee Drinks:
Espresso, regular or decaffeinated: 1 shot (30 ml) with 220 ml of low FODMAP milk alternatives; double shot (60 ml) with 190 ml low FODMAP milk alternatives
Instant coffee, regular or decaffeinated: two heaping teaspoons (4 g total) with 100 ml of low FODMAP milk alternatives
Creamer Powder
Monash lists “creamer powder” and we do not have specifics as to what the products that they tested contains. They give 2 teaspoons (3 g) a Green Light. It should be noted that it only hits a Yellow Light Moderate level of FODMAPs at 1 cup (100 g), which is quite a large amount.
Cream, Milk & Alt Milks
Some of you like your coffee black – and then some of us like a little (or a lot) or milk or perhaps a milk alternative. The same approach applies to these liquids as if you were going to drink them on your own. Consult your Monash University Low FODMAP Diet Smartphone App for more complete information.
The Monash app, which represents lab tested values, says we can have 2 Australian tablespoons of heavy cream and even evaporated milk in 2 teaspoons.
Monash says that 2 teaspoons of A2 milk is allowed as well.
In general, for milk you can choose from lactose-free cow’s milk, almond milk, hemp milk, oat milk, coconut milk, macadamia milk, rice milk and soy milk made from soy protein (not whole soybeans) – but the types and amounts make a difference! Study the app and educate yourself.
By the way, if you want to make your own lactose-free dairy, we have the instructions in our DIY Lactose-Free Dairy article.
Sugar & Sweeteners
The same approach applies with sweeteners. If they are low FODMAP in general, you can add them to your coffee. We have an in-depth article on all kinds of Sugar that you can refer to.
In general, you can use white granulated sugar, brown sugar, raw sugar, stevia as well as maple syrup.
Honey and agave are high in fructose and therefore high FODMAP, HOWEVER you can have 1 teaspoon of either one, which might just be enough for your cup of joe.
Takeaway
If you suffer with IBS and want to drink coffee, proceed with caution and moderation.
Once you are in a calm period, with few IBS symptom breakthroughs, try maybe a quarter or half a cup of coffee and assess your reactions. For some, the reactions will come quite quickly and you will know to steer clear of your caffeine boost, at least for now.
Always discuss your caffeine consumption with your registered dietitian and come up with a personalized approach.
Also, as a personal note, be flexible. I drink black tea in the morning and early afternoon everyday and it works within my diet (I add a bit of lactose-free whole milk). Coffee, on the other hand, gives me cramps and sends me running to the bathroom. Be open to a solution!
Starbucks & Dunkin’ Donuts
If you are a Starbucks and/or Dunkin’ Donuts fan, we have great news for you! Check out our article that explains all the items that you can enjoy on the low FODMAP diet at these two very popular coffee houses.
Here are some of our favorite coffee and tea accessories to help you make the BEST beverages at home.
Last update on 2025-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2025-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2025-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2025-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2025-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2025-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I live in a small villagein Mexico where there are few resources for low Fodmap special products or dieticians who can advise me. For example, which bread would be safer? Gluten free or sourdough? organic products are available. Are they safer Home made kefir (including water and coconut are avaialble, and well-crafted strained Greek Yogurt. OK?
is there a meal plan for people who do not have access to specialize low-Fodmap products?
Hi Margot, thank you fior writing. We certainly have many articles for you to read, such as this one on bread, which will help you understand how to make bread choices. We also have our over 750+ recipes in a RealPlans Meal Plan. This way you can pick and choose any of our recipes and they will be within a very flexible planner, helping with shopping lists, building in leftovers and many other features. You can READ MORE HER about our MEAL PLAN.
Which FODMAP does coffee contain? I can’t find that information at all.
FODMAPs are not the issue with coffee. It is the caffeine, which can be a gut irritant for many.
So,, I have ibs and gerd and have always been very caffeine sensitive. I truly love coffee though. As part of my migraine treatment my doctor wanted me off caffeine. I now make cold brew (true cold brew— not iced from hot)with water process decaf and find that it doesn’t flare my reflux or seem to affect my gut! SanFrancisco Bay Coffee offers a really good decaf french roast. I just mix my cold brew concentrate with water and pop it in the microwave each morning. Prior to giving up caffeine, the cold brew was still easier on my gerd than heat brewed. I’ve used both a Toddy brew system and my current oxo.
It is interesting how brewing can make a difference. Have you heard about Golden Ratio Gold Coffee?