That first drink of the day can feel harmless—but some beverages may be surprisingly tough on your stomach when you haven’t eaten for hours.
From your morning coffee to an afternoon energy drink, certain beverages can increase stomach acid, trigger reflux, cause blood sugar spikes, or lead to nausea when consumed without food.
Here are 6 drinks experts recommend avoiding on an empty stomach, plus what you can have instead.
1. Black Coffee ☕
Coffee may help you feel more alert, but drinking it on an empty stomach can increase stomach acid and gastric motility. For people prone to acid reflux, this may mean heartburn, stomach irritation, jitters, or nausea.
Better option: Have a small snack first, such as a banana, yogurt, toast, or a few nuts. Adding a little milk or plant-based milk to your coffee may also make it easier to tolerate.
2. Caffeinated Tea 🍵
Coffee isn’t the only caffeinated drink that can bother an empty stomach. Strong caffeinated teas may increase stomach acid and contribute to nausea, cramping, or acid reflux.
Better option: Eat something containing protein or healthy fats first, such as yogurt, oatmeal, an egg, or whole-grain toast. Also, let your tea cool slightly if it’s very hot.
3. Carbonated Drinks 🥤
Soda and sparkling drinks contain carbon dioxide, which creates gas as it expands in your stomach. Without food, this may contribute to bloating, burping, and acid reflux.
Better option: Choose still water before meals. If you do have a fizzy drink, sip it slowly and avoid lying down afterward.
4. Citrus Juice 🍊
Orange, grapefruit, and lemon juices are acidic and can irritate the stomach, particularly for people who already experience reflux or stomach sensitivity.
They also contain naturally occurring sugars that can raise blood glucose quickly when consumed alone.
Better option: Pair your juice with protein or fiber—such as eggs, yogurt, nuts, or whole-grain toast—to make it more filling and help slow the rise in blood sugar.
5. Energy Drinks ⚡
Energy drinks can pack a lot of caffeine and, depending on the product, substantial amounts of sugar. Consuming them without food may make their effects feel stronger and can contribute to nausea, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, or digestive discomfort.
Better option: If you need an energy boost, eat something first. A small snack containing protein—such as yogurt, cheese, nuts, or eggs—can be a better choice.
6. Alcohol 🍷
Alcohol is one of the drinks you should especially avoid consuming on an empty stomach. Without food to slow absorption, alcohol can enter the bloodstream more quickly, potentially leading to faster intoxication and stomach irritation.
Alcohol can also affect blood sugar regulation.
Better option: If you choose to drink, eat a balanced meal beforehand and alternate alcoholic beverages with water.
What Should You Drink on an Empty Stomach?
Water is the simplest choice. 💧
If you’re not hungry immediately after waking up, you don’t necessarily need to force yourself to eat a large breakfast just to have a drink. Starting with water is a gentle option. If you want coffee, tea, or juice afterward, having even a small snack first may make it easier on your stomach.
Important: Everyone reacts differently. If a particular drink consistently causes severe heartburn, pain, nausea, or other symptoms, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
