Is Cilantro Acidic? Cilantro and Acid Reflux

Medically reviewed by Aneeza Pervez Updated Date: January 2, 2026

Cilantro, a popular herb used worldwide, is celebrated for its refreshing flavor and impressive health benefits. However, for individuals managing acid reflux, the question arises: is cilantro acidic, and can it aggravate reflux symptoms? The good news is that cilantro is not considered acidic, making it a potentially safe addition to an acid reflux-friendly diet. In this article, we’ll dive into cilantro’s acidity, nutritional profile, and its effects on acid reflux, while offering practical tips to enjoy this herb without discomfort.

Understanding Cilantro’s Acidity

Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, is a mild and versatile herb that is not inherently acidic. With a generally neutral to slightly alkaline pH, it is unlikely to trigger acid reflux symptoms in most individuals. Cilantro’s alkalizing nature may even help neutralize stomach acid, making it a soothing option for people prone to acid reflux.

From a chemical perspective, foods with a pH above 7 are considered alkaline, while those below 7 are acidic. Cilantro falls closer to the neutral range, especially when consumed fresh. Unlike acidic foods such as citrus fruits or tomatoes, cilantro does not stimulate excessive stomach acid production, making it a gentle choice for sensitive stomachs.

Author Tip: 7 Kinds of Foods to Avoid with GERD

Cilantro and Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This condition can cause uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and regurgitation. While the relationship between specific foods and reflux varies from person to person, cilantro is generally regarded as a reflux-friendly herb.

Why Cilantro May Be Beneficial?

According to the research, cilantro is a medicinal plant:

Alkalizing Properties
Cilantro’s mildly alkalizing effect can balance stomach acidity, potentially reducing the likelihood of acid reflux symptoms. Incorporating cilantro into meals may help soothe the digestive system.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Rich in compounds like quercetin, polyphenols, and beta-carotene, cilantro has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce irritation in the esophagus and stomach lining, offering relief from reflux-related discomfort.
Rich in Nutrients
Cilantro provides essential vitamins such as A, C, and K, along with minerals like potassium and magnesium. These nutrients contribute to overall digestive health and may help alleviate symptoms of GERD.
Supports Digestive Health
Cilantro has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to support digestion and relieve bloating. Its natural carminative properties can ease gas and promote smoother digestion, which is particularly beneficial for those with acid reflux.

By adding cilantro to your diet, you may experience relief from reflux symptoms while enjoying its unique flavor and health benefits.

How to Include Cilantro in an Acid Reflux-Friendly Diet

If you are cautious about managing your acid reflux symptoms, you can safely incorporate cilantro into your meals by following these strategies.

1. Use Fresh Cilantro

Fresh cilantro is the best way to maximize its health benefits. Adding it as a garnish to dishes like soups, salads, or rice ensures you enjoy its mild, alkalizing properties.

2. Blend into Smoothies

For a refreshing twist, cilantro can be blended into green smoothies. Pair it with other reflux-friendly ingredients such as cucumber, spinach, and almond milk to create a soothing and nutrient-packed drink.

3. Pair with Low-Acid Foods

Combine cilantro with alkaline or low-acid foods like quinoa, lentils, or roasted vegetables to keep your meals reflux-friendly. Avoid mixing cilantro with high-acid foods like tomatoes or spicy peppers, which can worsen symptoms.

4. Avoid Overly Spicy Pairings

While cilantro itself is mild, pairing it with spicy or heavily seasoned foods may irritate the stomach and trigger reflux. Stick to gentle, balanced recipes for optimal results.

By using cilantro thoughtfully, you can enjoy its flavor without compromising your digestive health.

Author Tip: 7-Day Meal Plan For Gastritis

Cilantro Recipes for Acid Reflux

Adding cilantro to your meals doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are two simple, reflux-friendly recipes to get you started:

1. Cilantro-Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 medium cucumber, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
A pinch of sea salt
Lemon zest (optional, if tolerated)

Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss gently. This light and refreshing salad is perfect as a side dish and supports digestion.

2. Cilantro Pesto

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
1 clove garlic (optional, if tolerated)

Instructions
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Use this vibrant pesto as a spread on whole-grain bread or as a topping for roasted vegetables.

These recipes allow you to enjoy cilantro’s flavor while supporting your digestive health.

When to Avoid Cilantro?

Although cilantro is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to the herb. If you experience symptoms like nausea, bloating, or worsening reflux after consuming cilantro, it’s best to limit or avoid it. Additionally, some people find the taste of cilantro unappealing due to a genetic variation that makes it taste soapy.

If you’re unsure whether cilantro is suitable for your diet, consult a healthcare professional or dietitian. Monitoring your symptoms after introducing cilantro into your meals can also help determine its effects on your reflux.

Conclusion

Cilantro is not acidic and is a safe, reflux-friendly herb for most individuals. Its alkalizing properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and ability to support digestion make it a valuable addition to an acid reflux-friendly diet. By incorporating cilantro into meals thoughtfully and avoiding overly acidic or spicy pairings, you can enjoy its flavor and health benefits without triggering discomfort.

For individuals managing acid reflux, cilantro offers a refreshing and versatile way to enhance meals. Whether used fresh in salads or blended into nutrient-packed smoothies, cilantro can be a gentle, flavorful option for supporting digestive health.

If you are uncertain about cilantro’s effects on your acid reflux, start with small amounts and monitor your symptoms. With its numerous benefits and mild nature, cilantro can be a delicious ally in your journey to better digestion and overall wellness.

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Chocolate Chip Cookies, The Cooks Illustrated Way

Dessert

Christiana George

Updated Date:
January 4, 2026

cooks illustrated chocolate chip cookies

This weekend, I gorged on chocolate chip cookies. I mean who wouldn’t? Look at these things. Just look at ‘em. Seductive, no, served alongside a cool glass of milk?

I totally thought I’d settled the question of world’s best chocolate chip cookie recipe for good. But I find I may have to re-open the topic (it’s of the utmost importance, you know) and thrown in another contendor.

First, let’s figure out if we’re in agreement here. Do you like your cookies chewy? And soft? With that characteristic give when you first bite into them? Do you like them bronzed and flat and ripply on top, ready to dunk into cold milk?

That’s how I like my chocolate chip cookies. And my long-time standby has been Kim Boyce’s whole wheat chocolate chip cookies—yeah, the ones that spread like wildfire in the blogosphere. They’re ridiculously good, with the whole wheat flour stealing the show.

But for times when I want a slightly lighter cookie, one that’s not quite as… bold, let’s say, I think I’ll be reaching for this recipe.

It’s plain old comfort food, albeit comfort food I could eat at any time. It’s the classic chocolate chip cookie, no frills, no fancy ingredients, and I’m having a hard time keeping my hands off them.

My solution is usually to shove a bunch in a bag and hand them off to friends, but I find myself oddly protective of these.

In my heart, there’s room for two favorites.

I’ve had The New Best Recipe sitting on my bookshelf for a while. Bless those giant, comprehensive compendiums. I put a lot of confidence in America’s Test Kitchen for its reliability and rigorous kitchen methods.

In the book, you can read about the entire trial and error process—the countless alterations tried—before a recipe was deemed perfect. It’s really informational.

For instance, did you know that “when melted butter is added to a dough, the proteins in the flour immediately grab onto the freed water molecules to form elastic strands of gluten?” I didn’t know that.

In the case of these chocolate chip cookies, their focus was on chewiness. Which is why melted butter and an extra egg yolk are called for. And they invented an elegantly simple way of shaping the cookies so they come out with that classic rippled top (instructions in the recipe).

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe from Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies in The New Best Recipe
Makes about 18 large cookies (I ended with 14)

Ingredients:

2 cups plus 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
12 Tbsp (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled until just warm
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, plus 1 large egg yolk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 to 1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Update 8/22/12:I made these with half whole wheat flour and they turned out a success.

Directions:

Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper (or bake the cookies in batches like I did). Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Mix the butter and sugars until thoroughly blended. Beat in the egg, yolk, and vanilla until combined. Add the dry ingredients and beat at low speed until just combined. Stir in the chips to taste.

Roll a scant 1/4 cup of dough into a ball. Holding onto it with the fingertips of both hands, pull the ball apart into two equal pieces. Rotate both pieces so that the jagged, ripped edge is facing upwards, then push both halves together again with the jagged edges still facing upwards. Place the dough on the baking sheet, spaced about 2-1/2 inches apart.

Bake 15 to 18 minutes, until the cookies are light golden brown. Rotate the baking sheet about halfway through for even baking. Don’t overbake! The cookies will harden when cooled and the centers will set.