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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Pumpkin Bagels

Breakfast

Christiana George

Updated Date:
June 8, 2023

Have you ever had a Noah’s Bagels pumpkin bagel? I think it singlehandedly converted me into a bagel lover. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?), it’s seasonal, so it’s only obtainable one fleeting time a year, making it limited edition and therefore that much more desirable (like those mint chocolate Kisses that they sell around Christmas, have you had them?) And after I graduated from college and moved out of my college town, I stopped going to Noah’s altogether. Which is a shame, because pumpkin bagels, you have been sorely missed!

Well, I’ve got news for you. Homemade pumpkin bagels are just as good. Or, nearly as good, because in my case, they turned out rather ugly. Knobby. Imperfect, through and through. But seriously, homemade bagels, where have you been all my life? Just floating around, a vague idea in my head, that I never pulled off because I’d mistakenly thought you were really hard to make.

That’s the thing: these bagels were not difficult to make at all. I know that there are lots of ways to complicate the process, resulting in Bronx-worthy (and better-looking) bagels, but besides the extra step of boiling them, which admittedly was rather tense because I was trying to brush the egg wash on the cooked bagels and top them at the same time, most of the work was performed by my Kitchenaid mixer.

The bagels are so delicious when they come out of the oven. Soft but springy from the extra long bath I gave them, and laced with pumpkin. I also incorporated whole wheat flour into the recipe, resulting in the perfect fall breakfast food alongside a steaming cup of coffee. But make sure to toast them, because we all know that bagels taste best lightly toasted with a thick smear of cream cheese (the sliced tomatoes are optional. And the lox is a splurge!) But please please please don’t eat them with low-fat cream cheese. (We usually avoid low-fat products, but our grocery store had run out of the regular whipped kind.) It’s no substitute.

PUMPKIN BAGELS

Adapted from Honest Cooking

Makes 8

Ingredients:

2-1/4 tsps. active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp allspice
1/2 cup unsweeted pumpkin puree
1 Tbsp baking soda
1 egg
cornmeal for dusting baking pan

Toppings:

2:2:1 of poppy seeds
sesame seeds
sea salt
poppy seeds
pumpkin seeds
black sesame seeds
sesame seeds, etc.

Directions:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine yeast, water, and brown sugar. Whisk together and set aside.

In the meantime, in a large bowl, combine flours, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. By now, the yeast mixture should be frothy and ready to go. Add the pumpkin puree and using the dough hook, start mixing on low speed. Slowly add the flour mixture until it’s completely combined, about 3 to 5 minutes. At this point, the dough should be smooth and elastic, but not too sticky. If it is, incorporate 1 to 2 more Tbsps of flour.

Place dough in a bowl coated with oil and cover, allowing it to rise in a warm place until dough doubles in size, about 90 minutes.

Remove the dough and punch it down. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Cover and let rise about 20 minutes more.

At this point, using your thumb, punch a hole into the middle of the ball and widen it, taking care that the ring is even on all sides. Widen the hole more than you think necessary, because it will shrink. Set the dough on a lightly greased baking sheet. Repeat with the other balls.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and get the egg wash ready.

Fill a large pot about halfway with water and bring it to a boil. When it’s started boiling, pour in the baking soda (. Then gently drop 2 to 3 bagels in and cook for 2 minutes. Flip them and cook for 2 minutes more (the longer you boil the bagels, the chewier they will turn out. I like my bagels chewy. You can boil them for 1 minute on each side if you’d like.) Once done, remove them with a slotted spoon and drain well on paper towels. Then brush them with the egg wash and top with whatever toppings you’d like. Sprinkle cornmeal on the baking pan you had set them on earlier. Place the bagels on top. Repeat the same procedure with the rest of the bagels.

Once all the bagels have been boiled, bake them in for 15 to 20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Let them cool before digging in.