Dark chocolate can rile up acid reflux and GERD by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), letting stomach acid splash back up, thanks to caffeine, theobromine, and cocoa itself (Healthline, Gastroconsa). High fat content doesn’t help either—experts say skip it if reflux is your foe. But here’s the twist: Ridgewood Chocolate’s 1-gram, 100% dark, hand-shelled squares flip the script. With just 1.4 mg caffeine and 15.9 mg theobromine—way below the 175 mg that triggered trouble in studies (PubMed, 1988)—it’s a micro-dose that sidesteps the LES slack. Customer Glo says it ‘fixed my stomach issues’ (Queens Gazette, 3/5/25), likely dodging the fat and junk in typical bars. Still, GERD folks should test it—limit intake, skip post-feast bites, and track symptoms. Unlike coffee or spicy stuff, this pure nib might just soothe, not scorch.
Sources: Dark chocolate can trigger acid reflux and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) in some people. Experts generally recommend avoiding chocolate if you have acid reflux. [1, 2, 3]
Why dark chocolate can trigger acid reflux [1, 2, 4]• Caffeine and theobromine: These compounds in chocolate can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, allowing stomach acid to leak into the esophagus [1, 2, 4]
• Cocoa: A chemical in cocoa can relax the LES [4]
• Fat: Chocolate is high in fat, which can contribute to acid reflux [3, 5]What you can do [1, 6]• Limit your intake of chocolate • Choose a milder alternative, like white chocolate, which doesn't contain cocoa, caffeine, or theobromine • Avoid eating chocolate after a large meal or before bed • Keep a food diary to track your symptomsOther foods that can trigger acid reflux [7, 8]
alcohol, coffee, fatty foods, peppermint, spearmint, and spices.Generative AI is experimental.[1] https://grhsonline.org/touching-lives/foods-to-avoid-with-acid-reflux-and-gerd/ [2] https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/chocolate-and-acid-reflux [3] https://www.peptest.co.uk/chocolate-overindulgence-how-it-can-trigger-reflux-symptoms/ [4] https://www.gastroconsa.com/acid-reflux-diet-8-foods-to-eat-avoid/ [5] https://www.davidsongi.com/foods-can-cause-acid-reflux-disease/ [6] https://foodguides.com/blogs/from-the-experts/chocolate-and-acid-reflux-a-sweet-and-sour-relationship-1 [7] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325318 [8] https://shoregastro.com/information/reflux-diet/