Sara Haas, RDN, LDN, is a food and nutrition expert with formal culinary training. She works as a writer, recipe developer, food photographer, media authority, public speaker, and consultant dietitian/chef. Former culinary and nutrition instructor and National Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson.
Published on August 21, 2026
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Enjoying a delicious meal is one of the greatest things about life. There’s no better way to celebrate living than at a table with good people and good food. Sometimes, however, I get caught up in the enjoyment and accept an extra scoop of mashed potatoes or a helping of ice cream even though my belly is satisfied. Luckily, I know that with a little movement and a cup of my favorite tea, things will be right again. Here’s what I grab and why.
The Best Tea To Drink After Dinner for Digestion, According to a Dietitian
I wasn’t always a tea drinker. I was a self-proclaimed coffee fan, and that left no space for tea in my mind. Then, I got sick with the flu, and I’m convinced those cups of tea helped nurse me back to health. Once the door was open, I never looked back. It turns out tea is delicious and offers a whole host of health benefits, including improving digestion.
My favorite post-meal tea is a cup of ginger tea, which seems to be a favorite among my dietitian colleagues as well. “Ginger tea is my go-to,” says Elizabeth Shaw, M.S., RDN, CPT. “There’s something about it that can feel soothing and comforting when my gut needs a little extra TLC.”
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Why do we reach for ginger tea? Maggie Moon, MS, RD, Los Angeles-based dietitian and best-selling author of “The Mind Diet,” explains that ginger has long been known to help with nausea and digestion, “and can help with that over-full feeling that sometimes happens when our eyes are bigger than our stomachs.” She adds that ginger is also great in the evenings because there’s no caffeine to disrupt sleep.
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If ginger isn’t your thing, try a cup of rooibos tea after dinner, says Krystal Dunham, MS, RDN, LD. “Some research suggests rooibos has anti-spasmodic properties, which can relieve stomach cramping. Additionally, rooibos is caffeine-free, meaning it doesn’t increase stomach acid or keep you up all night.”
There’s also peppermint tea, says Sylvia Klinger, DBA, MS, RDN, which may help with digestion by relaxing the gastrointestinal muscles. It can be another soothing option, but if you’re also experiencing heartburn or acid reflux, it may worsen those symptoms.
Finally, consider an herbal tea that includes a combination of carminative herbs, says Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN, a lifestyle nutrition expert, author, and speaker.
She explains that “carminative herbs, such as ginger, fennel, peppermint, coriander, and chamomile, contain volatile oils that soothe the digestive tract, aid in eliminating excess gas, and encourage gastric emptying and secretion of digestive enzymes.” There are several available at the grocery store, but she points out Yogi Tea’s Stomach Ease as a good option.
The next time you’re looking for a way to help with digestion after dinner, consider a cup of herbal tea. Ginger is a dietitian favorite, but mint and rooibos can be good options, too. Pair the tea with a little movement, and you’ll be feeling better in no time.
DATE . 22 / Aug/2026