GERD-Friendly Cranberry Relish: A Low-Acid Holiday Side Dish Everyone Can Enjoy

Dealing with a sensitive stomach during the holidays can be frustrating, especially when visiting loved ones who may not be able to serve your favorite dishes. Traditional cranberry relish, for example, is often too acidic for those with GERD. But don’t worry —we have you covered this year. This GERD-friendly cranberry relish is not only delicious and made with care, but also gentle on the stomach, with a few simple tweaks to make it a reflux-safe holiday side dish everyone can enjoy.

Why Traditional Cranberry Sauce Can Trigger GERD

Traditional cranberry sauces can trigger acid reflux flares due to their high acidity, often from the use of orange juice in homemade recipes. While that zing is what many people love, it’s not just the orange that provides flavor. Cranberries are naturally tart on their own, so there’s no need to add extra ingredients that may upset the stomach. 

For a low-acid cranberry recipe, try using cranberry juice or apple juice instead of orange juice. In this dish, a touch of blood orange rind adds the familiar orange flavor you love without triggering GERD, making it a gentle and delicious option for the holidays.

Health Benefits of Cranberries 

Cranberries are small but mighty when it comes to their health benefits. They’re packed with antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which help protect cells from damage and support overall immune health. These vibrant berries are also known for promoting urinary tract health by preventing certain bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. In addition, cranberries contain fiber to support digestion and natural compounds that may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. When prepared in a low-acid cranberry recipe, they offer all these benefits without triggering reflux, making them a nourishing and stomach-friendly choice for the holidays.

Ingredients for GERD-Friendly Cranberry Relish

• Apple juice: a low-acid alternative to citrus juice that is gentle on the stomach.

• Allulose: a reflux-friendly sweetener that adds sweetness without spiking blood sugar.

• Cinnamon: adds warmth and flavor while supporting digestion.

• Blood orange rind: provides a subtle citrus aroma without the high acidity that triggers reflux.

Final Thoughts

Give this GERD-friendly cranberry relish a try and bring a flavorful, reflux-safe dish to your holiday table. We love how it keeps all the holiday cheer and bright flavors without upsetting our stomachs. With its natural tartness, gentle sweetness, and subtle citrus notes, it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, showing that we don’t have to sacrifice taste for comfort. Pair it with your favorite holiday classics or experiment with other gentle recipes to create a Thanksgiving spread that’s both delicious and kind to our stomachs.

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1. _{Allulose: What it is and side effects. (n.d.). https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-allulose} 

2. _{University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. (2024, September 30). Cranberries and health. Cranberry Health Research Center | Research | UMass Dartmouth. https://www.umassd.edu/chrc/cranberries-and-health/}