The 8 Best Antacids to Buy in 2018

We are committed to researching, testing, and recommending the best products. We may receive commissions from purchases made after visiting links within our content. Learn more about our review process.

You know you shouldn’t have had that spicy dish or extra helping of dessert, and now you’re paying the price. It’s indigestion—that bloated, uncomfortable, sometimes burning sign that your stomach isn’t happy. Food isn’t always the culprit either. Sometimes indigestion and heartburn are the result of anxiety, pregnancy or other triggers. No matter what the cause, it can leave you feeling mildly uncomfortable to downright lousy. Fortunately, there are over-the-counter antacids that can help.

Indigestion is typically caused by stomach acids that get a bit out of control when they react to various foods and drinks. Antacids help get those acids back in check, by neutralizing them. They come in a variety of formulas and in different forms including liquids, pills, and chewable tablets. Here are the best antacids you may want to consider buying.

Best Overall: TUMS Ultra Strength 1000 Assorted Tropical Fruit Antacid

When you think heartburn, you likely think Tum. Tum. Tum. Tum. TUMS. That’s not only due to their catchy commercials, but because they’re a trusted brand that’s been in the heartburn business for years.

The primary ingredient in TUMS is calcium carbonate, which acts quickly on symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and sour stomach. In addition, two tablets provide 80 percent of your calcium for the day. (The recommended serving is two or three tablets when symptoms strike, but no more than seven in one day.) Customers say TUMS taste great, work quickly to ease indigestion and heartburn, and, overall, are hard to beat.

Best Heartburn Relief: Alka-Seltzer Relief Chews Heartburn Assorted Fruit

When you move past the mild discomfort of indigestion and feel a painful burning in your chest, we’re talking heartburn, and you need something that works fast to quell that burning. These chews from Alka-Seltzer promise to do just that. They’re a tasty twist on the original that provides relief just the same.

Customers say the fruit-flavored chews are a great alternative to other chalky tablets, and have a pleasant taste. More importantly, they say these chews provide fast and effective relief from heartburn.

Best Liquid Antacid: Mylanta Maximum Strength Antacid, Classic Flavor, 12 Ounce

When you want relief from indigestion and heartburn stat, a swig of Mylanta promises to deliver just that. This maximum-strength formula works on contact and it also provides relief from gas and the painful bloating that typically accompanies it.

Mylanta comes in classic mint, caramel and vanilla flavors, and it can be taken anytime, day or night. While it’s designed to provide powerful relief, the formula is also gentle enough that it can be taken every day.

Customers say it works much more quickly than tablets and tastes good, too. Many say it’s the only over-the-counter antacid that works for them.

Best Capsules: Nexium 24HR (20mg, 42 Count) Delayed Release Capsules

When you’d rather pop a pill than drink a liquid or chomp a chew, Nexium capsules can be a smart option. Each pill is designed to provide up to 24 hours of relief, so you’re not having to pop them all day long. Not only do they neutralize the acid they come in contact with, but they also help reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces in the first place.

They’re designed for people who have frequent heartburn and become more effective over time. (Note: they may take up to four days to reach maximum effectiveness.) However, you shouldn’t take them for more than 14 days in a row without talking to your doctor.

Customers rave about this product and are thrilled that it is available over the counter.

Best Chewable Antacid: SoundHealth Extra Strength Antacid Chews

For a straightforward chewable antacid at an affordable price, there are fruit-flavored chews from SoundHealth. Designed to treat indigestion, sour stomach and heartburn, they’re recommended for adults and children 12 years-of-age and older.

Customers say they work just as well as the pricier, more well-known brands, and they love the taste. They say they’re not chalky and taste a bit like Skittles.

Best Flavored Antacid: TUMS Antacid Chewy Bites, Assorted Berries

If you’re not a fan of the chalky taste that comes with some antacids, these chewy bites from TUMS are a welcome twist. Customers also love the assorted berry flavors, And more importantly, they say they get the job done. The job, of course, being to provide relief from occasional indigestion and heartburn.

They trust the TUMS brand, and say for occasional heartburn these chewables are hard to beat. The only downside reported is that they taste so good, you may find yourself wanting to eat more than you should.

Best Everyday Antacid: Pepto-Bismol Caplets 5 Symptom Digestive Relief

When it comes to trusted relief from occasional indigestion, many think pink for Pepto-Bismol. A staple in medicine cabinets for generations, it’s designed to not only treat the symptoms of indigestion, but also most anything else that ails your stomach, including diarrhea and nausea.

While it comes in a liquid as well, these caplets are great to take on the go, as you never know when you might need some relief. Customers say they’re effective, and many have been relying on Pepto products since they were children. They say they love the caplet option too, so they don’t have lug a bottle around when they’re traveling or otherwise on the go.

Best Antacid for Kids: Pepto-Bismol Childrens Pepto Bubble Gum

Even the tiniest tummies can be upset by indigestion, heartburn and sour stomach. Fortunately, Pepto-Bismol has a remedy designed just for them. Recommended for children ages 2 and up, dosage is based on weight. Check with your doctor before giving it to kids younger than 2 years of age.

The chewable tablets come in a yummy bubble gum flavor, which makes getting kids to take their medicine easy. That way they can get the relief they need so they can get back to having fun.