Acidity in coffee adds to the flavour profile and can give your brew a bright and vibrant taste. However, it’s not always kind on the stomach or your teeth for that matter. Coffee tends to give some people acid reflux or just irritate their gut. If you’d like to enjoy a coffee without the drama then a low acid coffee could help you enjoy your favourite drink in peace.
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Our top Picks for Best Low Acid Coffee
Acidity in Coffee, What you Should Know
Coffee has varying levels of acidity. A standard coffee can contain up to 30 different acids, now that’s quite a lot. The average cup of coffee has a PH level of 5 which leans towards medium levels of acidity if you consider a PH greater than 7 indicates a base and a PH less than 7 is acidic. Water, for example, has a PH of 6.5 to 8.5. Generally, the PH level in your stomach is between 1.5 and 3.5, which is quite acidic as you can imagine.
The roasting and brewing process of your coffee can influence the acidity quite a lot along with the climate, elevation and the variety of coffee you are drinking.
Roasters can either highlight or obscure acidity during the roasting process. The acid will decrease during the roasting process especially when using high heat.
Beans from warmer climates also tend to have lower acidity and naturally processed coffees (not wet/washed) will increase the overall sweetness and overpower acidity.
How do you make Coffee Less Acidic?
Paying attention to the acidity level of the beans you buy is the first port of call. Dark roast coffees usually have a lower level of acidity than light roasts. Arabica beans are smoother and contain less acid than Robusta beans so choose Arabica if you’re sensitive.
Water and Acidity in Coffee
As mentioned earlier water has a PH of between 6.5 and 8.5 which means it can impact the acidity levels in your coffee. Using a water filter can help to reduce the acid in water.
Cold Brewing to Reduce Acidity
Coffee made using a cold brewing method is less acidic. A study published in 2018 found that cold brew coffee extracts less non-deprotonated acids than hot brewed coffee.
What about Decaf?
Some studies have shown that it might actually be the caffeine in the coffee that cause acid reflux, so we’d suggest trying a decaf coffee if you’re particularly sensitive. The scientists don’t exactly agree on the cause of gut discomfort associated with coffee drinking, some say it’s the caffeine and some say it’s the acidity, so you may need to trial a few options to see what works best for you.
Our Picks for the Best Low Acid Coffee
1. Kicking Horse Coffee, Kick As
- Roast Level: Dark
- Speciality: Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher
- Tasting notes: Rich, dark chocolate, cacao nibs, brown sugar and roasted hazelnuts
You may have noticed that we’re big fans of Kicking Horse coffees. It’s beautifully roasted in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This is a low acidity coffee that is deep, dark and deliciously made with 100% Arabica beans. The beans originate from Indonesia & South America, where it was grown with social and environmental responsibility.
Kick-Ass is a lush coffee with hints of chocolate, a smooth finish and very low acidity. You’re bound to brew a flavourful coffee with a touch of smokiness. You’ll find no bitter or sludgy aftertaste here that’s for sure. For best results use for French press, drip machine, pour-over, espresso or cold brew.
Roasted in the rocky mountains: It’s all deep, dark and delicious, roasted right below the towering Canadian rocky mountain peaks.
2. Volcanica Hawaiian Kona Coffee Extra Fancy
- Roast Level: Medium
- Speciality: 100% Kona
- Tasting notes: Smooth body, superb aroma and a buttery richness with nutty cinnamon and clove overtones
An authentic Hawaiian Kona Extra Fancy low acid coffee with a well-defined taste. It’s a medium roasted coffee that is packed and sealed for extra freshness. Volcanica specialises in coffees grown in volcanic regions around the world, delivering great tasting exotic coffees. This particular coffee was also featured in our Best Kona Coffee post.
Kona coffee is generally on the more expensive side so perhaps save this one for a special occasion. Some say this coffee is even better than some of the varieties that you buy on the island itself. If you’re looking to make an extra special cup of coffee that is smooth and flavourful, then this pack is for you!
This is NOT a Kona Blend which claims to be Kona but only contains 1%- 5% real Kona beans the rest are cheaper lower grade beans from other countries. This is authentic 100% Kona Coffee Beans Single Origin from the Greenwell Estate.
3. Primos French Press Specialty Coffee
- Roast Level: Medium
- Speciality: Sustainably produced
- Tasting notes: Medium body, low acidity, smooth, sweet with citrus notes
Primos French press coffee is made from premium Arabica beans sourced from the best micro-lots at a fourth-generation family farm. A low acidity coffee with a sweet citrusy undertone. The coffee is sourced from Nicaragua, harvested by hand and prepared in Europe. Primos is a direct trade coffee roaster, which means there are no nasty middle-man practices to speak of.
This particular coffee is perfect for French press brewing, delivering a dark cup with a hint of caramel and rich rounded flavour. It’s not the strongest coffee you’ll ever brew, but it’s strong enough for a well-rounded cup. Brew it hot or for iced coffee.
Strictly high grown under shade trees, harvested by hand, European prepared and naturally dried
4. Pablo’s Pride Guatemala – Medium-Dark Roast with low acid
- Roast Level: Dark
- Speciality: Sustainably produced
- Tasting notes: Rich and chocolatey with considerable depth of flavour, a very smooth velvety body, and a clean caramel and cocoa finish
Pablo’s Pride Guatemala whole bean coffee is rich and chocolatey with low acidity and a clean caramel and cocoa finish. The caramelisation of the natural sugars in the bean gives this coffee a touch of roastiness while still retaining its natural flavour with a slightly sweet after taste.
This coffee tastes exactly like it says on the label. It’s nice and smooth without the acidity and tartness. Use for drip, French press or cold brewing to make a delicious cup of coffee.
Artisan Roasted in Small Batches for Optimum Freshness
5. Tyler’s No Acid Organic Ground Coffee
- Roast Level: Light
- Speciality: Organic
- Tasting notes: Full-bodied with a neutral PH
This is a Neutral PH coffee with no bitter aftertaste. Tyler’s is gentle on your stomach and is said to reduce acid reflux. They have a secret roasting process that strips harmful tannins & lipid acids while enhancing the aroma and flavour of the coffee.
It’s more of a breakfast blend coffee that is lighter in flavour. Add a pinch of cinnamon for an extra twist to your cup.
Ground low acid organic coffee is our whole foods initiative to enhance the health of coffee lovers across the world, without compromise to taste, quality, or tooth enamel.
6. Java Planet Organic Coffee Beans Low Acid Variety Set
- Roast Level: Medium
- Speciality: Rainforest alliance certified, Irgabuc
- Tasting notes: Fruit undertones along with the caramel and chocolate notes.
These are two great tasting low acid coffees one from Colombia and the other from Guatemala. Both of these bags are of single-origin and is the company’s two best sellers. Java planet is organic certified, GMO-free and grown without pesticides. So rest assured that these two little bags are chemical-free. Java Planet is family owned and operated.
The Guatemala coffee is shade-grown under guava and banana trees which give the coffee a fruity undertone with caramel and chocolaty notes. If you’re looking for low acid coffee, we’d recommend that you try this little bundle of beans.
NO PESTICIDES! We use only 100% organic certified Arabica coffee whole beans, grown without chemicals or GMOs. In drinking our coffee you will only absorb beneficial antioxidants naturally found in coffee grown at high altitudes.
7. Clean Coffee Co Whole Bean Coffee
- Roast Level: Medium
- Speciality: Toxin-free
- Tasting notes: Pure bold flavour without the bitter taste
Clean Coffee Co’s medium-dark roast is low in acid, toxins and agrichemicals. It provides both functional and nutritional benefits while serving up a bold flavourful coffee without the bitterness. These beans come from Papua New Guinea where it’s grown in Volcanic soil handpicked, hand-washed, sun-dried and then roasted for a smooth taste.
This coffee is naturally low in acid and not treated to reduce acidity. You won’t need any sweetener or sugar and can easily drink it black. It’s a nice and smooth coffee that comes from a company with transparent around its practices and processes.
SMOOTH AND MELLOW TASTE, LOW IN ACID – Naturally low acid without any treatment process for great taste without the digestive issues. PRO TIP: Try adding 1.5-2x the standard recommended amount for a stronger cup!
8. Mayorga Organics Café Cubano Roast
- Roast Level: Dark
- Speciality: Organic
- Tasting notes: Hints of vanilla and a sweet, syrupy smokiness
Mayorga Organics imports directly from producers to their facilities in the US. The company focuses on making a positive difference to people, supporting producers and helping them generate a good living. We’ve recently featured Mayorga in our Best Cold Brew Coffees as it makes a great tasting cold brew!
The Cubano Roast is their signature blend and is made with premium speciality grade coffee. It’s a low acid coffee that is slow-roasted to provide a bold cup of coffee. This blend works really well for cold brew, making a cup of coffee that’s absolutely delicious.
SUSTAINABLY SOURCED from quality-inspected, certified organic small farmers and cooperatives throughout Latin America. USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, Kosher, Direct Trade.
9. Starbucks Dark Roast Ground Coffe
- Roast Level: Dark
- Speciality: Ethically Sourced
- Tasting notes: Full-bodied coffee with spicy and herbal notes and a deep, earthy aroma
For those who like Starbucks coffee and is looking for a low acid option, this is probably the best low acid Starbucks coffee around. It’s a single-origin Sumatra coffee that is dark roasted and has a fuller body. This coffee is great for a French press, Pour Over, Moka pot or a drip machine.
Now we have to say, we fully understand that some people like Starbucks and others don’t. But this is a good option for a low acid coffee. It’s a nice full-bodied coffee and a favourite amongst Starbucks fans.
For best taste, use cold, filtered water and store ground coffee in a cool, dark place
10. Lucy Jo’s Coffee, Organic Mellow Belly
- Roast Level: Medium-Dark
- Speciality: Organic
- Tasting notes: Smooth, sweet and earthy, with a hint of spice
Lucy Jo’s is a nice organic blend with low acid levels. It’s a favourite amongst people who need something easy on the stomach. Lucy Jo’s is a family-run certified organic roastery based in rural Upstate New York. The company source 100% Arabica beans, that is then roasted in small batches allowing them to deliver great fresh coffee.
It’s a smooth coffee that smells just divine, it has nice subtle tones of dark chocolate. You’ll still get a nice zing you’d expect from a nice cup of coffee.
Small batch roasted by hand for optimum flavour in our family-run facility
Why Choose Low Acid Coffee
Caffeine in coffee stimulates the acid production in your stomach and coffee that is less acidic could lower your chances of getting acid reflux. But as mentioned the scientists can’t seem to agree whether the caffeine or acid in coffee is the biggest trouble maker so if you’re experiencing discomfort you may need to be your own guinea pig for a while. In the greater scheme of things, you’re only trying different coffees, not a bag full of pharmaceuticals!
Kind to your Gut
Low acid coffee is generally kinder to your gut
Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Acidity can erode the enamel on your teeth so opting for a low acid coffee can help protect your pearly whites
Choosing a Low Acidity Coffee
When it comes to low acid coffee you generally have two options to choose from; treated and inadvertent or naturally low acid coffee
Treated to Lower Acidity
Coffee that is treated to lower acidity will use special processing techniques to lower acidity. This usually involves the roasting process such as slow or interrupted roasting. High-temperature roasting can also reduce acidity.
Coffee Naturally Low in Acidity – Inadvertent
Inadvertent coffee is naturally low in acid. These coffees will be the ones grown at lower altitudes in areas with higher average temperatures such as Brazil, Sumatra, Guatemala, Mexico or Peru.
Which Starbucks Coffee is the Least Acidic?
Starbucks has a few options when it comes to low acid coffees, one of the most popular ones is the Sumatra single-origin coffee listed as no.9 on our list above.