Contents
- 1. Lifeboost Coffee - The Best Low Acid Coffee
- 2. Cafe Don Pablo Subtle Earth Gourmet Coffee
- 3. Puroast Low Acid Coffee, Organic French Roast
- 4. Java Planet Colombian Organic, Medium Dark Roast
- 5. Volcanica Coffee, Geisha Coffee from Costa Rica
- 6. Mommee Coffee
- 7. HealthWise Low Acid Coffee
- 8. Tieman's Fusion Coffee, Low Acid Dark Roast
- 9. Simpatico Low Acid Coffee
- 10. Euromild Low Acid Ground Coffee
- Low Acid Coffee: Is It Worth It?
Your throat is burning. Your stomach is rioting. Your heart is hammering.
These are common reactions to high acid coffee, and many people write them off as necessary evils to get their caffeine fix.
But what if you didn't have to suffer for your cappuccinos and espressos? What if there was a way to enjoy all of your favorite coffee beverages without the irritated stomach lining afterwards?
Here are just a few of the best low acid coffee brands on the market. They'll give you all of the tastes and aromas that you expect from your morning cup of joe, but they'll cause much less gastric distress.
On to the list!
1. Lifeboost Coffee - The Best Low Acid Coffee
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Nicaragua
BEST SUITED FOR: People who need low-acid beans but don’t want to compromise on flavor.
LifeBoost is an up-and-coming brand in the coffee world, and it’s only a matter of time before they’re huge. This low-acid medium roast is our favorite of their entire line of beans, with a smooth chocolate richness, a dark caramel sweetness, and a hint of fruity aromas (think apple and berries).
And we’re not the only ones to think so…
“I love coffee but hate heartburn. With this coffee that is not an issue, thank goodness, because it tastes and smells so good.” — Rhonda S
It’s Certified Organic, so you know there were never pesticides sprayed on it at the farm (conventional farms use tons of harsh chemical fertilizers—sometimes up to 250 pounds per acre!).
It’s also Fair Trade, meaning the farmers were paid $0.30 extra per pound of coffee. It may not seem like much, but with the price of coffee hovering at just $1.00/pound, that extra 30% income is hugely helpful and is what enables the farmers to grow such incredibly delicious and ethical coffee.
And since the beans are handpicked and carefully fermented for precisely 26 hours, there’s no chance for harmful mycotoxins or harsh acids to form!
A low acid coffee is considered a 4.6 on the pH scale. Lifeboost comes in at a 6.0 which is very low acid. (Water is a 7 on the pH scale which is neutral)
What's the Bottom Line?
If you’ve tried a few low-acid coffees and feel like you’re sacrificing on quality, stress no more—your search for no-compromise low-acid beans is over.
2. Cafe Don Pablo Subtle Earth Gourmet Coffee
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Honduras
It's not unusual for organic coffee to have lower acidity levels than the regular stuff, and Subtle Earth is a great example of java that's both eco- and stomach-friendly.
For starters, Subtle Earth grows and harvests their coffee beans in the high mountains of Honduras. With fresh air, rich soil and a complete lack of pesticides, these beans thrive in all-natural conditions before being gathered and shipped overseas.
Subtle Earth also boasts a complex and fully-developed flavor profile. It offers just enough of a kick to be a respectable cup of coffee; then it soothes the bitterness with hints of honey, caramel and even chocolate. It's an excellent union between strong and sweet.
Last but not least, Subtle Earth is a low acid coffee. Without any tartness to upset throats and stomachs, it's perfect for people who suffer from things like indigestion. The lower acid content is good for your teeth, too!
What's the Bottom Line?
If you're trying to brew gentler, less astringent coffees, give Subtle Earth a try. It'll have the flavor that you expect from a good cup of coffee without the usual acidity.
3. Puroast Low Acid Coffee, Organic French Roast
Beans: Arabica
Origins: USA
Measuring a 5.81 on the pH scale, Puroast has less than half of the acidity of other coffee brands. It's also organic, kosher, gluten-free and calorie-free, so it can offer a lot of health benefits to anyone trying to live better.
The secret to Puroast's success is in their roasting process. Inspired by the traditional coffee brewers of Venezuela, they slow-roast their beans over a wood fire.
Not only does this ensure that every bean roasts to its full potential, but it also draws out flavor while siphoning away acids and oils.
Another great thing about Puroast coffee is its nutrients.
It offers five times as many antioxidants as regular coffee and seven times as many as green tea, so it's a cup of joe that you can actually feel good about drinking!
"Healthy coffee" might be a bit of an oxymoron, but Puroast is certainly trying. If nothing else, they're a way better option than harsh, high acid brands.
What's the Bottom Line?
By offering a tasty, all-natural blend of slow-roasted coffee beans that are brimming with antioxidants, Puroast is changing the coffee game. Its low acidity is just another benefit on top of an already-full resume.
4. Java Planet Colombian Organic, Medium Dark Roast
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Colombia
Some organic coffee companies do the bare minimum to get their USDA sticker. Others are genuinely committed to growing high-quality coffee beans on pure, unprocessed land that doesn't damage the local environment.
Can you guess which one describes Java Planet?
Grown and harvested in the wilds of Colombia, Java Planet Coffee is completely free of acids, chemicals, toxins, oils and anything else that might ruin a perfectly good latte.
It creates a rich, full-body brew that you'll want to savor before swallowing.
Most importantly, its flavor is bold but non-acidic. You'll taste nuts and spices, but it won't irritate your stomach with anything bitter.
This makes Java Planet ideal for people who are struggling with health issues or just getting tired of overly harsh coffee drinks every morning.
With Java Planet, you can create a coffee beverage that's as smooth as the surface of your mug.
What's the Bottom Line?
Don't force yourself to drink bitter coffee just because you need a hit of caffeine. Java Planet will provide energy, flavor and body without any of the usual tang.
5. Volcanica Coffee, Geisha Coffee from Costa Rica
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Costa Rica, Ethiopia
Geisha Coffee gets its name from the "gesha" coffee of Ethiopia. Long ago, it was transported to the mountains of Costa Rica to grow in abundance, and the result is this Geisha Coffee from Volcanica.
Geisha Coffee has a very strong flavor profile that makes it unique in the coffee world.
The first few sips will taste almost floral, but as you get deeper into the cup, you'll start to recognize cocoa, molasses and brown sugar. There are even hints of tobacco here and there.
Don't let its flavors fool you, however. Geisha Coffee might have a strong, bold taste, but it's also a low acid coffee. You can drink it every morning to try and identify all of its complex notes, but it won't ever bring bitter tears to your eyes.
You won't suffer from irritable bowels after a mug or even a pot. It's a well-balanced brew that will rest easily in your stomach.
At the end of the day, that's all that you can ask from a low acid coffee.
What's the Bottom Line?
Geisha Coffee offers a one-of-a-kind flavor while also staying on the lower end of the acid spectrum. It's not often that these benefits go together, so enjoy them while you can!
6. Mommee Coffee
Beans: Arabica
Origins: USA
When it comes to coffee, pregnant women are usually out of luck. Even if they drink decaf to keep things safe for the baby, the high acid levels can give them heartburn and increase their nausea.
Enter Mommee Coffee!
Momee Coffee is a rare coffee brand that can be safely enjoyed by pregnant and nursing women. For starters, it's available with four different caffeine levels for women in every stage of pregnancy, so you can move along the line as your baby bump gets bigger.
It's also completely organic, so you won't have to worry about any chemical additives having adverse effects on you and your unborn child.
Best of all, Mommee Coffee has a very low acid content that won't upset your sensitive stomach. It boasts 60 percent less chlorogenic acid than other coffee brands!
This is because the beans are water-processed, reducing their acid content even before they're packaged, shipped and stored.
Whether you're trying to conceive or already painting your nursery, Mommee Coffee has you covered. You don't have to give up coffee while pregnant.
You just have to be careful about the brands that you drink.
What's the Bottom Line?
Safe for mothers in every trimester, Mommee Coffee is gentle enough to be a non-irritating beverage while still providing that authentic coffee taste that you crave.
7. HealthWise Low Acid Coffee
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Colombia
HealthWise utilizes a special roasting process that extracts the good qualities of coffee beans while eliminating the bad ones. It's called "TechnoRoasting," and it's an FDA-approved process that makes HealthWise one of the biggest names in low acid coffee.
The biggest benefit of TechnoRoasting is that it reduces harshness and bitterness. It draws out the acids of the coffee beans and creates mild, mellow flavors when brewed.
The other great thing about TechnoRoasting is that it boosts the nutrients of its coffee beans. They're naturally filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but traditional brewing methods tend to cover them up or strip them away.
TechnoRoasting does neither. Instead, it protects these nutrients until they're ready to be delivered into your morning cup of joe.
HealthWise isn't the only coffee company to utilize special brewing techniques that cut down on acidity, but their FDA approval makes them rarer than most.
As a certified brand, they're worth looking into if you're serious about cutting acid out of your coffee.
What's the Bottom Line?
Out with the bad; in with the good. HealthWise blasts away the things that you don't need in your coffee and replaces them with health-boosting elements that will make your day brighter.
8. Tieman's Fusion Coffee, Low Acid Dark Roast
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador
Tieman's Fusion Coffee lives up to its name by infusing good old-fashioned java with the properties of both red and green tea. It's a tasty alliance, and it's good for you, too.
The coffee is made from 100 percent arabica beans that are grown and harvested in South America. The tea is matcha green tea and rooibos red tea. There's even some goji berry powder thrown in for extra health benefits!
These ingredients might not seem like they go together, but the end result is a light and smooth coffee beverage that can be consumed at any time of day. Use it to wake up in the morning; enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up; toss it back to help you stay up late.
Its pH level is only 5.85, so it isn't acidic enough to hurt you. Some people report that it doesn't even make them jittery.
A coffee/tea hybrid might not be the first thing that you thought of when considering low acid beverages, but Tieman's Fusion Coffee proves that it's a viable option.
What's the Bottom Line?
Packed with everything from immune-boosting matcha to anti-inflammatory berries, Tieman's Fusion Coffee is a fun and tasty beverage that you don't have to feel guilty about drinking.
9. Simpatico Low Acid Coffee
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Mexico
Do you love the taste of dark roasts?
You don't need to give them up just because you're trying to cut back on your acids. Simpatico is a low acid coffee that offers deep, rich flavors and a full-body blend, so you can enjoy the same tastes that you've always loved without suffering from the gastric issues that usually accompany them.
You might be wondering how it's possible to achieve full flavors without full acids. The answer lies in Simpatico's organic harvesting process.
They get their beans from Oaxaca, Mexico, and the beans are shade-grown and entirely free of chemicals. Once they're shipped to Simpatico, they're roasted in carefully small batches to maintain their freshness.
The final product is a low acid coffee that doesn't have a burnt or bitter aftertaste. You won't ever take a big sip and immediately want to spit it right back out.
Simpatico goes down smoothly and easily, and it won't cause a fuss where your organs and intestines are concerned, either. It's non-irritating and non-inflammatory.
If you're a fan of dark roasts, this is the brand for you. Simpatico lets you enjoy your favorite brew while also minimizing its aftereffects. It's consequence-free coffee!
What's the Bottom Line?
Nothing beats the smell of a dark-roasted coffee filling up a room. Just make sure that you buy Simpatico so that you can enjoy the flavors and aromas without the bitterness.
10. Euromild Low Acid Ground Coffee
Beans: Arabica
Origins: Colombia
Euromild is some of the most temperate coffee on the market. It contains 99.5 percent less acid than other brands, so it isn't playing around when it comes to reducing heartburn or soothing angry stomachs. If you can smell, taste or feel the 0.5 percent acid level in this coffee, you're absolutely superhuman!
The good thing about Euromild, however, is that it doesn't sacrifice flavor for health benefits. While it lives up to its name in terms of mildness, it's still delicious.
It's made with pure arabica beans that are imported from Colombia for a smooth and even brew, and it's rich enough that it doesn't feel like you're drinking a weak or watery beverage.
It tastes like a regular, gentle coffee; it just so happens to have a low acid content, too.
Euromild is pre-ground for your convenience, so you won't have to mess around with any beans. Simply load up your coffeemaker and enjoy!
What's the Bottom Line?
There's no such thing as an acid-free coffee, but Euromild comes close. With acid levels of almost zero, it's one of the mildest, healthiest coffee brands available today.
These are just a few of the best low acid coffee brands. As you can see, they range in everything from brewing type to country of origin, but all of them can help you settle your stomach and slow down your heart. Good luck!
Low Acid Coffee: Is It Worth It?
If you're a gourmet coffee shopper, you've probably come across brands talking about "acidity" in the same breath as flavors, aromas and roasts. But what does it mean? Does it really make a difference in your morning caffeine fix?
What should you know about low acid coffee before you pull out your credit card?
Here are just a few things to consider before switching brands.
Understanding Acidity
First things first: There are several ways to define acidity. While some people use it to describe sharp, tangy flavors, others are referring to the coffee's actual pH level. You'll want to know the difference when shopping for low acid coffee.
If a brand offers numbers and percentages for their acid content, they're probably referring to pH levels. If they just talk about "mild" and "non-acidic" brews, they're probably hyping their flavor and nothing else.
Know the Health Risks
Acidic coffees are harder on your body than non-acidic ones. This is especially true if you're prone to gastric issues like heartburn or irritable bowel syndrome; the acid will reach your stomach lining and play havoc on your intestines.
Acid is also terrible for your teeth because it strips away the enamel and encourages the formation of cavities over time. If your Americanos have been causing head, throat, stomach or tooth pain, now you know why.
A Longer, Deeper Roast
Dark coffee has many health benefits, including a lower acid level. This is because of the extended roasting process that minimizes stomach acid.
When coffee is roasted, it creates something called N-methylpyridinium (NMP), a compound that lowers acid secretions in stomach cells. Many health-conscious coffee brands have taken advantage of this scientific curiosity and made their brews nice and dark to keep their acid content low.
Cold Brewing
Another way to reduce the acidity of coffee beans is to use a cold brewing process.
Instead of brewing your coffee quickly and with heat, you steep the beans in cold water for several hours to draw out some of their acids and oils. The result is a milder cup of java with a smoother taste and an acid level that's been reduced by as much as 60 percent. That's much easier on the stomach than regular coffee, and it only takes a bit more effort than hot-brewed coffee.
Whether you're suffering from heartburn or just hoping to reduce the bitterness of your morning cuppa, there are many reasons to switch to low acid coffee. Give it a try! You might surprise your taste buds and improve your gastric health.
Awesome for a well researched inputs with every insight for a coffee drinker
I drink the Healthwise Gourmet coffee and I love it!
Hey Shelly,
Thanks for the suggestion!
Thank you for your informative answer to a “burning” question that’s been on my mind (and stomach) for a long time!
A very informative article about coffee acidity that helps coffee drinkers decides which one is good for them. Now the search starts to find out which low acidity coffee is good as acidity upset my stomach. Search to base on: 1) source of coffee beans; 2) process of making the low acid coffee; 3) should not be using any chemicals to reduce acidity. Thank you so much to whoever compile this article.
I just purchased my first batch of Lifeboost coffee . My reflux is terrible and I love coffee. Will update as soon as I try my first cup. Sure hope it helps .
Thank you for the reviews. Do you know of any Nespresso Vertuo coffees that are low acid?
Great article, with awesome information. I finally determined that it’s my coffee that is upsetting my stomach, as I wake up fine, but not long after my stomach is fired up more than I am. It was made worse, as I got suckered into trying a Lavazza, which really tore my stomach up. Took me two days to figure it out. I know better than to get away from organic coffee, and now I have some brands I can look for. Thank you so much!!!! I need my coffee, I just don’t need the upset stomach a well.
Thank you for the very informative write up on low acid coffee. My wife suffers from bad acid reflux. This article will definitely give her some options to help with her love of coffee.
Low acid coffee is ideal for chemotherapy patients. Helps reduce Thrush since that organisms ideal environment is acidic.
Thanks!
Btw if you are suffering from acid tummy, there are many causes so see a gi specialist/ nutritionist.
If your stomach has been effected by an acidic diet, you will need to let it recover before having any form of acid.
Your stomach has a lining that makes a protective barrier from acid so it won’t burn the tissue.
Once damaged, you need time to let it heal before testing another coffee or acidic food like tomato sauce, etc. don’t have coffee on an empty stomach!!!!
After healing, and feeling better, try a lower acid, low-fat cream and less sugar. If you still get acid reflux, time to see a doctor. There could be other issues or food intolerance causing this. Also time to rethink coffee.
I love coffee like you all..but, sometimes it’s not worth feeling sick to be a slave to our tastebuds and caffeine habits.
Experiment with other morning beverages. See how you feel. Listen to your body.
Love LifeBoost coffee! I suffer from acid reflux but love my morning coffee. Tried the medium roast and I am hooked!!
Thank you so much! i’ve been off coffee for months due to gastric issues. i have been CRAVING a cup! Just one question about the cold brew. If it draws out the acids and oils, are they then in the drink?
Thanks for the very informative article. Question: what do you recommend for instant coffee though? A few people have recommended Kava acid neutral coffee for me, but do you have a review for that or where it ranks?