Low-acid coffee is a game-changer for individuals who love the taste and aroma of coffee but struggle with the acidity that often comes with it. Traditional coffee can cause discomfort for those with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal issues, leading many to search for an alternative that offers the same great flavor without the drawbacks.
Enter low-acid coffee: a specially crafted brew designed to alleviate these concerns while still providing the rich, satisfying taste that coffee lovers crave.
By choosing beans from specific regions, employing unique roasting methods, or blending with other ingredients, low-acid coffee brands create a smooth and delicious cup of coffee that is gentler on the stomach and more enjoyable for everyone.
What is Low Acid Coffee?
Low-acid coffee is a type of coffee that has a lower acidity level compared to regular coffee. It is achieved through a combination of factors, such as the coffee bean variety, processing methods, and brewing techniques.
The acidity level of coffee is measured on the pH scale, with low-acid coffee having a pH level closer to 7 (neutral) than regular coffee, which has a pH level of around 5.
Why Should You Drink Low-Acid Coffee?
There are several reasons why people choose low-acid coffee:
- Digestive Health: Low-acid coffee is ideal for those with sensitive stomachs, acid reflux, or GERD. It can help alleviate heartburn, indigestion, and other gastrointestinal issues associated with consuming acidic foods and drinks.
- Teeth Protection: Acidic beverages can erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities and sensitivity. Low-acid coffee can be a better choice for dental health.
- Balanced Flavor: Low-acid coffee often has a smoother, richer taste, with less bitterness and a well-rounded flavor profile. This makes it a preferred choice for many coffee enthusiasts.
Top 5 Low-Acid Coffee Brands
Here’s a look at our top five picks for low-acid coffee brands.
- Low Acid Blend (Volcanica Coffee Co)
- Lucy Jo’s Coffee, Organic Mellow Belly Low-Acid Blend
- Komodo Dragon Coffee (Volcanica Coffee Co)
- Puroast Organic House Blend
- HealthWise Low-Acid Colombian Supremo
1. Volcanica Coffee Co – Low Acid Blend
With a pH level of 5.2-5.3, this low-acid blend is easier on the stomach than most other coffees. The blend includes beans from Brazil, Sumatra, and other Arabica coffees grown at lower altitudes, resulting in a delightful taste with chocolate, nuts, and tangerine flavor notes.
The Low Acid Blend is medium roasted, allowing the true flavor characteristics to come through for a remarkable taste. Volcanica Coffee Co ensures that its beans are freshly roasted and immediately packed and sealed to guarantee freshness.
2. Lucy Jo’s Coffee – Organic Mellow Belly Low-Acid Blend
This certified organic, low-acid coffee blend features 100% organic Arabica beans from Indonesia and Brazil.
With a smooth, sweet, and earthy flavor profile and a hint of spice, this blend is gentle on the stomach.
Lucy Jo’s is a family-run facility that small-batch roasts their coffee by hand to ensure optimum flavor.
One bag of this blend contains 11 ounces of ground coffee, perfect for enjoying a comforting cup at home.
3. Volcanica Coffee Co – Komodo Dragon Coffee
Komodo Dragon Coffee offers a pure, exotic coffee experience. This medium roast coffee features sweet chocolate, floral, and woody notes, with a background smokiness that creates a distinctive cup.
The beans used for this blend are 100% pure, contributing to the earthy and smooth flavor profile. Volcanica Coffee Co emphasizes the importance of freshness and quality, roasting their beans in small batches and immediately packing and sealing the product to ensure the best taste possible.
4. Puroast – Organic House Blend
With 70% less acid than most coffees, Puroast Organic House Blend is an excellent choice for coffee lovers with heartburn, acid reflux, or other gastrointestinal issues. It contains 7 times the antioxidants of green tea and 5 times the antioxidants of leading coffee brands. The secret to Puroast’s smooth, aromatic coffee lies in its unique roasting method, which mimics the traditional process used by coffee growers. Puroast offers a range of single-serve, whole-bean, and ground coffee selections, providing a high-quality, low-acid option for every preference.
5. HealthWise – Low-Acid Colombian Supremo
HealthWise offers a unique low-acid Colombian Supremo coffee that’s perfect for those with sensitive stomachs. Utilizing a special roasting process called “TechnoRoasting,” this coffee has a low acid and high mineral content. HealthWise focuses on quality, offering 100% Colombian Supremo beans, decaffeinated options, and French roast varieties. Their dedication to crafting a superior product means you can enjoy the benefits of low-acid coffee without sacrificing taste or quality.
When searching for the perfect low-acid coffee brand, consider these top five options and explore their variety of offerings to find the blend that best suits your taste and health needs.
How to Brew Low-Acid Coffee at Home
Here are some brewing techniques that can help reduce the acidity of your coffee:
- Cold Brew Method
- Cold brewing coffee significantly reduces its acidity by extracting fewer acids from the coffee beans. To make a cold brew, simply steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours, and then strain the mixture to separate the grounds from the liquid. Dilute the concentrate with water or milk to achieve your desired strength.
- French Press Method
- The French press method, which involves steeping coffee grounds in hot water for 4-5 minutes before pressing the plunger, can produce a less acidic cup compared to other hot brewing methods. Using coarser grounds and a shorter brewing time can further reduce acidity.
- Chemex Pour-over Method
- The Chemex pour-over method utilizes a thick paper filter that can effectively remove some of the acids and oils from the coffee, resulting in a cleaner, less acidic taste. Ensure that you use medium-coarse grounds and a slow, steady pouring technique to optimize the extraction process.
Adjusting the Water-to-Coffee Ratio: Using a higher water-to-coffee ratio can also help reduce acidity. Experiment with different ratios to find the one that produces the desired taste and acidity level.
Selecting the Right Beans and Roast
When shopping for low-acid coffee, consider the following factors:
- Bean Origin
- Coffee beans from low-altitude regions, like Brazil, Indonesia, and some parts of Central America, tend to be less acidic than beans from high-altitude regions, like Ethiopia and Kenya.
- Processing Method
- Beans processed using the “wet” or “washed” method typically have lower acidity levels compared to the “dry” or “natural” method. Look for brands that specify their processing techniques on their packaging.
- Roast Level
- Dark roasts generally have lower acidity levels than light or medium roasts, as the roasting process breaks down the acids present in the beans.
Low Acid Coffee: Frequently Asked Questions
Can decaf coffee be low in acid?
Yes, decaf coffee can also be low in acid. The decaffeination process often reduces the acidity of the beans. Look for a decaf coffee that is specifically labeled as low acid to ensure you’re getting a product with reduced acidity levels.
How can I make my coffee less acidic?
You can make your coffee less acidic by experimenting with different brewing methods, using low-acid beans, adjusting the water-to-coffee ratio, or adding a pinch of baking soda to your coffee grounds before brewing to neutralize acidity.
Is low-acid coffee the same as alkaline coffee?
No, low-acid coffee is not the same as alkaline coffee. Low acid coffee has a lower acidity level compared to regular coffee, while alkaline coffee has a pH level higher than 7, making it alkaline. Alkaline coffee is made by adding alkaline minerals to the beans during the roasting process.
We hope this guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of low-acid coffee, its benefits, and how to choose the best beans and brewing techniques to create the perfect cup. Happy brewing! to dilute that nasty acidic taste with some eggshells, milk, or a pinch of salt (depending on your preference). Have fun drinking all those cups of delicious morning black gold!
