Here are the Best Low Acid Coffee Brands (Bold In Flavor And Easy On The Stomach)
The acids in coffee are what give it the bright, tart flavors that many find appealing. But not all coffee drinkers were created equal and for those with sensitivities, they can also lead to heartburn, acid reflux or tooth decay.
Sensitive stomach? Rather than switching your morning cup to decaf (oh god) you can try beans engineered for low levels of acidity, that still taste great. In this guide we show you how to choose the best low acid beans, and give you a range of options.
How to choose great low-acid coffee
Acidity is measured on the pH scale, which ranges from 0 (extremely acidic) to 14 (extremely basic) with pure water falling square in the middle at 7.
For reference, most coffees typically have a PH balance of around 5, which is actually less acidic than juices like orange (3-4) or cranberry at 2-3 (1). Surprisingly, dark roasts often have less acid than lighter.
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Lifeboost Low Acid (organic) |
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Low Acid Blend (volcanica coffee co) |
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Komodo Dragon Coffee (Volcanica coffee co) |
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Hawaiian Kona (Volcanica Coffee Co) |
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Puroast Organic House Blend |
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Java Planet Organic Medium Dark Roast |
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Mommee Coffee Half-Caff |
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Tieman’s Fusion Coffee |
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You’ll hear 2 major terms thrown around when looking for coffee with low levels of coffee: Treated low-acid coffees and inadvertent low-acid coffees (2). What do these means?
Treated low acid coffee beans are put through processing techniques designed to reduce acidity. E.g. a natually high-in-acidity coffee may be roasted using a very slow or interrupted roasting process will have a positive effect.
Inadvertent low acid coffee refers to coffees that are naturally low in acid. Coffee plants grow at low altitudes tend to be low in acid (as a general rule). If you like the sound of this, look for bean from regions such as:
..as these regions tend to produce inadvertent low acid beans. Hooray!
Can you reduce the acidity levels of normal coffee?
Maybe you have a favorite coffee already that you don’t want to stop drinking?
The short answer is: yes, there are a few things you can do to reduce the acidity in your favorite coffee without compromising the taste (too much). Take a look at our article on coffee acidity here where learn a few simple hacks. But here are the ones you should try: first:
Avoid light roast coffee’s altogether – The more of coffee is roasted, the more acids (flavors) are killed. It’s a fine line – you don’t want to remove all the acids, just the stomach upsetting ones, when roasting. But if you struggle with acidity; a medium to dark roast is a better choice for you. You could try dark roast coffee as a general rule, but keep reading as we have some great recommendations.
…Or, cold brew your light roast coffee – Light roasted beans are typically higher in acidity, but cold brewing can reduce those levels down to manageable levels. So if you find a light roast that you really love, just cold brew it and you should be OK.
Additives help – In the article we mentioned earlier, there are a few suggested additives that will reduce acidity problems. When brewing and drinking coffee, adding milk, salt, or eggshells (yes, eggshells) can combat high acidity. Find out more how and why here.
But since you’ve read this far, I’m guessing you’re looking for a cup of Joe that’s known to have less acid naturally. Here are our top picks, in no particular order.
Top 8 Low Acid Coffee Brands
1. Lifeboost Coffee Organic Medium Roast
Pros
- 100% Certified Organic, and pesticide free
- Very Low Acidity Levels
- Fair Trade, Ethically Produced Coffee
- Amazing tasting organic coffee
Cons
- Ugly packaging
- Often out of Stock
When you buy this low-acid organic coffee from Lifeboost you’re buying some of the healthiest and most sustainable coffee money can buy.
Sitting 5700 feet above sea level in the lush green rain-forest of the Nicaraguan Highlands sits a tiny 6 acre farm. The soil is pristine (almost untouched) the rivers are full of natural minerals, and here, under the canopy of humongous guava trees grows a gorgeous, high-quality gourmet coffee.
The coffee plants are harvested by the smiling local farmers; washed with local chemical free spring water, then dried naturally in the clean fresh sunlight.
And since you’re looking for Low acid (but high flavor) coffee; you’re in for a treat. Sitting at a PH level of just 6.0 (water being 7.0) means these beans will not give you any of the uncomfortable side effects that usually come with regular coffee.
These beans are available in a range or roasts and flavors, but are limited in supply so see if you can grab some by checking out their store here. A great option low acid coffee in 2023. Here’s what Scott said when he tried them:
2. Volcanica Low Acid Coffee Blend
BEST SUITED FOR: The adventurous coffee drinker who wants a change from strictly single origin bean brewing, but who requires that low acidity, gentle-on-the-stomach experience.
Pros
- High-quality Arabica coffee sourced from regions including Brazil and Sumatra
- A low acid blend. This one is gentle on the stomach but impressively maintains a full flavor at the same time.
- Guaranteed freshness. Volcanica only roasts coffees after you place your order
- Affordable option
Cons
- To some, a blend is not as desirable as pure, single origin beans
- Taste can be less predictable with a blend
This delightful Low Acid Coffee Blend comes from Volcanica Coffee – a leading online coffee bean company that supplies some of the finest gourmet coffees on the market. Volcanica’s large variety of whole bean options are sourced from the best growing regions around the world, and especially those defined by rich, volcanic growing soil – a condition renowned for yielding incredibly high-quality beans.
The blend itself is made from beans that are naturally low in acidity, which brings the added benefit of not needing to be dark roasted to achieve that low acid label. The beans are sourced from Arabica varietals in lower altitude growing regions like Brazil and Sumatra. These factors allow this exquisite blend to deliver a unique flavor profile that is both scrumptiously low-key and naturally gentle on your stomach.
3. Volcanica Komodo Dragon Coffee
BEST SUITED FOR: Anyone looking for a mellow coffee from an elite coffee-growing region… and who doesn’t want to break the bank in the process.
Pros
- A low acid coffee that delivers floral, chocolate, woody, brown sugar notes
- Guaranteed freshness. Volcanica only roasts coffees after you place your order
- Pure Komodo beans. Not part of a “Komodo blend”
- Very well priced
Cons
- Earthier coffee means it may not be desirable for those looking for a brighter flavor
Of course, Volcanica coffee doesn’t stop at with their blend. This high-quality company has some other excellent low acid options to choose from. Case in point: Komodo Dragon Coffee.
Komodo dragons – the largest lizards in the world – live freely on the Indonesian island of Komodo and Flores. But they aren’t the only amazing thing coming from the island paradise. Volcanica’s Komodo Dragon coffee beans grow from the abundance of fertile, volcanic soil present there. They are medium roasted, wet-hull processed, and notably lower in acidity – an attribute that is accentuated by the processing method.
The flavor profile includes floral, chocolate, and woody notes, and to top it all off, our friends at Volcanica have managed to keep them available at a very reasonable price.
4. Volcanica Hawaiian Kona
BEST SUITED FOR: The avid coffee enthusiast looking for low acidity coffee beans grown in one of the most elite regions in the world.
Pros
- A low acid coffee with a complex and rich taste
- Extra Fancy. This is the highest grade of Hawaiian coffee in existence.
- Guaranteed freshness
- Volcanica only roasts their beans after you place your order.
- Pure Kona beans. Not part of a “Kona blend”.
Cons
- Can be very expensive
If you’re a fan of supporting a “grown in the U.S.” coffee experience, or if you just want to experience some of the best coffee in the world, another excellent Volcanica option is Hawaiian Kona. Defying the company’s typical desire for high altitude beans, it falls in line with the volcanic soil part of the deal, as it’s grown in the rich earth of the Hawaiian islands – a region that has become famous for its exceptional coffees grown at low altitudes.
These particular beans are grown on the slopes of Kona, a district on the Big Island of Hawaii. The climate on these slopes is absolutely ideal for coffee plants, with a mild climate year-round and protection from the hot sun – these beans are actually Shade Grown – ensuring that the coffee trees are in the ultimate environment for growing low acid coffee.
These beans are classified as “Extra Fancy”, which is the highest category out of the 8 different levels of quality for Kona beans. It is also guaranteed to be “pure Hawaiian Kona Coffee,” meaning it hasn’t been “watered down” by other inferior beans in a blend. The beans are dry-processed and medium roasted, delivering very gentle hints of acidity and silkiness. Flavor notes include floral, fruity, and citrusy elements, along with an undercurrent of caramel and nuts.
5. Puroast Organic House Blend
Pros
- 70% lower in acid than traditional coffees
- 5 times higher in antioxidants than regular coffee
- One of the few certified Kosher options
- Backed by scientific research
- The least expensive option on the list
Cons
- Some report a bitter or bland flavor
- Large volume pre-ground bags are prone to going stale
Puroast Coffee’s founders set out to create a brew that met certain taste qualities – savory, rich and smooth – and stumbled upon the remarkably low acidity of the resultant brew as a side benefit. They source their beans from Venezuela and favor a dark French Roast.
Puroast low-acid coffee uses wood-fired roasting, the way coffee growers themselves enjoy the fruits of their labor. Yes, they actually low roast beans over a wood fire – talk about artisanal. The result is a coffee that claims to deliver dark, bold flavors while being 70% lower in acid than competitors, as well as 5 times higher in antioxidants, almost as many as green tea!
In a unique and highly-regarded move, they even recruited a research scientist to lend credence to their claims. If you suffer from ulcers, heartburn or acid reflux, this is a product you can trust.
6. Java Planet Organic Medium Dark Roast
Pros
- Offered in a variety of roasts from medium to very dark
- The date of roasting is labeled on every bag to ensure freshness
- Exclusive use of pesticide-free Arabica coffee beans
- Certified bird friendly
Cons
- Flavors can be bland or muted in a lighter roast without acid
- Not available pre-ground for those without access to a grinder
Java Planet Organic Coffee is a great option for those looking for a low acid product with a lighter roast. While most low acid offerings favor a dark roast to further remove tartness, many consumers find dark roasts too bitter. Java Planet offers a medium (along with dark, French, and espresso) roast in order to appeal to all palates, without
The other major selling point of Java Planet beans is their commitment to including the date of roasting on every bag of beans. This ensures that you know precisely how fresh the product is.
They source their exclusively Arabica beans from Guatemala where they are shade grown without the use of pesticides. The flavors of the medium roast coffee are described as floral and chocolate, with notes of caramel and allspice wrapped up in a dark chocolate and pecan finish.
Java Planet also carries the certified USDA Organic label, which we cover in detail in our article on organic coffee beans.
7. Mommee Coffee Half Caff Organic Coffee
Pros
- Beans are available in a range of caffeine levels
- A water processing method avoids the use of any harsh chemicals
- Particularly low in acid reflux-causing acid
Cons
- One of the more expensive options on the list
- Dark roasts with low acid content can be burnt-tasting
Mommee Coffee is marketed towards women in all stages of child-bearing. From trying to conceive through pregnancy and breastfeeding, women are often advised to limit caffeine and take dietary precautions as stomachs can be more sensitive. It was devised by a pregnant woman to fill a void she found in the coffee market. Which is not to say that men and women in any life-phase can’t enjoy it!
Mommee Coffee is processed using a water method that promises to avoid the use of harsh chemicals during decaffeination. Additionally, it is certified USDA organic, fair trade and low in acid making it an ideal guilt-free choice. The company offers a range of caffeine choices — decaf, quarter-caf, half-caf, and full caf — but the half-caf is popular for striking the right balance between energy and sensitivity.
The beans have been tested and found to have acid levels five times lower than commonly available coffees. They are particularly low in chlorogenic acid, which is considered the major contributor to acid reflux.
8. Tieman’s Fusion Coffee
Pros
- More anti-oxidants than pure coffee.
- The teas and Goji berry additives provide health benefits beyond simply low acidity.
- Available either pre-ground or as a whole bean.
- A rich, full-bodied taste and creamy mouthfeel.
Cons
- More expensive than pure coffee beans thanks to pricey additives.
- Big coffee fans will likely not enjoy the way the addition of tea influences the flavor.
Tieman’s Fusion Coffee offers another blended option, in this case through the incorporation of Matcha Green Tea, Rooibos Red Tea, and Goji berry powders. As a starting point, they source 100% Arabica beans from Guatemala and Ecuador, with Colombian beans for great balance. Then they optimally blend and roast them for a low acid brew.
The addition of Matcha green tea is said to boost energy for 5 -7 hours, the Rooibos Red Tea settles the stomach, and Goji berry powders offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Tieman’s Fusion Coffee offers five times the body’s daily requirements for anti-oxidant protection.
They pride themselves on still offering a delicious brew that is “coffee first”. This is a drink that was designed with coffee lovers in mind and the additives are there to enhance, rather than mask, the delicious natural coffee flavors.
Final Thoughts – Which Low Acid Coffee Should You Try?
All of the options reviewed in this article are great for certain subsets of the population and are some of the best coffee beans you can find. But if you’re looking for an all-around pleaser with low acid and great flavor, opt for Volcanica Coffee’s Low Acid Blend. Their ability to offer a variety of roasts shows their faith in the quality and flavor of their beans. And their commitment to roasting beans only before they are shipped guarantees the freshness of the coffee arriving at your doorstep!
Now that you’ve selected the right beans, learn how to brew with them with your brewer of choice. If you enjoyed this round-up, please share it with your friends.
FAQs
Yes, decaf coffee has less acid than caffeinated coffee, all other things being equal. If you have a sensitive stomach, decaf can be an excellent choice. However, decaffeinated coffee also has fewer antioxidants and health benefits than regular coffee.
No, Arabica coffee is not less acidic than Robusta. Robusta lacks several of the acids found in Arabica coffee, like citric and phosphoric acid. This is why many people without acid reflux problems prefer Arabica coffee; the acidity gives it brighter and more complex flavours.
Yes, espresso is less acidic than drip coffee for several reasons. First, if you order an espresso at a cafe, it is likely to be a darker roast and it may even contain a portion of Robusta beans, both of which are low-acid options. Second, the faster brew time of an espresso extracts fewer acids into the cup.
References
- How to Find Coffee That Won’t Bother Your Stomach – Scientific American Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-find-coffee-that-won-t-bother-your-stomach/
- 4 Burning Truths About Making Low Acid Coffee – Grumpy Goat Coffee Co Retrieved from https://grumpygoat.com/4-burning-truths-about-low-acid-coffee/
