10 Best Low-Acid Coffee Brands For Sensitive Stomachs (2023)
Dear coffee drinkers, are you tired of the bitter bite and stomach discomfort that often accompany your morning cup of joe? Look no further!
In this article, we unveil the best low-acid coffee brands this year, specially curated to provide a smooth and enjoyable coffee experience without compromising on flavor.
Discover how to choose the perfect low-acid coffee, reduce acidity at home, and explore coffee drinks that are gentle on your digestive system.
Get ready for a journey to a more balanced and satisfying coffee experience!
Why is Coffee Acidic?
Coffee is acidic due to the presence of natural acids like chlorogenic and quinic acid.
The acidity of a substance is measured on the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14. A pH value of 7 (like in water) is considered neutral, while values below 7 are acidic and values above 7 are alkaline. Coffee typically falls between 4 and 5 on the pH scale, making it acidic.
Coffee contains levels of chlorogenic acid and quinic acid, which are the main culprits for making coffee acidic.
Chlorogenic acid is responsible for a lot of the bitter taste of coffee that many people mistake for acidity. Even though it’s considered a healthy acid by many because it may contribute to weight loss (1), it can upset your stomach if you are sensitive to acidic drinks.
There is good news though! The longer the roasting process, the more chlorogenic acid breaks down. Darker roasts will be easier on your stomach.
Quinic acid is the other principal acid responsible for coffee’s low pH. Quinic acid is produced as coffee degrades. You can avoid this by drinking your coffee shortly after you brew it and not leaving it on a hot plate.
Drink coffee fresh and never heat coffee up in the microwave once it becomes room temperature. You’re asking for an upset stomach if you do this.
What is Low Acid Coffee?
If you want to drink coffee that is gentler on your stomach and less likely to cause digestive discomfort, make sure you purchase low-acid coffee.
Low-acid coffee refers to coffee that has reduced levels of acidic compounds to help avoid the problems mentioned above. There are two main types of low-acid coffee: treated low-acid coffees and inadvertent low-acid coffees.
- Treated low-acid coffees are processed using special techniques to reduce acidity. One common method involves steaming or treating the coffee beans with a compound called calcium carbonate, which neutralizes some of the acids. Another method is using a natural fermentation process to break down the acids before roasting.
- Inadvertent low-acid coffees, on the other hand, are naturally low in acidity due to factors such as the choice of coffee bean variety, cultivation region, and specific roast levels. Certain coffee beans, like those from Brazil or Sumatra, tend to have lower acidity inherently. Lighter roasts also tend to retain more acidity, while darker roasts can have a milder acidity profile.
What are the Best Low Acid Coffee Brands?
Check out our overviews below and click on "Read More" to jump down to the in-depth reviews:
no. 1
Volcanica Low-Acid Coffee
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Nuts, Tangerine
- A blend of beans from Brazil, Sumatra, and other low-altitude coffees
- pH of 5.3
- Read More ⇒
no. 2
Lifeboost Coffee Whole Bean Medium Roast - Low Acid
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Smooth Caramel & Sweet Chocolate
- USDA Certified Organic
- 3rd Party Tested for Mycotoxins & Pesticides
- Read More ⇒
no. 3
Java Planet Low Acid Coffee, Organic Colombian
- Roast Level: Medium Dark
- Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Caramel, Full Body
- USDA Organic and Rainforest Alliance Certified
- Single Origin Colombian Beans
- Read More ⇒
no. 4
VitaCup Perfect Low Acid Coffee
- Roast Level: Dark
- Tasting Notes: Pure, Clean, Smooth
- USDA Organic, Fair Trade, Non-GMO
- 100% Organic Arabica Guatemalan Beans
- Read More ⇒
no. 5
Puroast Low Acid Coffee Ground House Blend
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Earthy, Strong, Bitter
- Natural, ground coffee
- pH of 5.5+
- Read More ⇒
no. 6
Mommee Coffee Quarter Caff Low Acid Whole Organic Coffee
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Butterscotch, Toffee, Sweet Caramel
- Organic, ground coffee
- ¼ amount of caffeine
- Read More ⇒
no. 7
Candy Tiger Organic Light Roast
- Roast Level: Light
- Tasting Notes: Smooth, Nutty, Sweet
- USDA Organic
- 100% Arabica Nicaraguan Beans
- Read More ⇒
no. 8
Bulletproof Medium Roast
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Cinnamon, Plum, Orange, Cacao Hazelnut
- Rainforest Alliance Certified
- Blend from Guatemala, Colombia, and El Salvador
- Read More ⇒
no. 9
Tieman's Fusion Coffee, Low Acid Medium Roast
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Smooth & Full Bodied
- Naturally fused with matcha green tea, rooibos red tea, and goji berry powder
- pH of 5.84
- Read More ⇒
no. 10
Lucy Jo's Coffee Roastery, Organic Mellow Belly Low Acid Blend
- Roast Level: Medium Dark
- Tasting Notes: Smooth, Sweet, Earthy, Hint of Spice
- Indonesia and Brazilian Blend
- USDA Organic, 100% Arabica
- Read More ⇒
Now stick around so you can learn more about each product we mentioned and what you should look for when you're shopping for one!
1. Volcanica Low Acid Coffee
With a medium roast level, Volcania’s Low Acid Coffee strikes a balance between flavor complexity and reduced acidity. There’s a reason we mention this roaster time and time again in our articles… we love their coffee!
This coffee is a blend made from 100% Arabica washed-process beans from Brazil and Sumatra. The beans are grown at lower altitudes, resulting in a simple low-acid coffee.
Certified as Rainforest Alliance and Kosher, this low-acid coffee ensures that sustainability and ethical practices are at the forefront of Volcanica’s purchasing decisions.
With tasting notes of nuts, chocolate, and a hint of citrus, this coffee offers a well-rounded and versatile profile. It can be enjoyed through various brewing methods, including espresso, drip brewing, or even as a cold brew.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Blend of Brazil & Sumatra, Low Altitude
- Bean Type: Arabica, Washed Process
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Nuts, Tangerine
2. Lifeboost Coffee Whole Bean Medium Roast Coffee
This medium roast coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans grown in Nicaragua. It is a single-origin coffee made from shade-grown beans that are handpicked, sun-dried, and carefully roasted to perfection.
Lifeboost Coffee is renowned for its low acidity, making it a great option for those with a sensitive stomach. The proprietary roasting process employed by the brand helps reduce the naturally occurring acids in the coffee while preserving the rich chocolate and caramel flavors that Nicaragua is known for.
Lifeboost Coffee comes USDA Organic certified, Non-GMO certified, and third-party tested for mycotoxins and pesticides. You can rest assured that only the most natural coffee beans are included in this bag.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Nicaragua, High Altitude
- Bean Type: Arabica, Single Origin
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Smooth Caramel & Sweet Chocolate
3. Java Planet Organic, Colombian Single Origin Medium Dark Roast
Java Planet's low-acid Colombian coffee offers a delightful and gentle coffee experience with a focus on quality and sustainability. This coffee is sourced from a single-origin farm in Colombia and carefully roasted by Java Planet's skilled artisans.
Featuring 100% Arabica beans, this low-acid, organic coffee delivers a smooth and well-balanced flavor profile. The beans are grown and harvested in the Colombian mountains, renowned for producing high-quality coffee. The roast level is medium dark, striking a perfect balance between preserving the beans' natural flavors and reducing acidity.
With tasting notes of chocolate and caramel, this coffee can be enjoyed through various brewing methods, including espresso, pour-overs, immersion-style methods, and even cold brew.
What makes Java Planet's coffee low in acid is its meticulous roasting process. By carefully monitoring the roast and using techniques to reduce acidity, they achieve a smoother cup without compromising the coffee's rich flavors.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Colombia, High Altitude
- Bean Type: Arabica, Single Origin
- Roast Level: Medium Dark
- Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Caramel, Full Body
4. VitaCup Perfect Low-Acid Coffee
VitaCup's Perfect Low Acid Coffee offers a unique blend that combines exceptional taste with health-conscious attributes. This coffee is sourced from Guatemala, known for its rich coffee-growing heritage, and roasted by VitaCup's expert team. If you are looking for a clean and pure pre-ground coffee perfect for drip coffee brewers and French Press, look no further!
This bag from VitaCup features Arabica beans from the mountains of Guatemala. This dark roast eliminates lots of the chlorogenic acid that can potentially upset sensitive stomachs. Due to this roast level, VitaCup’s coffee works great as a bold drip coffee or even espresso.
What sets VitaCup apart is the fact that it's USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified, as well as pesticide, chemical, and mycotoxin free.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Guatemala, High Altitude
- Bean Type: Arabica, Single Origin
- Roast Level: Dark
- Tasting Notes: Pure, Clean, Smooth
5. Puroast Low Acid Coffee Ground House Blend, Medium Roast
Puroast Coffee's House Blend is a premium low-acid coffee that offers a punch. If you like your coffee strong with a bit of that classic coffee bitterness, this pre-ground coffee may be right for you.
The House Blend is a carefully balanced combination of beans sourced from various origins. While the specific origin information is not mentioned, Puroast Coffee takes pride in selecting high-quality beans for its blends. The roast level is medium, allowing the beans' natural flavors to shine while minimizing acidity.
What sets Puroast Coffee's House Blend apart is its unique roasting process. Puroast utilizes a proprietary roasting technique that reduces acid levels by up to 70% compared to traditional roasting methods. This process results in a coffee that is gentler on the stomach and provides a smoother, less acidic experience without compromising on taste.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Unknown
- Bean Type: Blend
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Earthy, Strong, Bitter
6. Mommee Coffee Quarter Caff Low Acid Whole Organic Coffee Beans
The Mommee Quarter Caff Low Acid Coffee is a blend of high-quality organic, Arabica beans, specifically chosen for their flavor and lower acidity. While the specific origin information is not provided, Mommee Coffee prioritizes organic and sustainably sourced beans for their blends.
This medium roast comes with tasting notes of butterscotch, toffee, and sweet caramel, perfect for a variety of brewing methods from cold brew to drip to espresso.
The advantage of this low-acid coffee is that the company was founded specifically with the goal in mind to give women coffee drinking options during the early stages of motherhood. It’s extremely important to the founder that women and other people can enjoy this coffee without the risk of stomach or digestive issues.
Mommee Coffee claims that its beans are 60% lower in chlorogenic acid than normal coffees. Pair this with just a ¼ of the caffeine content that you usually find in coffee, and you get beans that are perfect for the most sensitive of stomachs.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Blend, Unknown
- Bean Type: 100% Arabica
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Butterscotch, Toffee, Sweet Caramel
7. Candy Tiger Organic Light Roast
While light roasts are higher in acidity than medium or dark roasts, this particular light roast provides a decent low-acid option if you are absolutely craving a complex, light roast.
Roasted in Portland by coffee lovers, this specialty coffee roaster makes sure to use the best organic beans available. For this bag, those beans come from the shade-grown mountains of Nicaragua and offer a sweet combination of chocolate and almond notes.
If drinking a light roast coffee is important to you, this USDA Certified Organic coffee comes with whole beans in two different sizes: 2 pounds or 12 ounces.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Nicaragua, Unknown
- Bean Type: 100% Arabica
- Roast Level: Light
- Tasting Notes: Smooth, Nutty, Sweet
8. Bulletproof Medium Roast
Perhaps one of the most positively reviewed coffee brands on Amazon, Bulletproof offers this medium roast with a flavor profile that’s sure to please even the pickiest of coffee nerds (like myself). With notes of cinnamon, plum, orange, and hazelnut, it comes a sweet nutty profile with a fruity and citrus twist.
Bulletproof crafts this bag of whole beans or pre-ground coffee using 100% Arabica beans from Guatemala, Colombia, and El Salvador. This will taste best as a pour-over, highlighting the more delicate fruit notes, but regular drip coffee or a French Press will also work just fine.
Enjoy this keto-friendly, Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee that’s been third-party tested for toxins. Choose from one 12-oz bag, three 12-oz bags, or a large 5-lb bag.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Guatemala, Colombia, El Salvador
- Bean Type: Blend, 100% Arabica
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Cinnamon, Plum, Orange, Cacao Hazelnut
9. Tieman's Fusion Coffee, Low Acid Medium Roast
Tieman’s Fusion Coffee takes a different approach with its low-acid coffee. This pre-ground, medium roast comes with 100% Arabica beans fused with matcha green tea, rooibos red tea, and goji berry powder.
This mixture provides a natural balance to the digestive system and helps distribute the caffeine in a slower, more controlled manner, hopefully avoiding the (in)famous caffeine crash. The matcha and rooibos add a lot of antioxidants to your drink, while the goji berries help with energy and endurance.
While a combination of teas, coffee, and a superfood berry might sound weird, reviews claim that this “coffee” tastes like normal coffee and doesn’t cause any stomach issues.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Blend of Central and South America, Unknown
- Bean Type: 100% Arabica Fused with Matcha, Rooibos, and Goji
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Smooth & Full Bodied
10. Lucy Jo's Coffee Roastery, Organic Mellow Belly Low Acid Blend
Lucy Joe’s Mellow Belly Low Acid Blend comes with pre-ground coffee from Indonesia and Brazil. These two countries are famous for their low-acid coffee beans which are generally very easy on the stomach.
Lucy Jo’s uses only 100% Arabica, USDA Certified Organic coffee beans. They roast in small batches to deliver the freshest roasted coffee possible with the best flavor. Expect a sweet and earthy coffee when you brew these beans. I recommend trying an AeroPress or French Press to bring out the body of this medium-dark roast.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Indonesia and Brazil, Unknown
- Bean Type: Blend, 100% Arabica
- Roast Level: Medium Dark
- Tasting Notes: Smooth, Sweet, Earthy, Hint of Spice
How to Choose the Best Low-Acid Coffee
In your search for the best low-acid coffee, you should make sure to consider the following factors before whipping out your credit card.
The Roast Levels
Opting for medium to dark roast levels can help reduce acidity in coffee. Lighter roasts tend to retain more acidity, while longer roasting times of medium and dark roasts break down several acidic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, resulting in a coffee that’s easier on your stomach.
Related Read: 13 Different Types of Coffee Roasts Explained in Detail
The Types of Beans
Robusta beans are generally considered less acidic compared to Arabica beans.
However, Robusta beans have much more caffeine, which usually upsets sensitive stomachs just as much as acidity, if not more. Chances are if you’re searching for low-acid coffee, you also may want to stray away from extra caffeine too. For this reason, I recommend choosing Arabica beans from countries with a low acidity profile.
Related Read: The 4 Types of Coffee Beans
The Cultivation Region and Elevation
The region and elevation at which the coffee beans are grown can impact acidity levels. Coffees grown at higher elevations, such as in mountainous regions, often exhibit lower acidity due to the cooler climate and slower bean development. While acidity as a taste tends to increase with higher elevations, coffees that are grown at high altitudes are actually comprised of fewer fatty acids.
Brazil and Indonesia are two countries known for producing low-acid coffees. Stick to Central and South American beans, and stay away from the high acidity and floral profile of African beans.
Freshness
Like with other foods, coffee can go stale fast, especially when ground and exposed to oxygen. Look for whole bean coffee with a recent roast date and ensure proper storage to preserve freshness. Avoid pre-ground coffee and buy bags with whole beans, if possible.
Related Read: 7 Best Espresso Beans: 2023 Picks Reviewed and Ranked
Tips to Make My Coffee Less Acidic
Follow the tips below to make your coffee less acidic and more pleasurable to drink.
Choose the Right Beans
Opt for coffee beans that are naturally low in acidity, such as beans from Brazil, Sumatra, or Guatemala. These regions are known for producing coffee with milder acidity levels. Arabica tends to be better than Robusta for those with stomach issues since they have about half the amount of caffeine.
Add Additives
Adding milk or cream to your coffee can help reduce its acidity. The proteins in dairy products can bind to some of the acids, reducing their impact on your taste buds.
Adding a pinch of salt can also help neutralize some of the acidic compounds present in coffee, in addition to counteracting perceived acidity and smoothing out the flavor profile.
Choose Cold Brew
Another option is to try making cold brew. This method involves steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a less acidic and smoother flavor profile. The slow extraction process extracts fewer acids, producing a more gentle brew for your stomach.
Make Sure Your Coffee is Not Under-Extracted
Under-extracted coffee is acidic and sour. One of the simplest ways to make your coffee taste less acidic is by extending the extraction time. If using a French Press, simply add more time. If you use a pour-over like a V60 or a Chemex, try using a finer grind size to slow down the rate at which the water passes through the coffee bed.
Related Read: How to Make Espresso: The Ultimate Guide
The Benefits of Drinking Low-Acid Coffee
- Reduced stomach discomfort: Low-acid coffee is often gentler on the stomach, making it a better option for individuals who are prone to acid reflux, heartburn, or stomach sensitivities.
- Improved digestion: Some people find that switching to low-acid coffee helps improve their digestion. By reducing the acidity level, it may lessen the likelihood of digestive issues, such as bloating, indigestion, or acid reflux.
- Reduced tooth enamel erosion: Acidic beverages can contribute to tooth enamel erosion over time. Low-acid coffee can help minimize the potential damage to tooth enamel, leading to some healthier pearly whites!
- Balanced flavor profile: Low-acid coffee tends to have a smoother and milder taste compared to high-acid coffees. It can offer a more balanced flavor profile without the sharp or bitter acidity, allowing you to enjoy the sweetness and mouthfeel of your coffee.
Are There Any Downsides of Drinking Low-Acid Coffee?
- Taste: Low-acid coffee may have a slightly different flavor profile compared to regular coffee. Some people may find that the reduction in acidity also leads to a loss of certain flavor nuances or brightness in the cup.
- Limited Options: Low-acid coffee may have a more limited variety available compared to regular coffee. Certain specialty or single-origin coffees, which are known for their unique flavor profiles, may have higher acidity naturally and may not be available in low-acid versions.
- Processing Methods: Some low-acid coffees undergo special processing techniques or treatments to reduce acidity. While these methods are generally safe, some individuals may prefer to consume coffee that is minimally processed.
- Health Benefits: While low-acid coffee may be gentler on the stomach, it does not necessarily provide additional health benefits compared to regular coffee. The overall health impact of low-acid coffee versus regular coffee consumption may vary depending on individual health conditions and lifestyle factors.
Is There A Relationship Between Caffeine and Coffee Acidity?
Yes, there is definitely a relationship between caffeine and coffee acidity, although they are not directly linked. Caffeine itself is not responsible for the acidity in coffee. Instead, the acidity of coffee comes from organic acids, such as chlorogenic acid and quinic acid, that naturally occur in the beans.
However, it's worth noting that the perceived strength of coffee can impact how acidity is perceived. Caffeine contributes to the bitter taste of coffee, and higher caffeine levels can intensify the overall flavor profile, including the perception of acidity. This means that coffee with higher caffeine content may be perceived as more acidic, even if the actual acid content remains the same.
In addition to this, caffeine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter in the same way that acids do, triggering acid reflux (stomach acid backflows into the esophagus). While caffeine and coffee acidity are not the same, they tend to cause the same unpleasant sensation for those with stomach or digestive issues.
Related Reads:
- The Best Low Acid K Cups + 5 Other Favorites
- Is Tea Acidic? This Is The Most Comprehensive Guide
- The Strongest Coffee at Starbucks + 13 Most Caffeinated Drinks
Frequently Asked Questions
What coffee drinks are low in acid?
Coffee drinks that are typically low in acid include cold brew coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and certain milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos as the milk helps neutralize the acidity.
How do you choose a low acid at a coffee shop?
To choose a low-acid coffee at a coffee shop, opt for drinks made with low-acid beans like Arabica, choose beans from countries known for low acidity (like Brazil and Indonesia), and select darker roasts. When in doubt, ask the barista for recommendations on low-acid choices. If caffeine negatively affects your stomach, try choosing a decaf coffee option.
Is Arabica coffee less acidic than Robusta coffee?
No, Arabica coffee is generally more acidic than Robusta coffee. Arabica beans have a smoother and more balanced flavor profile with higher levels of acidity compared to Robusta beans, which are known for their stronger and more bitter taste. That being said, Robusta beans have about twice the amount of caffeine, which can cause digestive issues.
Which one is less acidic, drip coffee or espresso (given the same bean)?
Generally, espresso is less acidic than drip coffee when using the same type of bean. The shorter brewing time and higher pressure extraction process of espresso result in a beverage with less acidity compared to the longer brewing time of drip coffee.
Which coffee roast is the least acidic?
Darker roasts tend to be the least acidic as the prolonged roasting process breaks down more of the acids, specifically chlorogenic acid. If you prefer a low-acid coffee, opt for a medium or dark roast for a milder acidity profile.
Bottom Line
If you struggle with the discomfort of acidic coffee, your search for the best low-acid coffee is finally over.
In this article, we explored 10 top picks that offer a smoother and more enjoyable coffee experience for those craving quality low-acid alternatives.
If you're tired of the burning sensation and digestive issues caused by acidic coffee, grab your brewing method of choice and give these best low-acid coffee bags a try. Your taste buds and stomach will thank you later.
Happy brewing!
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace professional medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Do not consume any type of coffee, tea or herbal infusion if you are allergic to it. The information in this article is not intended to treat serious medical conditions. Please seek professional medical advice before using home remedies.