The Best Low Acid K Cups + 5 Other Favorites
This article is a comprehensive guide to help you buy your next box of Keurig pods. It will share the best low acid K cups on the market today, so you can finally start enjoying your cup of morning coffee!
Are you tired of dealing with the discomfort of acidic coffee and the acid reflux that comes with it? I completely understand how you feel!
I, myself, have been struggling with acid reflux and was once on the hunt for low acid K cups.
Luckily a found many options, but I will share with you my favorites.
Keep in mind, the brands don’t have to claim that their coffee is low in acid for it to be so. I did my research and figured out what results in low acid coffee and chose the products accordingly!
So grab one last cup of that acidic coffee you have (or don’t), because you are about to discover a new and better way of drinking your cuppa joe!
My top two choices are:
*** Keep reading because there are more great options to choose from!
Why Does Coffee Cause Acid Reflux?
If you've ever experienced that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest after enjoying a cup of coffee, you're not alone. Coffee, unfortunately, has the potential to trigger acid reflux for many of us.
When you sip on your beloved brew, it stimulates the production of stomach acid. This increase in acid can lead to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve that separates your stomach from your esophagus.
As a result, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus, causing that unpleasant burning sensation.
Caffeine also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and coffee naturally has acids present in it.
But fear not! There are ways to minimize the impact of K-cup coffee on your reflux, such as opting for low acid coffee options.
How to Choose Low Acid K Cups
Before we share the remaining low acid K cups on our list, we want to discuss the best way to choose them. So, a few key factors should guide your decision.
Where the beans are picked, what kind of coffee is used, how dark it’s roasted, and how fresh the beans or grounds are, all make a huge difference in how your stomach will react.
By considering the following aspects, you can confidently choose K-Cups that offer a smoother and more enjoyable coffee experience.
Roast Levels
The darker the coffee is roasted, the fewer the acids that will be present to upset your stomach, such as chlorogenic acid breakdown (1). This acid in particular stimulates the production of stomach acid, helping cause acid reflux.
So, stick to medium and dark roasts if you have any stomach issues.
Types of Beans
Whenever possible, pick K-cups made from high-quality Arabica beans. They contain about half the amount of caffeine as Robusta beans.
If you remember from the earlier section, caffeine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows the stomach acid to flow back up to your esophagus. So, your best bet is to stick to 100% Arabica coffee beans or decaffeinated K-cup pods.
The Cultivation Region and Elevation
Coffees that are grown at high altitudes are actually comprised of fewer fatty acids, but tend to have citrusy flavors, giving them the impression of being acidic.
But, you don’t need to worry so much about this, as acids will get transformed and broken down in the roasting process.
However, if simply tasting flavor notes of citrus makes you uncomfortable, try picking coffee beans from lower elevations and from countries known for sweeter, full-bodied beans.
For example, Brazil and Guatemala are two countries that produce coffee beans that generally taste chocolatey with a caramel or toffee-like sweetness. They are low in the citrusy flavor.
Freshness
Coffee, like many foods, goes stale quickly when in contact with oxygen. Do stale crackers make you feel good after you eat them? Probably not. Same thing with coffee.
Protect the freshness of your beans by purchasing K-cups from coffee that was recently roasted and packaged. Make sure to drink your coffee soon after you make it. As brewed coffee cools, it starts to oxidize and develop yeasts.
What Are the Best Low Acid K Cups?
Check out our overviews below and click on "Read More" to jump down to the in-depth reviews:
no. 1
Atlas Coffee Club
Dark Roast K Cup Pods
Costa Rica
- 20% more coffee in each K cup
- 100% Arabica beans
- Single origin dark roast from Costa Rica
- Flavor notes of spiced fig, molasses, and roasted hazelnut
- Read More ⇒
no. 2
Lifeboost Coffee
Medium Roast Pods
Low Acid Single Origin
- Low acid medium roast
- Single origin high altitude Arabica beans
- Compatible with Keurig 1.0 and Keurig 2.0 machines
- Read More ⇒
no. 3
Trücup Low Acid Coffee
Stuck in the Middle
Medium Roast
- Low acid with pH of 5.74
- Tannic and lipid acids removed
- Small batch medium roast
- Read More ⇒
no. 4
Cafe Don Pedro
Variety Pack Arabica
Low Acid Coffee Pods
- 100% Arabica coffee beans
- Single batch medium roast coffee
- Six boxes of different coffee flavors
- Read More ⇒
no. 5
Puroast K Cups
Bold House Blend
Low Acid Certified
- Low acid with pH of 5.5+
- Single origin medium roast coffee
- Compatible with Keurig 2.0 machines
- Read More ⇒
no. 6
Healthwise Low Acid Coffee K-Cups
- 100% Arabica beans
- Medium roast single origin Colombian Supremo
- Kosher certified
- 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. Atlas Coffee Club - Dark Roast K Cup Pods - Costa Rica
While not explicitly stated as low acid, the combination of the 100% Arabica beans, origin, and dark roast level suggests that it should be less acidic compared to average coffee, making these low acid K-cups a potentially enjoyable choice for those seeking a smoother coffee experience.
Costa Rican coffee is also normally pretty low in acidity, so these recyclable low acid coffee pods will go easy on your stomach as you enjoy them in your Keurig 1.0 or 2.0 machine.
Atlas Coffee has a major focus on sustainable and ethical farming practices, so they team up with small producers in the countries that they source from in order to buy natural coffees that aren’t harming the environment.
The also pride themselves for adding 20% more coffee in each K cup to offer a bolder flavor, instead of over-roasting the beans to achieve a stronger but burnt coffee flavor.
And they offer K cups that are freshly roasted to order, if you join their coffee subscription on their website.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Costa Rica, unknown
- Bean Type: Single Origin Arabica
- Roast Level: Dark
- Tasting Notes: Spiced Fig, Molasses, and Roasted Hazelnut
2. Lifeboost Coffee USDA Organic Coffee Pods Medium Roast - Low Acid Single Origin
This K-cup coffee is carefully crafted from beans sourced from high-altitude farms in the mountains of Nicaragua. The beans are shade-grown and sun-dried, preserving the best natural flavor.
This medium roast brings out the full-bodied richness of the beans, offering a smooth and robust taste with some of that fruitiness that Nicaraguan coffee is known for.
This USDA-certified organic coffee comes free from mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins. The beans are 100% Arabica and therefore contain less caffeine than other pods that use Robusta. We recommend trying this coffee without milk to truly enjoy the taste profile.
Plus, these low acid coffee pods are plant-based and 100% biodegradable. Your stomach and the environment will thank you.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Nicaragua, High Altitude
- Bean Type: Single Origin Arabica
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Well-Rounded, Balanced Flavor and Aroma
3. Trücup Low Acid Coffee- Stuck in the Middle Medium Roast
These biodegradable pods undergo a proprietary steam and water process that removes the tannic and lipid acids that naturally occur in the beans.
While the company doesn’t list much additional information about where they buy their beans, the reviews claim that these K-cups work for people with irritable stomachs and GERD.
These low acid K cups come with a pH of 5.74, which is 60% less acidic than other K cup coffee, such as Seattle’s Best, Folgers, Starbucks, etc…
This medium roast blend is smooth and can be enjoyed both black or with milk. I recommend trying it as a strong brew to make it a bit bolder and sweeter.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Multiple, Unknown
- Bean Type: Blends
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Mellow, Well-Balanced Flavor, and No Bitterness
4. Cafe Don Pedro - Variety Pack Arabica Low Acid Coffee Pods
While traditional drip coffee has a pH level of 4.85 to 5.10, Cafe Don Pedro offers pods with a pH level that’s closer to the pH of water, which is around 7 (neutral).
This company uses 100% Arabica beans and makes sure to select varieties with a naturally lower amount of acids than others.
Most importantly, they roast in a traditional way and make sure to remove the chaff, or skin, of the coffee bean. While roasters should always do this (the chaff isn’t tasty), it’s very possible that many manufacturers don’t worry about this step for K-cups… after all, who’s going to notice that in a sealed K-cup?
While Colombian coffee is known for its nuanced acidity, this refers more to the taste rather than the actual acids in the coffee that can upset your stomach.
These 72 low acid coffee pods use Colombian Supremo beans, which as the biggest and best beans that the country has to offer, based on its grading system.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Colombia, Unknown
- Bean Type: 100% Arabica
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Breakfast Blend, Colombian Supremo, French Roast, Southern Pecan, French Vanilla, and Hazelnut Cream
5. Puroast Low Acid Coffee Single-Serve Pods, Bold House Blend, Low Acid Certified
Puroast claims to roast their coffee in a way that decreases present acids. This most likely means that they roast darker to get rid of more chlorogenic acids, which often give people upset stomachs.
Their low acid K cups use coffee with a pH of over 5.5 and a “bold” flavor profile with low bitterness. This will taste best with milk to give the coffee some depth.
If you like traditional, strong coffee, you may enjoy these 24 low acid K cup coffee pods. Over 4,000 reviews with 4 and 5 stars can’t be wrong!
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Blend, Unknown
- Bean Type: Unknown
- Roast Level: Medium/Dark
- Tasting Notes: Smooth, and Low Bitterness
6. Healthwise Low Acid Coffee K-Cups
If you want 100% Arabica, low-caffeinated beans using the best quality coffee from Colombia, Healthwise has you covered. This 72-count package comes with various flavors that will taste great no matter how you enjoy your cup of coffee.
Are you feeling like a French Vanilla latte or Chocolate Coconut drip coffee?
Healthwise claims to use a process called “TechnoRoasting” to increase the content of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and plant protein in their coffee beans.
As a roaster myself, this sounds like a marketing gimmick, but the fact that these beans are 100% Arabica and low caffeinated is sure to leave you without stomach pain.
Coffee Specs
- Origin and Elevation: Colombia, 3,200-6,500 feet above sea level
- Bean Type: 100% Arabica, Colombian Supremo
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Chocolate Coconut, Hazelnut, French Vanilla, and classic Colombian Supremo
Tips to Make Your Coffee Less Acidic
- Choose a low acid coffee bean: 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.
- Try a dark roast: Darker roasts tend to have lower acidity compared to lighter roasts. The extended roasting process can help break down some of the acids in the coffee beans, resulting in a smoother and less acidic cup.
- Consider adding milk or cream: 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.
- Make cold brew: If you want to venture outside of the world of K cups, try making cold brew. To make cold brew, you simply steep the ground coffee in cold water for a long period of time, resulting in a less acidic and smoother flavor profile. The slow extraction process extracts fewer acids, producing a more gentle brew.
- Make sure your coffee is not under-extracted: Under-extracted coffee is acidic and sour.
The Benefits of Drinking Low Acid K Cups
- 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.
What are Keurig K-Cups?
If you aren’t familiar with Keurig K-Cups, they are single-serve pods designed for use in Keurig coffee makers.
They contain pre-packaged portions of ground coffee, allowing you to conveniently brew a fresh cup of coffee with just the press of a button. No measuring or grinding is required.
Each K-Cup is sealed to preserve the flavor and aroma of the coffee inside, ensuring a consistent and hassle-free brewing experience.
Why K Cup Coffee?
Approximately 42% of American households own Keurig K Cup brewers. That’s a lot of people using K cups.
They are great if you’re in a hurry and don’t have the time or care to measure and grind your own beans. It’s easy to produce a consistent, tasty cup of coffee each morning with zero prep and zero mess.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which K Cups are the least acidic?
The least acidic K Cups can vary, but generally, low acid coffee blends or those made from beans grown in regions like Brazil or Sumatra tend to have lower acidity levels. Opt for 100% Arabica beans and dark roasts when possible.
How do you make K Cup coffee less acidic?
To make K Cup coffee less acidic, try using low acid coffee blends, dark roast options, or the cold brew method. Adding milk or cream, or a pinch of salt, can also help reduce acidity. When in doubt, pick a brand that specifically says it is “low acid”.
How do you know if coffee is too acidic?
Coffee's acidity can be determined by its taste and how it affects your digestive system. If you experience stomach discomfort, acid reflux, or notice a sour or green taste, it may indicate that the coffee is too acidic for your liking.
Final Thoughts
If you struggle with the discomfort of acidic coffee, the search for the best low acid coffee K cups can finally come to an end.
In this article, we explored the 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 Keurig and give these low acid K cups a try.
Your taste buds and stomach will thank you later. You’re welcome!
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.