The 9 Best Low Acid Coffees + Acid Free Coffee Options (2022 Review)

Are you here looking for low-acid coffee suggestions?

You’ve come to the right place, my dear coffee drinker.

You probably already know what low-acid coffee is, why you might want to cut down on the acidity in your daily cup of coffee, and the health benefits of consuming less acid to help treat GERD, heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion.

So, which low-acid coffee brands taste great and are easier on sensitive stomach?

Here are our 3 top picks:

Acid-Free Coffee & Price	Pros & Cons
Tylers Acid-Free Coffee, Regular Whole Bean Check Latest Price	+ Truly acid-free + No artificial caffeine added + USDA Organic Certified + Freshly roasted – Noticeably milder taste compared to regular coffee
LifeBoost Medium Roast Coffee Check Latest Price	+ Low-acid + Organic, no additives + Hand-Washed and Hand-Selected + Shade grown – Pricey compared to competitors
Java Planet Colombia Organic Check Latest Price	+ Low-to-mild acidity + Full body and balanced flavor + 100% organic – More acidity than other low-acid coffee options

Now if you’re looking to do a bit more research, let’s dig into what you should know.

Low-Acid Coffee vs Acid-Free Coffee (No Acid Coffee)

Is coffee ever acid-free?

The term low-acid coffee refers to the coffee beans that have been minimally processed or treated to remove some of the acidity not removed during the roasting.

This results in a less acidic cup of coffee with fewer bitter notes.

Nearly all coffees are slightly acidic due to the natural acids found in coffee beans.

We measure acidity using a pH scale from 1 to 14 with 1 being the most acidic and 14 being the least acidic. A pH score of 7 is neutral (water).

The pH level of black coffee typically falls between 4.85 and 5.10, making it slightly less acidic than orange juice (pH 3.3 to 4.6) and significantly less acidic than soda (pH 2.5 to 4.5).

One brand–Tylers Acid-Free Coffee–claims to be the world’s first “no-acid” coffee. Reviews on this claim are a bit mixed (whether it’s truly free of acid.). But those suffering from acid reflux, GERD, and other conditions report that it’s helped reduce issues and symptoms.

There are two types of low-acid coffee:

1. Natural or “inadvertent” low-acid coffee that uses beans that are naturally lower in acid
2. Treated low-acid coffee where the coffee makers and/or roasters use specific processes and chemicals to reduce the level of acid in the bean

Neither of these is necessarily better. But the treatments include things like washing the beans with a solution of water and calcium carbonate (chalk) which neutralizes some of the acids in the bean, soaking the beans in an alkaline solution, or using steam to neutralize some of the acids.

You might consider choosing a naturally low-acid coffee first to see how your body reacts and then moving to treated beans if it doesn’t resolve the issues you’re experiencing.

How to Choose a Great Low-Acid Coffee (What to Look For)

When looking for low-acid coffee, you want to pay attention to two things:

1. Coffee roast (light, medium, dark)
2. Origin of the beans

Dark roast coffee will have lower concentrations of acid than light roasts. This is because the roasting process breaks down some of the acids in coffee beans.

The origin of the beans–specifically the altitude at which they’re grown–will also play a role.

Beans grown at a lower altitude tend to be less acidic than those grown at a higher altitude. Coffee beans from Mexico, Peru, and Ethiopia tend to have lower chlorogenic acid than those from Indonesia, Brazil, and Vietnam.

The best low-acid coffees will have a dark roast and come from one of these low-acid countries of origin.

But it turns out that it’s not just the acid in the coffee itself that can be a problem. It’s your body’s reaction to the compounds in the coffee that can cause heartburn, indigestion, and other issues.

Studies have found that compounds in coffee like chlorogenic acid can trigger the release of gastric acid while other compounds (N-methylpyridinium) regulate and reduce the release of gastric acid.

For some people, it’s the caffeine in coffee that can trigger these problems.

Looking for decaf, low-caffeine, or half-caff coffee can also help reduce health effects.

And of course, we also want to consider the flavor profile of the coffee.

The best low-acid coffee is going to have a flavor profile that you enjoy.

Some low-acid coffees can taste watered down, while others can have a more robust flavor.

It’s all about finding the right balance for you and your tastebuds but in our review, we’ll look for low-acid coffees that taste the most like “normal” coffee since chances are pretty good that you’re looking for a close substitute to your normal cup.

The 9 Best Low-Acid Coffees: Full Review

#1 – Lifeboost Coffee

LifeBoost prides themselves on offering high-quality, low-acid coffee that is 100% organic and single-origin. They have a relatively modest selection to choose from but their regular medium roast is what we consider to be the best thing that they have to offer.

This coffee contains no additives and is also both pesticide-free and mycotoxin free. The only glaring drawback (that we could find) is that LifeBoost’s coffees are pricier compared to other low-acid coffees on the market. However, if you’re willing to pay for quality, then this is without a doubt the best low-acid coffee for you.

#2 – Volcanica Low-Acid Coffee Blend

Volcanica’s low-acid coffee is a blend of several different beans (Brazil, Sumatra, Columbia, Guatemala), all of which are roasted to perfection. This coffee has a rich flavor with hints of chocolate and nuts, making it a real treat for the taste buds.

It’s also worth noting that Volcanica offers their low-acid coffee in both whole bean and pre-ground, so you can choose whichever one is more convenient for you.

The only downside to this coffee is that it’s not organic, but it is still 100% Arabica and free from additives and chemicals.

#3 – Volcanica Komodo Dragon Coffee

If you’re looking for an extra strong low-acid coffee, then look no further than Volcanica’s Komodo Dragon coffee. This coffee is a blend of beans from Sumatra and Sulawesi with a bold and rich flavor.

Despite its strength, this coffee is still low in acidity and easy on the stomach. It’s also worth noting that the beans used in this blend are organic, so you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product.

The only downside to this coffee is that it’s not fair trade, but it is still ethically sourced from small family farms.

#4 – Volcanica Hawaiian Kona Coffee

Volcanica’s Hawaiian Kona coffee is a single-origin coffee that is grown on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano. The coffee beans are hand-picked, resulting in a cup of coffee that is low in acidity but high in flavor.

This coffee has a nutty flavor with hints of chocolate, making it a real treat for the taste buds. It’s also worth noting that this coffee is organic and fair trade, so you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product.

The only downside to this coffee is that it’s not available in pre-ground form, so you will need to grind the beans yourself.

#5 – Puroast Low Acid Coffee (Organic House Blend)

Puroast’s low acid coffee is a blend of beans from South and Central America. The coffee is roasted using a patented low-acid roasting process, resulting in a cup of coffee that is easy on the stomach.

It’s also worth noting that this coffee is organic and fair trade, so you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product.

It’s also Kosher certified.

#6 – Java Planet Organic Medium Dark Roast

Java Planet’s low acid coffee is a blend of beans from Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia. The coffee is roasted using a medium-dark roast, resulting in a cup of coffee that has a rich flavor with hints of chocolate and nuts.

It’s certified organic and fair trade.

#7 – Mommee Coffee Half Caff Organic Coffee

Mommee Coffee’s Half-Caff coffee is a blend of beans from Brazil and Columbia. The coffee is roasted using a medium roast, resulting in a cup of coffee that has a rich flavor with hints of chocolate and nuts.

The coffee is both low in acidity and caffeine, making it a great choice for extra-sensitive tummies.

#8 – Tieman’s Fusion Coffee

Here’s a novel solution for those who are struggling to enjoy coffee with a sensitive stomach. Tieman’s is a blend of coffee and tea. The tea helps to offset the coffee’s acidity while still providing a caffeine jolt.

Green tea, matcha tea, and coffee are expertly blended together to create a low acidity beverage that is still high in flavor.

#9 – Café Don Pedro French Roast K-Cup Coffee Pods

Café Don Pedro’s French Roast coffee is a dark roast coffee that is low in acidity. The coffee has a rich and bold flavor, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a strong cup of coffee.

This coffee is only available in K-cup form, for those who prefer their morning cup from a Keurig machine.

The Best Acid-Free Coffee: Tyler’s Acid-Free Coffee

Since it’s technically, “the world’s first acid-free coffee,” we figured this one should be in a category of its own.

You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone that can refute these lofty claims and so if you’re looking for true acid-free coffee, then Tylers Coffee is a no-brainer.

However, even though they have unparalleled dominance over the acid-free coffee market, Tylers Coffee has still focused on quality. They claim to use their proprietary “Z-Roasting” process to remove their coffee bean’s natural acidity.

It is understandable that sacrifices are going to have to be made if you want acid-free coffee. Tylers Coffee does have a noticeably milder flavor compared to regular (and many low-acid) coffee brands. However, if you have severe stomach issues, then this is undoubtedly the coffee for you.

Coffee & Acid: What You Should Know

How Acidic is Coffee?

As we found out when we asked the question “Is Coffee Acidic?”; coffee is actually less acidic than many other beverages and foods. Energy drinks, sodas, and even tomato juice, are all far more acidic than a cup of coffee from Starbucks.

All the same, coffee can still be too harsh for individuals with sensitive stomachs.

If you are a coffee lover with an ulcer or you find that you’re frequently falling victim to gastroesophageal reflux, then acid-free coffee may be just what you need.

Coffee with lower acid content can reduce the side effects of these issues and also has other health benefits. Since the chlorogenic acid in most coffee triggers your stomach to produce higher acid levels, it might be a good idea to make the switch even if you aren’t experiencing severe issues.

Can I Reduce the Acidity of Any Coffee Bean?

Yes.

Besides buying low-acid coffee beans and low-acid coffee blends, you can also adjust your daily routine to reduce the amount of acid in any coffee.

Ideas to try:

• Add milk: Dairy neutralizes acid.
• Use a French press: This coffee brewing method also reduces acidity.
• Choose a dark roast: The darker the roast, the less acidic the coffee.
• Don’t drink it on an empty stomach: Eating first will help reduce any potential stomach upset.
• Avoid sugar: Sugar can increase acid production in your stomach.
• Try cold brew coffee: Cold brewing coffee reduces acidity levels.

Is Low-Acid Coffee or Acid-Free Coffee Good for GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) may sound like a rare (and potentially deadly disease); however, this is just another name for acid reflux and heartburn. We’ve all experienced this at least once or twice after eating curries or other spicy foods.

However, when GER becomes its long-term and more severe form GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), this is when things get serious.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has formally stated that GERD affects 1 in 5 people in the United States.

In addition to this, we already know that coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the US (we are in fact the second largest coffee market in the world). Could it be that this high need for coffee and the prevalence of GERD have both created the perfect niche for acid-free coffee?

Is Decaf Coffee less acidic?

No.

The decaffeination process does not remove the coffee’s acidity. However, it can lower the levels of gastric acid generated by the stomach, alleviating some of the symptoms associated with GERD and other health issues.

Does Arabica Coffee Have Less Acid than Robusta Coffee?

Yes.

So, if you are looking for low-acid coffee beans, then you should definitely consider Arabica over Robusta.

Is Espresso Less Acidic than Drip Coffee?

No.

While it is true that the brewing process of espresso involves less contact time with water, this does not make it any less acidic than regular drip coffee.