Which Brand of Coffee Has Low Acid? Top Options for a Gentler Brew

According to research published by UC Davis, some specially processed low-acid coffees can contain up to 70% less acid than conventional blends. For those with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux, knowing which brand of coffee has low acid is the key to enjoying your morning ritual without discomfort.

Quick Summary

A review of leading low-acid coffee brands, examining how bean origin, roasting, and processing methods influence a coffee's acidity level for sensitive drinkers.

Key Points

• Darker Roasts: Opt for dark roasted beans, as the longer roasting time naturally reduces coffee's acidity levels.

• Low-Altitude Beans: Choose coffees from regions like Brazil, Sumatra, or India, which are known for lower-altitude growth and reduced acidity.

• Specialized Processing: Some brands, like Puroast and Alex's, use patented slow-roasting methods to specifically reduce acidic compounds.

• Cold Brew Method: Brewing with cold water is an excellent way to extract less acid, resulting in a naturally smoother and milder cup.

• Check the pH: For verification, look for brands like Mavericks Coffee that publish lab-tested pH scores, ideally above 5.5.

• Consider Decaf: If caffeine is also an irritant, a water-processed low-acid decaf is a gentler alternative.

• Reputable Brands: Consider popular low-acid brands like Puroast, Volcanica, Lifeboost, and Purity Coffee for reliable, stomach-friendly options.

What Makes Coffee Low in Acid?

Coffee's acidity is not just about its flavor profile; it is a measurable pH level influenced by several factors during cultivation and processing. The acidity in coffee primarily comes from chlorogenic and quinic acids. Understanding these factors is the first step in finding a brand that suits your needs.

Origin and Altitude of Beans

• Lower Altitude Growth: Beans grown at lower elevations, such as those from Brazil, Sumatra, and India, generally have lower acidity compared to high-altitude beans. The longer maturation period at lower altitudes allows for a smoother, less acidic profile.
• Volcanic Soil: Regions with rich volcanic soil can produce naturally low-acid beans, resulting in a rich, earthy flavor with a more balanced pH.

Roast Level

One of the most significant factors in determining acidity is the roast level. As coffee beans are roasted longer, the naturally occurring acids are broken down and cooked off.

• Dark Roasts: These are typically the least acidic and are often recommended for people with sensitive stomachs. The longer roasting time diminishes the acidic compounds, creating a smoother, mellower cup.
• Light Roasts: These retain most of their original acidity and are known for their bright, tangy, and fruity flavor notes, which can be irritating for some.

Specialized Processing and Brewing

Some brands use proprietary methods to reduce acidity further. For instance, processes like slow-roasting can break down harsh acids naturally. Brewing methods also play a role, with cold brew being a popular choice for reducing acid. The cold water extraction process results in a cup that is naturally less acidic and smoother.

Top Low-Acid Coffee Brands for a Gentler Brew

For those seeking a specific brand, several companies have built their reputation on producing stomach-friendly coffee. Here are some of the most recommended options.

Puroast Coffee

Puroast is a well-known name in the low-acid coffee market, with its products often cited as being significantly less acidic than competitors. Using a patented slow-roasting process, the brand claims its coffee contains 70% less acid than conventionally roasted blends. Puroast offers a variety of dark and medium roasts, known for their smooth, robust flavor without bitterness.

Volcanica Coffee

Volcanica offers a dedicated low-acid coffee collection, featuring beans from regions known for their lower acidity, such as Brazil and Sumatra. They pride themselves on roasting fresh to order, ensuring maximum flavor and smoothness. This blend has been highly rated and is often praised for its rich, balanced notes of chocolate, nuts, and tangerine.

Lifeboost Coffee

Lifeboost specializes in organic, single-origin, low-acid coffee. Their beans are grown in a specific region of Nicaragua, and all roasts are lab-tested to ensure a high pH level. The brand offers various roasts, but its Dark Roast is particularly popular for its heavy body and deep, smooth flavors.

Purity Coffee EASE

This brand focuses on clean, healthy coffee, testing its product for mold, mycotoxins, pesticides, and other contaminants. Purity Coffee's EASE Dark Roast is a Certified Organic, low-acid option designed to be gentle on the gut. It offers a full-bodied flavor with notes of dark chocolate and roasted walnut.

Alex's Low Acid Coffee

Alex's Low Acid Coffee uses a patented convection roasting method that removes chlorogenic acid, resulting in a coffee that's easy on the stomach. Their French Roast is a popular choice, known for its rich, balanced, and nutty flavor profile. The brand is also USDA Certified Organic.

Trader Joe's Low-Acid French Roast

For a more accessible and budget-friendly option, Trader Joe's offers a low-acid French Roast. The beans are steamed before a long, slow roast, which helps reduce acidity without compromising flavor. It provides a full, intense flavor with hints of sweet chocolate.

Indian Monsooned Malabar

For a unique, single-origin choice, consider Indian Monsooned Malabar. These beans undergo a specific processing method where they are exposed to monsoon winds, which causes them to swell and lose a large proportion of their acidity. The result is an incredibly smooth, mellow cup with rich, intense flavors.

Comparison Table: Low-Acid Coffee Brands

Brand	Bean Origin	Roast Level	Special Feature	Price Range	Where to Buy
Puroast Coffee	Proprietary Blend	Dark/Medium	Patented slow-roasting for 70% less acid.	$$	Puroast.com, Amazon
Volcanica Coffee	Brazil, Sumatra	Medium	Fresh-roasted, specific low-acid origins.	$$	VolcanicaCoffee.com, Amazon
Lifeboost Coffee	Nicaragua (Single-Origin)	Dark/Medium	Lab-tested high pH, organic.	$$$	LifeboostCoffee.com
Purity Coffee EASE	Multi-Region Blend	Dark	Organic, mycotoxin-free, gut-friendly.	$$$	PurityCoffee.com, Amazon
Alex's Low Acid Coffee	Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras	French Roast	Patented convection roasting.	$$	LowAcidCoffee.com, Amazon
Trader Joe's	Brazil, Peru	French Roast	Steamed before roasting, budget-friendly.	$	Trader Joe's stores
Indian Monsooned Malabar	India	Dark	Unique monsooning process.	$$	Speciality Roasters
HealthWise Coffee	Colombian	Medium	K-Cup convenience, TechnoRoasting process.	$$	Healthwise.com, Amazon

How to Brew Coffee with Less Acidity at Home

If you want to reduce acidity with your existing coffee, consider a different brewing technique. Cold brew is the most effective method, as the lack of hot water and long steeping time results in a smoother, less acidic concentrate. Other options include using an Aeropress, which has a shorter brew time, or a traditional French press with a coarser grind.

Another simple method is adding a small amount of an alkaline ingredient to your brew. For centuries, people have added crushed eggshells to their coffee grounds to neutralize acidity. A pinch of baking soda can also work, but be careful not to use too much, as it can affect the taste.

Considerations Beyond the Brand

While choosing a low-acid brand is crucial, other factors can influence your stomach's reaction to coffee. Caffeine itself can sometimes trigger acid reflux, so a water-processed decaf version might be a better choice for some. Additionally, what you put in your coffee matters. Creamers, syrups, and other additives can sometimes be the true source of your stomach irritation. Consider drinking your low-acid coffee black or with a non-dairy alternative to see if that helps.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Low-Acid Coffee

If you're looking for a coffee that won't upset your stomach, several excellent brands offer low-acid options. Whether you opt for a specialized roaster like Puroast or Volcanica, or an organic choice like Purity, understanding the factors that affect acidity—like bean origin and roast level—is key to making an informed decision. Experiment with different brands and brewing methods to discover the perfect gentle and flavorful cup for your daily routine.

For more in-depth information on the factors that influence coffee acidity, refer to this educational article from Mavericks Coffee, which discusses pH levels and processing methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the least acidic brand of coffee?

While it varies by product, brands like Mavericks Coffee have reported very low pH scores, with their Dark French Blend verified at 6.39. Other top contenders include Puroast, which uses a patented roasting method to achieve low acidity, and Volcanica, which specifically sources low-acid beans.

Does dark roast coffee have lower acid?

Yes, dark roast coffee typically has lower acidity than light roasts. The longer roasting time breaks down the chlorogenic acid in the beans, which is a major contributor to coffee's acidity.

Which coffee brand is best for sensitive stomachs?

Puroast Coffee is often recommended for sensitive stomachs due to its patented process that reduces acidity by 70%. Other excellent choices include Volcanica's Low Acid Blend, Purity Coffee EASE (which is also mycotoxin-free), and Lifeboost Coffee.

Does cold brew coffee have less acid?

Yes, cold brewing coffee results in a brew that is significantly less acidic than traditional hot brewing methods. The process of slow extraction with cold water doesn't pull as many of the acidic compounds from the grounds.

Is Arabica coffee less acidic than Robusta?

While roast level has a greater impact, Arabica beans tend to have a slightly lower acidity than Robusta beans in their natural state. However, Robusta beans have a higher caffeine content. Most low-acid specialty coffees use Arabica beans, while some blends use a combination of both.

Does adding eggshells to coffee reduce acidity?

Yes, adding clean, crushed eggshells to your coffee grounds is an old trick to neutralize acidity. Eggshells are alkaline and help to balance the pH of the finished brew.

Is decaf coffee less acidic?

Decaf coffee can be less acidic, especially if it's processed using a water-based method that helps remove more of the acidic compounds along with the caffeine. For those sensitive to both acid and caffeine, a low-acid decaf option can be ideal.