What is Low Acid Coffee and How Does it Differ from Regular Coffee?

What is Low Acid Coffee and How Does it Differ from Regular Coffee?
What is Low Acid Coffee and How Does it Differ from Regular Coffee?

More than 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed in the world daily, while an American rarely drinks one cup a day. According to a survey conducted by Statista, 80% of American coffee drinkers drink two or more cups while at home on a weekday. However, if you are a coffee person who winces at the acidity of his morning cup of coffee, it might be time to get acquainted with low acid coffee. Yes, low acid coffee is a thing. And no, it is not only for people who prefer their coffee ‘weak.’

Low acid coffee is the answer to coffee-induced heartburn, stomach issues, vomiting, or unpleasant, acrid aftertaste. So what exactly is low acid coffee, and how does it differ from regular coffee? Grab your cup of joe, and let's explore the world of smooth, stomach-friendly coffee

What is Low Acid Coffee?

Low acid coffee is any coffee above the critical pH level of 5.5 or has at least 50% less acid than regular coffee, and has zero additives or treatments. The average pH of coffee ranges from 4.85 to 5.1, with a standard deviation of 0.2. Factors influencing the pH variation of coffee (4.9 – 5.3) primarily include the degree of roast.

Low acid coffee, as the name suggests, has a lower level of acidity compared to regular coffee. Chlorogenic and quinic acids are the primary acids found in regular coffee and can be the reason behind acid reflux, heartburn, and digestive discomfort for some people. Low acid coffee is specifically crafted to reduce these harsh effects, making it a gentler option for your stomach. However, do not be fooled by the terminology. Smoother and gentler are the effects a low acid coffee has on your tummy, but it still has that rich, robust flavor that you expect in your coffee. Most coffees undergo what we call is the process of Flash Roasting. It means roasting your coffee beans extremely fast and at high temperatures. This creates a lot of acid. On the other hand, the longer coffee beans are roasted, the lower their acidity. Low acid coffees are slow roasted, which reduces the levels of chlorogenic acid associated with bitterness and acidity. This process was originally developed by the coffee growers in South America, but was abandoned when industrialization preferred the profits of flash roasting vs traditional roasting methods. A low acid coffee will still give you the same kick as a regular coffee. But you can enjoy a second or even a third cup without irritating your gut lining and reaching for the antacids.

The Differences Between Low Acid Coffee and Regular Coffee

Let’s break down the key differences between low acid coffee and regular coffee so you can decide which one’s your cup of... well, coffee.

Acidity Levels: The first and foremost difference is the acidity level. Low acid coffee has a pH level between 5.5 and 6, while regular coffee can have a pH as  low as 4.5. Remember, the higher the pH, the less acidic the coffee. For comparison,water has a neutral pH of 7.

Flavor Profile: Regular coffee tends to have a bolder, tangier flavor due to its higher acidity, while low acid coffee presents a smoother, less bitter and more balanced taste. Most first time coffee drinkers (sometimes even seasoned ones) are put off by the strong acidity and the sour after taste of regular coffee. If they are offered low acid coffee that doesn’t have the off-putting sourness, they might take an instant shine to the beverage.

Stomach Friendliness: If you are prone to acid reflux, heartburn, or an upset stomach after drinking coffee, low acid coffee can be a game-changer. It is much gentler on your digestive system, making it an excellent choice for people with sensitive stomachs.

Caffeine Content: Here is the question you most probably were waiting to be answered – Does low acid coffee mean low caffeine? No. The caffeine content in low acid coffee is similar to regular coffee, so you won’t have to sacrifice your morning pick-me-up. But the good news is that you can still get your caffeine fix without the acid overload.

As you now already know, if you are dealing with stomach issues, low acid coffee is your friend. However, there are plenty of benefits from low acid coffee even if you’re not dealing with stomach issues.

Healthier Teeth: High-acid coffee can wear down tooth enamel over time, leading to sensitivity and discoloration. Switching to a low acid option can help protect those pearly whites for a longer time.

No More Bitter Aftertaste: Low acid coffee is less likely to leave that bitter, sour aftertaste in your mouth, making it a more enjoyable experience from the first sip to the last drop.

Low acid coffee is a fantastic option for coffee lovers to enjoy their coffee without putting their stomach through all that drama. It’s smoother, easier on your digestive system, and still packs that delicious, robust coffee flavor you crave. Whether you are a coffee newbie or a seasoned java junkie, it is worth giving low acid coffee a try – your stomach (and your taste buds) will be grateful.

The term "low acid coffee" was first used by Puroast in a 2006  Newsweek article, which compared their coffee to other "stomach-friendly" brands.1 To this day, it is the only known coffee with published research proving its low acid claims. In fact, recent research from NC A&T (Foods Journal, 2024) has  shown that 6 our of the 7 low acid coffee brands tested were as or more acidic than regular commercial coffee’s. The only brand that test well above the critical pH was Puroast Coffee (pH = 5.74)

Added Benefits of Reducing Acid in Your Diet

1. Better Bone Health

  • Reduces acid load on the body, potentially lowering calcium loss from bones.
  • Can help prevent osteoporosis and maintain stronger bones over time.

2. Enhanced Kidney Function

  • May lower the risk of kidney stones by reducing acid load and maintaining more balanced urine pH.
  • Helps individuals with kidney disease by decreasing stress on the kidneys.

3. Reduced Inflammation

  • Some studies suggest that a more alkaline diet may help reduce systemic inflammation.
  • This can benefit those with conditions like arthritis or chronic pain.

4. Improved Muscle Mass

  • May help prevent muscle breakdown by reducing the body's need to balance blood pH by using muscle protein.

5. Potential Weight Loss

  • High acid diets slow your metabolism 
  • Acidic diets may affect hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, such as cortisol.
  • Higher cortisol levels, often associated with stress and inflammation from acidic diets, can promote fat storage, especially around the abdomen.

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