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Best Low Acid Coffee
Fighting against the symptoms of acid reflux is difficult enough without having to give up coffee too. This guide explores why coffee is acidic, and what the options are for combatting the harsh effects so that people are still able to enjoy a fresh brewed beverage
Published November 9, 2022
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Chandra Melo
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
Coffee is a popular favorite in the world of beverages, but it is not always suited to those that suffer from chronic heartburn or acid reflux. If you are looking for a coffee that won’t give you heartburn, you might be wondering where exactly to start. This guide gives you a place to start by exploring some of the top options for the best anti acid coffee around.
The Acid in Coffee: An Explanation
Acid is defined by the pH level of a drink. In this case, it is around five. This is not overly high, but high enough to create a negative effect for sensitive people. To put this number into context, if something is considered as acidic, it is assigned a number from one to seven. The lowest end of the scale depicts the most acidic, and the higher the least.
There are actually nine major acids that can be found in variations of coffee around the world.
- Chlorogenic acid
- Citric
- Lactic
- Palmitic
- Quinic
- Acetic
- Phosphoric
- Malic
- Linoleic
It is through the brewing process that these acids are released into the coffee drink.
Brewing
It is said that the best coffee for acidic stomach is one that is cold brewed for a longer time. Research suggests that when brewed for a short period, coffee peaks in acidity levels.
Roasting
Lighter roasts have higher acidity levels than darker roasts. If a bean is roasted for a long time at a higher temperature, it is less likely to be acidic. So, if you are looking for coffee that doesn’t give you heartburn, trying out a darker roast is the best way forward.
Grind
Bigger grinds of coffee beans tend to release more acid as opposed to finer ones. This is because there is more surface area to release acidic elements from overall and, therefore, a bigger chance that it will transmit into the cup.
Knowing the Symptoms of Heartburn and Beyond
As anyone who has suffered in this area will tell you, the dream of coffee without heartburn is something to strive for. If you are vulnerable to acid reflux, afflicted with GERD, or feel the burn after a cup then you will know the symptoms all too well. Some people have no label for what they are feeling, but if any of the following red flags resonate with you, it might be useful to have an exploratory conversation with your doctor.
A burning sensation in the throat or chest (or both). It can happen in the daytime but is most common at night.
- Regurgitation or vomiting.
- Coughing and choking.
- A hoarse sounding voice.
- An acidic taste in the mouth area.
- Bad breath.
- Poor dental hygiene.
- Sore throat.
For chronic heartburn sufferers, the condition may worsen and become GERD. This is a harsh ailment that is not only debilitating but affects the ability to intake essential nutrients. It can cause scarring in the throat, extreme pain, and discomfort and it is difficult to find suitable medication to combat and cure it. Thankfully, there are some great coffee for GERD sufferers options because life is about finding ways around obstacles. There is no reason to forfeit something you love (like a tasty cup of coffee in the morning) when there are GERD friendly coffee alternatives.
The Top 4 Best Coffee Types for Acid Reflux Sufferers
Below are some types of coffee more suitable for those looking for coffee that doesn’t cause acid reflux. While they may not provide an absolute solution, each roast style on the list has been proven to reduce the negative side effects that might occur after a drink.
One: Dark Roasts
Dark roasts are considered the better coffee for acid reflux sufferers. They are roasted for longer, causing less irritation of the gastric acids and the higher heat enables the process of reducing the acid in the bean. Chose a dark roast option over a light roast and see if you notice a difference.
Two: Espresso
Espresso beans are a dark roast. That means the effect of a longer roast, higher temperature, and smaller quantity, in general, is a boost towards lowering the acidic quantity in the cup. So, if you don’t fancy making a major change in your brand then having a smaller drink generally could be the better route forward.
Three: Cold Brew Cups
Cold brew, as mentioned above, also inhibits the acidic release of the bean. Not everyone likes a cold brew cup, but they are around 60% less acidic than the hot brew variety and are therefore worth a try.
Four: Specific Brands
There are also specific brands to sample that focus on reducing the acid of the grind or the bean.
Lifeboost Coffee
This medium roast is not only sustainable but boasts low acidity too. Its biggest marketing point is the bean which is grown in Central America and naturally low in acid. This company focuses on being environmentally friendly too, which is a bonus for people conscious of their carbon impact.
Key Benefits
- Low acid so this should reduce GERD, heartburn, and reflux issues.
- Medium roast. Whereas a dark roast would be preferable, a medium roast that boasts low acidity is still a good contender.
- A ground variety that suits most coffee machines and brewing methods.
- A sustainable brand that prides itself on being ethical, friendly towards the earth, and general moral in its production and distribution.
- Trial options are available on some platforms.
- Extensively vetted for mycotoxins and non-GMO so you know what you’re drinking is healthy and safe.
Clean Coffee Co
Another medium roast that is slightly darker than the first option on the list. It is grown and produced in Papa New Guinea and goes through a scientific testing process before being released for consumers. This ensures that there are no harmful pesticides or contaminants like mycotoxins present in the grind and is definitely a valuable characteristic that sets it apart from competitors. The pH level of a Clean Coffee Co ground bag claims to be fairly neutral.
Key Benefits
- Ethically grown, therefore increasing the consumer trust. It is important to find a company that considers all parts of the production functions from sourcing land and farmers all the way through to the distribution.
- Attractive pH levels are not much more than the average rainwater.
- Thorough testing on all coffee before it is released to stores in a laboratory environment. This means the product you get will be what it claims on the packet, and completely safe to drink.
- No compromise on taste.
Lucy Jo’s Coffee Roastery
Sourced in Brazil, this New York led coffee variety is a darker roast and full of flavor. You may even find a hint of spice, if you like that in your cup, to complement all the usual nuances of a great cup of coffee. This is a small company, but one that has proven its worth when it comes to low acid beverages regardless of whether it is for a cold brew or a hot one.
Key Benefits
- A completely organic product that makes it pure in the best way. It is important to understand what you are drinking when it comes to caffeine as some companies do not consider the potential dangers.
- This company has pledged to be climate friendly. Finding sustainable businesses and supporting them by making a purchase is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint and make a difference to the environment.
- Low acid content is supported by lots of positive consumer reactions concerning reflux symptoms and GERD alleviation.
Healthwise Low Acid Coffee
Healthwise Low Acid Coffee does what it boasts on the tin. They use an intriguing and unique roasting process to reduce the natural acidity found in their Columbian beans while maintaining all the health benefits (antioxidants, minerals, etc.) too.
Key Benefits
- Small batch production methods mean that every bag of coffee is crafted to perfection.
- The specialist roasting methods combat all the negative side effects while promoting the positive ones.
- It can be reheated without influencing any taste depletion.
- The biggest selling point is the amazing taste.
Tips for Naturally Reducing the Acidic Effects in Coffee
For those who don’t want to stop drinking their favorite roast, there are a few options to try out to limit symptoms and enjoy a cup of coffee without heartburn.
1. Eat before you drink. Coffee on an empty stomach is more likely to agitate symptoms.
2. Try to change milk types. Almond milk often neutralizes the effects.
3. Don’t drink more than three cups a day.
Finding a good coffee for GERD sufferers, or a general anti acid coffee is easier than it looks. The natural qualities of this beverage tend to cause an exacerbation of symptoms for people prone to heartburn and similar. But that doesn’t mean you have to give it up entirely. Explore the coffee without acid reflux options above and try to change your caffeine habits to suit your limits so that you can still enjoy the process with minimal negative consequences.
About the author
Chandra Melo
Marketing as job, barista as passion. An authentic coffee lover, looking for the next fantastic cup of coffee that I will fall in love with. Coffee, for me, is more than a beverage. It's about community and connection - how can all the world consume the same fruit? And differently? How can we have so many different tastes? I also don't know. And because of this, I feel in love each day more for this world. Happy to share and make a change in the coffee community.
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