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10 Best Low-Acid Coffees in 2022 (Coffee Educator-Reviewed)

Approximately 20 percent of people in the United States suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). And it's advised that people with GERD refrain from drinking coffee since it can aggravate stomach issues. However, there are many coffees with a low acidity level that are gentle on the stomach and less likely to cause upset stomachs or heartburn to those with a sensitive stomach.


Given the plethora of coffees available online, how do you know which one has low acidity? Check out our list of favorites to know some great-tasting low-acid coffees! It includes a large variety of coffee types, including K-cups, ground coffee, and whole bean coffee, Cafe Don Pablo's Organic Coffee was our top pick as this low-acid coffee boasts a rich flavor with delicious chocolatey notes and doesn't seem to cause acid reflux. We've also created a buying guide, reviewed by a barista and coffee educator, with many useful tips to further help you with your search.

Last updated 09/26/2023
Justin McMillan
Expert
Coffee Educator
Justin McMillan

My name is Justin McMillan, and I am a barista trainer, latte artist, and coffee enthusiast. I assist common individuals in becoming excellent baristas as part of my job. I prefer to focus on the needs and desires of each individual to help them reach their personal goals.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Low-Acid Coffee - Buying Guide

When choosing a low-acid coffee, there are many important factors that you should take into consideration, including the roasting process, the type of coffee, and its flavor. Continue reading this buying guide for more detail!

1

Know How Low-Acid Coffee Is Made

There are many ways to make coffee less acidic and suitable for those with gut problems, including roasting coffee beans for a long period of time or using beans grown at low altitudes. This section goes into more depth about how low-acid coffees are made.

Look for Coffees Grown at Low Altitudes

Look for Coffees Grown at Low Altitudes

The origin of a coffee can determine its acidity level. Usually, coffee grown at high altitudes of more than 1,300 meters (or 4,500 feet) above sea level produces a rich and full-bodied flavor with complex flavor notes and high acidity. This is because coffee plants at high altitudes grow slowly, giving them more time to develop sugars, flavors, and acidity.


On the other hand, coffees grown at low elevations are less complex and more mellow in flavor but boast a low acidity level. Some of the best places that produce great-tasting low-acid coffee are Brazil, Sumatra, and Nicaragua.

Choose Between Robusta and Arabica Beans

Choose Between Robusta and Arabica Beans

Two popular types of coffee beans are Robusta and Arabica. Robusta coffee yields a bolder and more bitter cup of coffee, while Arabica makes for a rich, sweet, and flavorful taste. They do differ slightly in acidity, but more importantly, is how they are roasted! (More on this in a bit.)


You can coffee made from either type of bean without having to worry too much about their acid levels. However, if you want to be extra safe, look for coffee that has been treated to reduce its acidity level. It's typically labeled as "low-acid".

Go for Coffees Processed Using a Dry Method

Go for Coffees Processed Using a Dry Method

After the coffee cherries are harvested, they are processed using one of the following three methods: wet processing (also known as washed processing), semi-washed processing (or pulped processing), dry processing (or natural processing). These processing methods can affect the acidity and flavor of the coffee.


In the wet processing method, the coffee cherries are washed and de-pulped mechanically before being dried. This dry process accentuates the acidity of the coffee and produces a brew with a bright, clean, and citrusy flavor and crisp acidity.


Coffee cherries processed using the semi-washed method also have their skin removed before being dried. This method results in coffee with more body and strength. It showcases the acidity of the coffee, too!


The dry processing method involves sun-drying the coffee cherries for a long period of time before removing their skin for roasting. As the skin of the coffee cherries is still intact, all the fruit sugars naturally existing in the skin are preserved.


Compared to the other two methods, dry processing will bring you coffee with a fruity and sweet taste and low acidity level. So look for coffees that are processed using this method for a cup of coffee with mellow acidity!

Get Dark Roasted Coffee

Get Dark Roasted Coffee

The roasting process has impacts the acidity level of the coffee. Specifically, slow roasting the beans for a long time can produce coffees with low acidity.


As the beans are heated, the chlorogenic acids in the beans, which might trigger acid reflux, are broken down. The long roasting process can also produce more N-methylpyridinium (NMP), a coffee component that helps restrict the amount of gastric acid released in your stomach.


Therefore, dark roasts tend to be less acidic than light roasts. With a light roast, you can really taste the bright flavor with crisp acidity. However, the acidity in a dark roast is much less noticeable. You'll notice the smoky notes from roasting more. Also, steaming raw beans before roasting can help reduce the amount of acid and caffeine.

Don't Forget That Decaf or Blended Coffees Have a Low Acidity Level, Too!

Don't Forget That Decaf or Blended Coffees Have a Low Acidity Level, Too!

Decaf or half-caffeinated coffees have a lower acidity level than caffeinated ones. This is because the decaffeination process not only removes the caffeine in the beans but also takes away many other acidic compounds.


Blended coffees are generally less acidic, too! Chicory, rooibos tea, matcha powder, and goji berries are a few ingredients that can be added to the coffee to help cut down on the acidity.

2

Decide How to Brew Your Coffee

Coffee comes in four types: whole bean, ground, K-cup, and instant. So, choose the type that produces the flavor you're looking for and is convenient to make for you.

Opt for Whole Bean Coffee to Get the Freshest Flavor

Opt for Whole Bean Coffee to Get the Freshest Flavor

Stick to coffee beans if you want the freshest and best-tasting cup of coffee! Contact with oxygen can degrade the flavors and aromas in coffee, but since coffee beans still have their skin intact, they preserve their characteristics better. So, compared to a pre-ground coffee, a freshly-ground one produces a richer and more aromatic cup of joe.


Making coffee from coffee beans can be a bit cumbersome, though. You do have to invest in a coffee grinder or take time going to the shop to get the beans ground. However, an advantage of this is that you can grind the coffee beans to your desired size.

Ground Coffee Can Deliver Great Flavor, But Make Sure It's Fresh

Ground Coffee Can Deliver Great Flavor, But Make Sure It's Fresh

Ground coffee is a more convenient option than whole bean coffee and can still bring you a delicious cup of coffee if it's fresh. So, take a look at the "production date" or contact the manufacturer to make sure that the coffee is freshly ground.


Exposure to moisture and light can deteriorate the intensity and unique characteristics of the coffee. Therefore, choose ground coffee packed in a dark-colored and airtight bag to ensure that it stays fresh.


Also, most ground coffees come in a medium grind size, which works for standard coffeemakers, pour-over brewers, and drip machines. But if you use a French press to brew your coffee, look for a coarse grind. For an espresso machine, you'll need finely-ground coffee.

For the Ultimate Convenience, Choose K-Cups or Instant Coffee

For the Ultimate Convenience, Choose K-Cups or Instant Coffee

If you're busy and don't really have time to brew your coffee, get yourself some instant coffee. All you need to do is to pour the packet of instant coffee into a mug of hot water and stir. It sometimes comes in single-serving packets and is convenient to take on the go, too! However, with instant coffee, you do compromise convenience for taste and aroma.


If you have access to a single-serve coffee machine like a Keurig, definitely keep some K-cups at hand. They contain finely-ground coffee and can produce a rich-tasting coffee. The vacuum-sealed foil pods also help preserve the freshness of the ground coffee, so the flavor is usually very fresh.

3

Support Coffee Farmers By Purchasing Fair-Trade Coffee

Support Coffee Farmers By Purchasing Fair-Trade Coffee

Although coffee companies make a lot of profits from selling coffee, most coffee farmers cannot earn an adequate wage to support their families and themselves.


To help improve the living and working conditions of coffee farmers, consider purchasing fair-trade certified coffee. Fair-trade certified coffee has been inspected throughout the manufacturing process to meet labor and environmental standards.


Many coffees are also Rainforest Alliance certified. This certification makes sure that your coffee isn't produced at the expense of environmental deterioration. Many companies organize their own sustainable development and community support programs, so check their website for more details!

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Low-Acid Coffees

Here are the 10 best low-acid coffees available online! They come in different roast levels, are sourced from different regions of the world, and have different flavor profiles. Keep on reading to see which one meets your taste buds the most. *Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Justin McMillan.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Cafe Don Pablo

Subtle Earth Organic Coffee

Cafe Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Coffee 1

$18.99

Mid

Deep Flavor With Rich Notes of Chocolate

2

Java Planet Organic Coffee Roasters

Colombia Organic

Java Planet Organic Coffee Roasters Colombia Organic 1

$15.99

Mid

Enjoy a Cup of Well-Balanced Colombian Coffee

3

Tieman's Fusion Coffee

Low Acid Dark Roast

Tieman's Fusion Coffee Low Acid Dark Roast 1

$11.89

Low Mid

A Combination of Superfoods for Sustained Energy

4

Starbucks

VIA Instant Coffee French Roast

Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee French Roast 1

$5.38

Low

Individual Packets, Great for Traveling

5

Top Shelf Grind

Light Roast Whole Bean Coffee

Top Shelf Grind Light Roast Whole Bean Coffee 1

$14.99

Mid

Fair Trade and Organic Coffee With a Crisp Flavor

6

Lucy Jo's Coffee Roastery

Mellow Belly Low Acid Blend

Lucy Jo's Coffee Roastery Mellow Belly Low Acid Blend 1

$13.29

Mid

A Blend of Different Coffee Beans for a Complex Flavor

7

HealthWise Coffee

Low Acid Coffee

HealthWise Coffee Low Acid Coffee 1

$61.35

High

100% Arabica Coffee From Colombia

8

Puroast

House Blend

Puroast House Blend 1

$21.00

Mid

No Upset Stomach With This Low-Acid Coffee

9

Mama Joe Coffee Co.

Half Caff Organic Coffee

Mama Joe Coffee Co.  Half Caff Organic Coffee 1

$14.99

Mid

A Medium Roast With Half the Caffeine

10

Lifeboost

Medium Roast Bean

Lifeboost Medium Roast Bean 1

$34.95

High Mid

Shade-Grown in Nicaragua Mountain for a Complex Flavor

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Cafe Don PabloSubtle Earth Organic Coffee

Subtle Earth Organic Coffee 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$18.99
Mid
Reference price
$18.99
Mid

Deep Flavor With Rich Notes of Chocolate

Don Pablo's Arabica coffee beans are grown at a high altitude in Honduras, which gives them their naturally deep flavor. They're then roasted medium-dark to bring out notes of smokiness and chocolate. Thanks to the long roasting process, this whole bean coffee also has low acidity and is gentle on your stomach.


A few buyers find the taste to be too weak for their preferences. Nonetheless, the majority love this low-acid coffee, saying it has a well-rounded, smooth, and chocolatey flavor without any bitterness. Those with stomach problems also mention that they have no trouble drinking this coffee!

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No.2

Java Planet Organic Coffee RoastersColombia Organic

Colombia Organic 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$15.99
Mid
Reference price
$15.99
Mid

Enjoy a Cup of Well-Balanced Colombian Coffee

This medium-dark roast coffee is sourced from Colombia and features a full-bodied, well-balanced flavor with fruity notes. It has low acidity and is, therefore, less likely to upset your stomach. The coffee beans are also USDA organic and Rainforest Alliance certified to ensure sustainability and quality.


Although some buyers complain that the aroma isn't that pleasant, this whole bean coffee still wows many reviewers with its fresh, bold, well-rounded, and creamy taste with no ashy bitterness. The low acidity is a huge plus for many since they can fully enjoy this coffee without experiencing any stomach issues.

No.3

Tieman's Fusion CoffeeLow Acid Dark Roast

Low Acid Dark Roast 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$11.89
Low Mid
Reference price
$11.89
Low Mid

A Combination of Superfoods for Sustained Energy

Tieman’s ground coffee is crafted from 100 percent Arabica beans from South and Central America. It's a dark roast and has a low acidity level of only 5.85 percent. The infusion of superfoods such as rooibos, matcha, and goji berries renders the coffee with a more complex flavor and a higher antioxidant count.


According to some buyers, the taste isn't deep or robust. Even so, most reviewers are hooked on the smooth and non-bitter flavor of this ground coffee. Those with acid reflux further comment that it doesn't bother their stomach. This coffee seems to give reviewers sustained energy without the jitters, too!

No.4

StarbucksVIA Instant Coffee French Roast

VIA Instant Coffee French Roast 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$5.38
Low
Reference price
$5.38
Low

Individual Packets, Great for Traveling

Don't have time to brew a cup of coffee? Starbucks' French roast coffee is a great way to get your daily dose of caffeine in less than one minute! It offers you an intense flavor with a mild body and smoky overtones. The low acidity level makes it a great choice for those with a sensitive stomach.


Although a few buyers feel that the coffee is slightly bitter, many others praise its robust and smooth flavor as well as pleasant aroma. The strong taste also stands up well to milk and sugar. The majority of reviewers like the individual packets that are convenient to take on the go.

No.5

Top Shelf GrindLight Roast Whole Bean Coffee

Light Roast Whole Bean Coffee 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$14.99
Mid
Reference price
$14.99
Mid

Fair Trade and Organic Coffee With a Crisp Flavor

Shade-grown in the Andes Mountains at elevations of between 1,000 and 1,800 meters above sea level, these whole beans are lightly roasted for a bright brew with hints of black tea, chocolate, and honey. This whole bean coffee is also Fair Trade Certified and organic.


Since this is a light roast, the flavor tends to be much milder than other types of roast. Still, the coffee impresses many reviewers with its smooth, crisp, and revitalizing flavor. They agree that all the notes are spot-on. While it's great on its own, many enjoy this coffee with some milk or cream.

No.6

Lucy Jo's Coffee RoasteryMellow Belly Low Acid Blend

Mellow Belly Low Acid Blend 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$13.29
Mid
Reference price
$13.29
Mid

A Blend of Different Coffee Beans for a Complex Flavor

Lucy Jo's Mellow Body Low Acid Blend combines Arabica beans from Indonesia and Brazil to bring you a smooth, earthy, and slightly sweet coffee with notes of spices. This coffee is also roasted in small batches to ensure the best quality.


A few reviewers comment that this coffee tastes a bit too weak. However, most compliment its smooth and rich flavor and further mention that it doesn't taste burnt at all. Many also appreciate that it has a low acidity level and doesn't irritate their stomach.

No.7

HealthWise CoffeeLow Acid Coffee

Low Acid Coffee 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$61.35
High
Reference price
$61.35
High

100% Arabica Coffee From Colombia

This K-cup coffee is created from 100 percent Arabica coffee beans sourced from Colombia. It's processed using HealthWise's patented Techno Roasting process, which helps flush out the acids in the beans while still retaining their nutrients and flavors.


For a few reviewers, this coffee is a bit watery. Still, most buyers confirm that this K-cup coffee doesn't aggravate their stomach issues. They also compliment its mellow, non-bitter, and delicious flavor.

No.8

PuroastHouse Blend

House Blend 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$21.00
Mid
Reference price
$21.00
Mid

No Upset Stomach With This Low-Acid Coffee

Puroast makes this House Blend by roasting the coffee beans in wood fire. Compared to coffees from other leading brands, this one contains 70 percent less acidity! Despite having a low acidity level, this coffee still has an aromatic and smooth flavor.


Some reviewers complain that the coffee has a bitter aftertaste. Still, many others highly recommend this House Blend for those with a sensitive stomach or issues such as gastritis as it doesn't agitate their stomach or give them heartburn. The flavor is bold, they note.

No.9

Mama Joe Coffee Co. Half Caff Organic Coffee

Half Caff Organic Coffee 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$14.99
Mid
Reference price
$14.99
Mid

A Medium Roast With Half the Caffeine

This ground coffee is grown in low-lying regions and is less acidic than those grown at high elevations. What's more, the caffeine in this coffee is removed using water from the Pico de Orizaba mountain instead of chemical solvents. That way, the coffee retains all its unique characteristics.


A couple of customers think the coffee lacks flavor, but the majority love its rich and smooth taste. Those who are pregnant, have a sensitive stomach, or are trying to limit their caffeine intake really enjoy this low-acid coffee and add that it doesn't give them headaches.

No.10

LifeboostMedium Roast Bean

Medium Roast Bean 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$34.95
High Mid
Reference price
$34.95
High Mid

Shade-Grown in Nicaragua Mountain for a Complex Flavor

Lifeboost's Arabica coffee beans are shade-grown in Nicaragua mountains, sun-dried, and medium roasted for a complex, smooth, and well-rounded flavor. This whole bean coffee is also certified organic by the USDA and third-party tested to contain no harmful toxins.


This low-acid coffee gains many compliments from buyers as it's easy on the stomach and doesn't give them heartburn. Even though a few buyers think this coffee isn't robust, many others mention that it tastes fresh and rich with nutty notes. They add that it doesn't have a bitter aftertaste.

Essential Tools for Coffee Lovers

In order to make a good cup of coffee, you need the right equipment. If you're unsure of where to start, check out our articles for some suggestions!

Top 5 Low-acid Coffees

No. 1: Cafe Don PabloSubtle Earth Organic Coffee

No. 2: Java Planet Organic Coffee RoastersColombia Organic

No. 3: Tieman's Fusion CoffeeLow Acid Dark Roast

No. 4: StarbucksVIA Instant Coffee French Roast

No. 5: Top Shelf GrindLight Roast Whole Bean Coffee

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