Is Coffee Acidic? What It Means and How to Reduce It
You may have heard that coffee is acidic or maybe you’ve even felt it, especially if you deal with heartburn or a sensitive stomach. But acidity in coffee isn’t as simple as “bad vs. good.”
In fact, some acidity is what gives coffee its brightness, complexity, and flavor and not all acids are created equal.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- What “acidity” actually means in coffee
- How it affects flavor and digestion
- Which beans and brew methods are lower-acid
- How to make coffee gentler on your stomach
What Is Acidity in Coffee?
Coffee contains natural acids that are present in the bean, especially before and during roasting. These include:
- Chlorogenic acid (breaks down during roasting)
- Citric, malic, and tartaric acids (fruity brightness)
- Quinic acid (can cause bitterness if over-roasted)
Acidity in coffee is not the same as acidity in orange juice or soda it's more about how the coffee tastes and how it’s processed, not just its pH level.
How Acidity Affects Flavor
Acidity is one of the core flavor dimensions in coffee right alongside sweetness, bitterness, and body.
In well-balanced coffees, acidity adds:
- Brightness
- Juiciness
- Fruitiness or citrus notes
💡 Light and medium roasts often highlight acidity intentionally, especially in single origin coffees.
Why Does Coffee Upset Some Stomachs?
While the flavor-based acidity is usually a good thing, some people find coffee triggers:
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Upset stomach
That’s often due to:
- Roast level (lighter = more acidic)
- Brewing method (espresso = more concentrated acids)
- Personal sensitivity to caffeine or acid
How to Reduce Acidity in Your Coffee
Choose a Lower-Acid Roast
- Darker roasts generally have less perceived acidity
- Our Ground State Blend is designed for low-acid balance
Try a Different Origin
- Beans from Brazil, Sumatra, or Guatemala tend to be smoother
- African coffees (like Ethiopia or Kenya) are usually brighter and more acidic
Change Your Brew Method
- Cold brew and French press produce less acidic coffee
- Pour over and espresso tend to bring out more acidity
Use a Coarser Grind
- Over-extraction from fine grinds can lead to more acid release
Drink Coffee With Food
- Eating first can help buffer your stomach
Is pH in Coffee Really That Low?
Not really. Most brewed coffee lands around pH 4.5–6.0, which is less acidic than orange juice (pH ~3) and nowhere near soda (pH ~2.5).
So while coffee tastes acidic, it’s not necessarily a pH bomb.
Recommended Low-Acid Options
- Ground State Blend – dark roast, smooth, low acidity
- Ethos Decaf – naturally lower acid thanks to Swiss Water Process
- Brew it as a cold brew or use a French press for even gentler extraction
Acidity isn’t the enemy it’s part of what makes great coffee taste alive. But if it doesn’t sit well with you, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your coffee without discomfort.
Try our low-acid Ground State Blend or smooth Ethos Decaf and brew with confidence no compromise needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which coffee is least acidic?
Look for dark roasts from low-altitude origins like Brazil or Sumatra.
Is cold brew less acidic?
Yes cold water extracts fewer acidic compounds than hot water.
Can I still drink coffee if I have acid reflux?
Try low-acid beans, darker roasts, cold brew, or decaf. Everyone’s sensitivity is different.