7 Best Low Acid Organic Coffees In 2024
Coffee is a staple of life for most of us, bringing joy and energy to our day.
Not everyone loves the flavor of coffee or can drink it without physical discomfort, however.
When it comes to coffee, acidity is generally the root of all evils. It is responsible for the bitter flavor many don’t care for as well as the tendency to cause heartburn.
Manufacturers have considered this and started producing low acid coffees, made even more delicious, healthy and sustainable when also organic.
So what are the best low acid organic coffees? The best low acid organic should be high-quality and full of flavor. Although specific flavor notes, origin(s), and roast type are largely a matter of preference, darker roasts tend to be less acidic. “Bright” or citrusy coffees are likely to be more acidic. Check the label to be certain.
In this article, we’ll explain how acid affects your coffee as well as why you may want to choose organic, and then offer you easy access to the 7 best low acid organic coffees money can buy.
What is Low Acid Coffee?
All coffee is acidic in nature, generally hitting at around 5 to 5.5 on the pH scale, which is actually lower – that is, more acidic – than a glass of orange juice.
Unfortunately, the caffeine in coffee relaxes the gastrointestinal tract, increasing the odds that some of your stomach acids will rise up and cause irritation.
One of the primary reasons people stop drinking coffee is because it can cause or exacerbate acid reflux or heartburn.
Coffee scientists have spent a good deal of time and money exploring the question of is low acid coffee good for acid reflux. It turns out that, yes, low acid coffees are much more gentle on your digestive system and a friendlier choice for those suffering from GERD or acid reflux.
The acidity in coffee is also severely irritating to those with certain bladder diseases or conditions, such as interstitial cystitis (IC). Low acidity coffees are likely to be more tolerable for those with these issues, as well.
Finally, the acidity in coffee can damage the enamel on your teeth. Low acid coffee can protect your oral health, especially if you love to drink multiple coffees every day.
Less Acidic Coffee Vs Non Acidic Coffee
When you’re searching for low acid coffee, you’ll come across jargon and terminology that sounds the same and yet different. Low acid or low acidity coffee, reduced acid coffee, and even non-acidic coffee. Is there a difference between them?
For most coffees, acidity levels are determined by growing conditions and the roasting process.
If there is no proprietary, 3rd party tested scientific method of removing acid from the coffee, the beans themselves may be lower in acid but will not be non-acidic.
The least acidic coffees will be made from low acidity beans and have specific, usually secret, roasting methods to reduce the acidity even further.
How to Tell if Coffee is Low in Acidity
How can you tell if coffee is truly low acid on the pH scale? Most manufacturers are labeling their products to capitalize on the growing trend, so they make it relatively easy for you. There are a few other tell-tale signs that you can look for as well.
For one, the darker the roast, the more likely it is to have lower acidity levels. The flavor profile is also usually helpful, as acidic is often used to describe the flavor of coffee even more than the acid content.
Often coffees that are described as acidic are known for their bright, citrusy flavor notes. Chocolate notes, however, come through stronger with a low acid coffee.
Is Organic Coffee Really Better?
There are strong cases for and against anything organic. Although coffee beans are no exception, the case for organic coffee is pretty strong.
As with any organically grown crops, no synthetic chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides can be used. It’s important to realize, however, that organic pesticides and fertilizers can be used and they are not always healthier alternatives than the synthetically made ones.
Perhaps what is more important is that organic coffees are richer in antioxidants and have a more pleasing flavor.
Organic coffee is more likely to be grown more naturally, in the semi-shaded environments that the plants seem to enjoy. This not only allows the flavor to improve, but it also protects the environment from the damage of deforestation.
7 Best Low Acid Organic Coffee
If you’re convinced that trying low acid organic coffee is going to make your morning routine more enjoyable, we’ve reviewed all the top brands that produce low acid coffee and rounded up our top 7 favorites.
The following list has plenty of tasty options to suit any coffee preferences:
| Rank | Product | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Coffee | Medium-dark roast; rich and chocolatey |
| 2. | Tyler’s No Acid Organic Ground Coffee | Medium-light roast; mild flavor |
| 3. | Lucy Jo's Mellow Belly Low Acid Blend | Medium-dark roast; earthy and sweet |
| 4. | Peak Performance Organic Coffee | Medium roast; clean, not bitter taste |
| 5. | Java Planet Colombian Coffee Beans | Medium-dark roast; full-bodied with fruity undertones |
| 6. | Natural Force Organic Clean Coffee | Dark roast; smooth, full-bodied, not bitter |
| 7. | Puroast Low Acid Ground Coffee | Medium roast; mild and smooth flavor |
The criteria we considered began with flavor, because coffee must taste good first and foremost. Otherwise there is no point in drinking it! We also like companies that have some social responsibility, that educate their consumers on how to best brew coffee, and that offer some variety.
Read on for more information about each of these great coffees!
1. Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Coffee Beans
Subtle Earth Organic coffee is grown at a high altitude where fewer insects bother the crops, making it easy to grow using only natural pest control methods, such as planting peppers nearby as a repellant.
The only fertilizer needed for this rich soil is the composted cherries leftover from the coffee beans themselves. The natural growing methods ensure a full depth of flavor and natural sweetness.
Key Features:
- Rich, chocolate flavor with notes of honey and caramel and a velvety texture
- Multiple brewing options detailed on the packaging
- Grown in Honduras under a Certified Sharing Program
Biggest Drawback: Taste is a very unique thing. Some people find the deep, rich flavor smokey to the point of tasting burnt. If you’re used to light roasts with the citrusy flavor, this blend will be a bit of a shock to your system.
However, if you’re a fan of dark roasts or espresso blends, these beans have a unique rich flavor that you are sure to love.
2. Tyler’s No Acid Organic Ground Coffee
Tyler’s claims to be the world’s first and only completely acid-free coffee blend.
Their roasting process is said to neutralize the acid content entirely. How this is done is a trade secret but the bottom line is that thousands of consumers not only enjoy the taste of this coffee but have found it easier on their digestive systems.
Key Features:
- Mild, light to medium-roast flavor
- Sourced from low acid coffee beans and roasted to further neutralize the acid content
- Available in whole beans or pre-ground, decaf, or regular
Biggest Drawback: Multiple consumers have decided to test Tyler’s claims and used pH test strips to measure the pH of their coffee. This is unreliable at best. The water used to make the coffee may change your results as can the temperature of the coffee.
However, even with that in mind, there’s little evidence to support the completely acid-free claims of the company. But at the very least, this roast should be lower in acid.
3. Lucy Jo’s Mellow Belly Low Acid Blend (Ground)
Lucy Jo’s is a small, family-operated business focused on quality over quantity.
Their beans are sourced from organic farms in Indonesia and Brazil and only the highest quality beans are used with no room for any filler. The beans are naturally low in acid, due to the altitude and soil type, so no special processes are required to reduce acidity.
Key Features:
- Earthy flavor with natural sweetness and a dash of spiciness
- Family owned and operated in upstate New York
- Roasted in small batches by hand for optimal quality control
Biggest Drawback: Perhaps because these beans are roasted in a more artisanal manner, consumers have very high expectations and standards. The flavor is not as strong as some coffee chains’ regular coffee. For a low acid coffee, however, the flavor is fuller than many comparatives. You can always make a stronger brew, too.
4. Peak Performance High Altitude Organic Ground Coffee
Peak Performance is a brand dedicated to improving human performance. In that light, we love the fact that they have a 1-for-1 donation program that donates 1 year’s worth of vitamins to a malnourished child for every bag of coffee sold. The coffee is also fair trade and, perhaps most importantly, premium quality.
Key Features:
- Clean tasting, medium roast with no bitterness
- Single-origin, high altitude grown beans
- Tested by two separate organizations to ensure mold-free coffee
Biggest Drawback: This is a dry roast of bean, as opposed to oily. The lack of oil turns many people off initially because of the common assumption that oily coffees have more flavor. These beans are more simply roasted lightly, which means the oils have not escaped. The flavor is still there and, in most cases, even bolder.
5. Java Planet Colombian Coffee Beans
The traditional growing methods that supply the Colombian beans to Java Planet achieve naturally low acidity levels while also guaranteeing a rich, well-balanced flavor.
The beans are roasted in small batches for consistency and quality control and only sold as whole beans so that you get the freshest coffee taste and aroma when ground at home.
Key Features:
- Medium-dark roast with full body and fruity undertones
- Rainforest Alliance Certified to safeguard the environment and local farmers
- Whole bean coffee provides the freshest taste possible
Biggest Drawback: Most dark roasted coffee has a flavor that tends towards chocolate and smoke, whereas these beans are distinctly fruity. If you enjoy light roast coffees you’ll probably be more comfortable with this roast but if you’re searching for a deep, earthy flavor, this may take a while to get used to.
6. Natural Force Organic Clean Coffee Beans
Natural Force has developed a coffee that is not only organic and low in acidity, but also tested intensely for mold and toxins.
Not only are they certified on many levels, they’re also committed to providing sustainable coffee, protecting the health of coffee drinkers and the environment that supplies the precious resource.
Key Features:
- Smooth, full-bodied flavor without smokiness or bitterness
- Handpicked from the top 1% of beans in the world
- 3rd party tested for mold, mycotoxins, and organic growing conditions
Biggest Drawback: The biggest complaint lodged against this brand is the price tag that is associated with extremely premium quality coffee. But if you are concerned with protecting your health, the environment, and fair economic trade, the value of this coffee will be apparent.
7. Puroast Low Acid Ground Coffee
Puroast has had their coffee tested by the University of California, finding that not only was it 70% lower in acidity levels than “leading brands,” but it also contains up to 7 times as many antioxidants.
This is possible because of the traditional, organic growing operations that produce the beans and the traditional methods of roasting the beans in small batched using only low heat. The nutrition is protected and there is no bitterness to the flavor.
Key Features:
- House Blend (medium to mild flavor) shown; also available in French Roast (bold), and Vanilla
- High altitude, sustainably produced coffee beans
- Brewed in small batches at low heat for lower acidity and no burnt, bitter flavor
Biggest Drawback: Of all the low acid coffees on our list, this brand has the widest gap between lovers and haters. Most seem to rave about the great balance, but there are 3 different roasts for you to choose from to find the blend that is best for your individual tastes.
Related Questions
How Do I Make Low Acid Coffee?
If you have purchased a low acid coffee, you can brew it however you prefer your coffee.
If you’ve never tried it before, it’s always best to follow the instructions from the manufacturer, as they will know the optimal grinds to water ratio to achieve a satisfying and flavorful cup of coffee.
If you have regular coffee and you’re trying to reduce the acidity levels, try balancing it out with some milk or cream which will neutralize some of the acids.
A pinch of salt won’t neutralize the acid, but it will help bring out the natural sweetness of the coffee, improving the flavor.
Does Organic Coffee Have Caffeine?
You can find both caffeinated and decaffeinated organic coffee.
Organic is based on growing practices whereas caffeine content is determined by the processing of the beans. Any coffee bean can be decaffeinated, but they all naturally begin with caffeine content.
Is Organic Coffee Mold Free?
Coffee is one of the most controversial commodities on earth. Depending on your perspective, it’s one of the healthiest or most dangerous substances you can consume.
One of the potential dangers are mycotoxins, molds that grow on coffee that has been improperly stored.
These toxins can be carcinogenic so they should be taken seriously, but they aren’t related to whether the coffee beans are organic or not. They develop under poor storage conditions, which can occur in any beans, organic or not.
Organic coffee has certain benefits, but if you’re concerned about mold, you can look for brands that specify being mold-free, such as the Natural Force option listed above.
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