Coffee is acidic. Even low-acid coffee has acid, so what makes it low-acid? Should you switch to low-acid coffee? Here is the scoop on low-acid coffee, what its benefits are, and why it matters which brand you choose. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee is a great-tasting, pure coffee that is salubrious and gentle on the stomach.

Acidity and pH of Regular Coffee

Regular coffee is very acidic. To attach a number to its acidity, it usually has a pH of between 4.8 and 5.15. In comparison, something that is neutral, or neither acidic nor basic, has a pH of 7. A pH under 7 is acidic, and the lower the number, the more acidic the substance is. 

And, small changes in the pH number actually represent big differences. That’s because a 1-number drop in pH means that there is 10 times more acidity.

There are a variety of acids that are naturally found in coffee, but they are not all very impactful. Acids in coffee include quinic, citric, acetic, and lactic, but the family of acids that has the most impact on the pH, or acidity, is the family of chlorogenic acids. A coffee that is high in chlorogenic acids is likely to be high in acidity. 

Acidity and pH of Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee

Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee has less acidity than your typical coffee. A third-party, independent lab tested samples of national brands, such as Trader Joe’s, Starbuck’s, Dunkin’, Folgers, and Tyler’s Organic. The lab also tested Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee Fresh Ground French Roast. 

The pH of Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee Fresh Ground French Roast was 5.3. In comparison, the pH of the national brands that were tested was 5.1. This difference in acidity can translate to differences in health effects and taste.

The independent lab tested the amount of chlorogenic acids, including 3, 4, and 5-caffeolyquinic acids. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee had a lower concentration of each of these, including more than 25% less 3-caffeoylquinic acid. That helps explain the higher pH of Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee!

Acidity in Coffee and Health Concerns

Why is acidity in coffee important? Some people have health concerns related to acidity. Acid can upset the stomach or lead to discomfort. You may have been told to avoid coffee or acidic foods and beverages if you have any of these types of conditions.

• Bariatric surgery
• Acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn
• Colitis
• IBD
• Ulcers

For some people, there can be a general feeling of indigestion after drinking a high-acid coffee. It can also make you feel unsettled or uncomfortable if you are doing a high-intensity workout.

Another concern about acidity in coffee is with teeth. Your teeth are coated with enamel. This is a protective layer that helps prevent decay. If your enamel wears away, your teeth can be more likely to develop caries. It can happen due to acid erosion, which occurs when you have a lot of acid on your teeth often. Acidic foods and beverages, such as fruit and coffee, may be linked to acid erosion. 

It is always best to ask your healthcare provider for advice if you have any health concerns or worry about acid reflux or acidity in your diet. You may need to take more precautions than just making dietary modifications.

Factors Affecting Acidity of Coffee

Why is some coffee more acidic than others? And why is Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee Fresh Ground French Roast lower in acid than national brands? These are some factors that affect the acidity of coffee.

• The type and source of the coffee beans affects the coffee’s acidity.
• A darker roast leads to less acidity. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee Fresh Ground French Roast has a dark roast that brings out flavors while reducing acid content.
• Processing methods affect acidity. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee never touches hot steel, but instead is roasted using hot air convection. This helps keep acidity down.

Once you get your coffee delivered to your doorstep, you can make an impact on it, too. There are ways to lower the acidity of your coffee. These are some examples.

• Cold brew coffee has less acid than hot brew coffee. It is easy to make cold brew coffee, and you can do it overnight.
• A longer brew time reduces the acid content compared to a shorter brew time.
• A finer grind coffee has more acid than a coarser grind.

Of course, factors such as wearing loose-fitting clothes, not eating a big meal before bedtime, and avoiding caffeine too close to bedtime can help prevent indigestion as well. You can also be sure not to eat fatty foods while drinking coffee, since fatty foods can trigger heartburn. That means it may not be a good idea to eat pastries or doughnuts with your morning coffee, or have a fatty dessert with an after-dinner coffee.

Taste of Low-Acid Coffee

The basic tastes of low-acid coffee depend on its origins. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee Fresh Ground French Roast has complex flavors and notes of vanilla, hazelnuts, chocolate, and citrus. A low-acid coffee has less of a sour or bitter taste, since it does not have as much acid in it. It may be the most enjoyable coffee-drinking experience that you ever thought you would have.

The Best Low-Acid Coffee

Still, not all low-acid coffees are the same. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee Fresh Ground French Roast is certified organic. It is pure and free from synthetic chemicals that could be harmful to health and to the environment. It is third-party tested to be free from mold and mycotoxins, and it does not have heavy metals in it.

So, let’s go back to the original question: what is low-acid coffee? Well, it could be one of the healthiest, most delightful beverages in the world. Choose one that is fresh, pure, and clean, and you can immerse yourself in an amazing coffee experience every time without experiencing indigestion later. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee Fresh Ground French Roast is a low-acid, great-tasting choice that is always clean and wholesome.