The 10 Best Low-Acid Coffees That Are Easier on Your Stomach, According to Dietitians
Why is it that coffee can really mess with your stomach? In short, it has compounds that can affect the functioning of your stomach and digestive tract, particularly if you have existing GI issues or are sensitive to caffeine.
- Abigail Hueber, RD, LDN, integrative functional dietitian
- Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RDN, Brooklyn–based registered dietitian
"Coffee contains several different acidic chemicals, including malic acid, citric acid, and acetic acid," says Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RD, a registered dietitian and founder of East Coast Health and Nutrition with Maddie. When you brew coffee, these acids are released from the coffee beans, resulting in an acidic pH of around 5 in a brewed cup of coffee (for reference, water is neutral and has a pH of 7). Your stomach is a naturally acidic environment to help digest food; those compounds spur the production of more of your own stomach acids, making your stomach even more acidic. This can cause heartburn, stomachaches, and indigestion, particularly in people who are already prone to GI issues.
The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant, can also increase the amount of acid in your stomach. It also makes your intestinal muscles contract and stimulate your colon, which is why coffee makes you poop.
Never fear, sensitive tummy gang! You can still enjoy your morning (or afternoon, or post-dinner) cup of Joe by sipping on these delicious low-acid coffees. Here's what to know about how to pick a less acidic coffee and which coffee is best for sensitive stomachs.
The best low-acid coffee, at a glance:
- Best overall: Fabula Coffee Dark Roast, $27
- Best dark roast: Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee, $24
- Best minority-owned: Caribbrew Medium Roast, $18
- Best flavor: La Colombe Corsica Darker Roast, $12
- Best antioxidant content: Puroast Dark French Roast Coffee, $27
- Best for digestion: Purity EASE Dark Roast Coffee, $23
- Best cold brew concentrate: Califia Farms Cold Brew, $27
- Best for homemade cold brew: Chamberlain Coffee Cold Brew Bags, $13
- Best caffeine content: Jot Coffee Concentrate, $26
- Best cold brew for on-the-go: Illy Classico Cold Brew, $4
Which coffee is the least acidic?
If you love coffee but hate what it does to your stomach, experts typically recommend looking for a low-acid coffee. This isn't always something you'll see on the label alongside the nutrition facts and caffeine content. But there are a few types of coffee that are generally considered to be low in acid (and thus, safer bets for those of us with sensitive tummies):
1. Dark roast
It may be counterintuitive, but dark-roasted coffee is less acidic than light-roasted coffee. Why? Darker roast beans are roasted for longer and at higher temperatures. Because of this, they often have fewer acid-producing compounds, says Abigail Hueber, RD, LDN, an integrative functional dietitian.
Pasquariello also recommends trying espresso (cue Sabrina Carpenter). The dietitian says that because espresso is brewed for less time (and at a high pressure), less acid is released from the beans—making it typically less acidic than your traditional drip coffee.
2. Cold brew
For those who prefer their coffee over ice, there's some good news: Cold brew is often less acidic than hot-brewed coffee. Steeping cold brew for a longer period in cold water reduces the amount of acids produced (and creates a less bitter taste). Keep in mind that this cold brew and iced coffee aren't interchangeable. It's cold brew's special steeping process that helps reduce the acidity.
How can I make my coffee low acid?
Choosing a dark roast, cold brew, or espresso at the coffee counter is a great way to cut back on the acidity of your drink. But there are other hacks you can try to make your coffee lower in acid. Pasquariello recommends diluting your coffee slightly with water, or adding a tiny pinch of baking soda in coffee. Baking soda has a high pH and can increase the pH of your coffee. (Just don't add too much, or you'll taste it, she adds).
What to look for when shopping for low-acid coffee
The best low-acid coffees tend to be either dark roast or cold brews, and often explicitly say "low acid" on the label. Otherwise, pick based on your budget and tastes—you can find low-acid coffees in a variety of flavors and formats to suit your needs.
11 best low-acid coffees on the market
Best low-acid dark roast coffee
Lifeboost’s single-origin coffee beans are organic and ethically-sourced, and they’re low-acid to be easier on your stomach—a win-win. The beans are sourced from small farmers, roasted in small batches, and tested for mold, bacteria, and a number of different toxins. Reviewers say that the taste is also excellent. We also like that you can buy it pre-ground or as whole beans (the latter being ideal for coffee snobs with their own grinders). It’s also available in an instant coffee variety packaged like tea bags, making it extra convenient.
What reviewers are saying: “I rarely drink coffee, mainly because the acid of all coffee—decaf or not— upsets my stomach, and I hate the bitter taste… Lifeboost is the first I’ve ever tried that’s genuinely without any trace of acidity or bitterness.”
Roast type: Dark roast
Origin: Central America
Volume: 12 ounces
Pros:
- Organic
- Single origin
- Available in a variety of formats depending on your preference
Cons:
- Expensive
This dark roast from Fabula is single-origin from Peru and is low acid, organic, and non-GMO. The coffee has hints of caramelized sugar and a nutty aroma reviewers tend to love. You can purchase the whole beans, grounds, or K-cup formats. There are also options for light roast, medium roast, cold brew, espresso, and French press—all of which are made to be low-acid.
What reviewers are saying: “A great taste with low acidity! Huge difference from my old coffee. It has a very smooth and enjoyable taste!”
Roast type: Dark roast
Origin: Cajamarca, Peru
Volume: 12 ounces
Pros:
- Single origin
- Resealable bag
- Non-GMO
Cons:
- Expensive
If you find dark roast coffees to be too bitter for your taste, try this “medium dark roast” option from Caribbrew. It’s smooth and full-bodied but not acidic, with notes of chocolate and nuts. Reviewers rave about the bold flavor “without the bitterness” and say it’s “well-balanced” while still being gentle on the stomach. The company’s single-origin coffee comes from Haiti, where it’s grown at a high elevation (4,000 feet!) without any harmful chemicals.
What reviewers are saying: “I’m not a person who feels obligated to having a daily cup of coffee but I must say when I do have my coffee, I like it to be of good quality. Caribbrew’s coffee is one of the best, if not the best, coffee I’ve ever had. I highly recommend it.”
Roast type: Medium dark roast
Origin: Haiti
Volume: 12 ounces
Pros:
- Single origin
- Woman- and Black-owned company
- Great flavor
Cons:
- Some reviewers wished it was stronger
You may have had a cup of La Colombe in one of its in-person coffee shops, and you can also enjoy the brand’s high-quality roasted beans at home. This dark roast—served for over 25 years in La Colombe shops—has chocolately tones for a delicious flavor that’s easy on your taste buds and your stomach. Reviewers love the flavor, although some found it a bit too bitter when used in a French press or pour-over.
What reviewers are saying: “Good flavor for a dark roast and worth the price. No acid indigestion!”
Roast type: Darker roast
Origin: Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico
Volume: 12 ounces or 5 pounds
Pros:
- Full-bodied
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some people found it bitter
Puroast’s proprietary roasting technology increases the number of antioxidants while decreasing the acidity (by 70 percent), helping ensure stomachaches and heartburn do not hamper your enjoyment of drinking coffee. This low-acid dark French roast is just one of the many options of whole beans (you can also get decaf or half-caf).
What reviewers are saying: “Was looking for a low acid coffee and a friend suggested I try this brand. It doesn’t trigger my acid reflux and it has a great flavor. Comes in a 2 lb bag (I ordered whole bean as I grind it own) and the price is very reasonable. Also comes ground at a bit higher cost.”
Roast type: Dark French roast
Origin: Multi-origin
Volume: 40 ounces
Pros:
- Very high in antioxidants
- Versatile
- Smooth
Cons:
- Origin unclear
- Very big bags hard to use up unless you drink a lot of coffee
This dark roast is created with high levels of antioxidant phenolic compounds and low acidity. Made with USDA-certified organic coffee beans, every harvest is lab tested for the best levels of polyphenols (a type of micronutrient), so every carafe you brew gives you the most health benefits possible. Purity Coffee also emphasizes taste and freshness—it claims every bag will “taste as fresh as the day it was roasted.” Flavor-wise, you’ll get hints of dark chocolate, roasted walnuts, and a little spice with every sip. Reviewers love the flavor, although bemoan the higher price point compared to other brands.
What reviewers are saying: “Every coffee has its own flavor. If your first cup of this coffee is bitter to you, adjust the grind slightly coarser, great flavor. Purity coffee doesn’t upset my stomach like so many other brands. Highly recommend.”
Roast type: Dark roast
Origin: Multi-origin
Volume: 12 ounces or 5 pounds
Pros:
- Organic
- Tested for mold, mycotoxins, and pesticides
Cons:
- Expensive
- Potentially bitter
Best low acid cold brew coffee
Pasquariello says this is her go-to store-bought cold brew. It’s made from 100 percent Arabica beans sourced from ethical farms. It’s low-acid, concentrated, and unsweetened, so you can drink it however you want. Each box makes about eight servings and doesn’t have to be refrigerated until after it’s open, so feel free to stock up. (Just note that it’s concentrate—so you’ll have to dilute it with water or your milk of choice before drinking.)
What reviewers are saying: “Strong, richly flavored cold brew that gets me going quickly in the morning. Tastes like freshly brewed, and it is convenient and not acidic for me.”
Roast type: Medium roast
Origin: South and Central America
Servings: 8 per 32 fluid ounces
Pros:
- Unsweetened
- Eight servings per container
Cons:
- Requires refrigeration after opening
- Some reviewers found it a little bitter
These Chamberlain Coffee cold brew bags (think tea bags but for coffee) make it easy to whip up a batch of fresh cold brew whenever you want. Drop a bag in a pitcher, add water, and then let it sit overnight. In the morning you’ll have delicious cold brew waiting for you. Chamberlain Coffee also offers subscriptions at frequencies of 14, 21, 30, and 60 days. Reviewers say that the coffee is smooth and flavorful, and tastes even better when you let it steep longer.
What reviewers are saying: “THE BEST COLD BREW! It’s not acidic at all and has such good flavor. I drink it on its own over ice and I love that it does give me a caffeine overload. Really like it!”
Roast type: Medium roast
Origin: Peru, Sumatra, and Papua New Guinea
Servings: 3 cups of cold brew per bag
Pros:
- Makes mulitple cups of cold brew per bag
- Easier to make than traditional cold brewing methods
Cons:
- Have to make in advance
- Reviewers wish that it made more coffee
This small bottle of Jot packs a punch—this super concentrated brew is 20 times stronger than regular coffee, but smoother tasting. It’s sourced from organic farms in South America, and you only need one tablespoon (mix it with water or the milk of your choice) to get your caffeine fix. You can drink it hot or iced, too, making it a super versatile pick. However, note that it has 140-150 milligrams of caffeine per serving, so if you’re sensitive to caffeine you might want to skip this one.
What reviewers are saying: “Love the taste! No acidity or bitterness. It’s fast for an afternoon iced latte. No having to make coffee earlier in the day then having to chill it. Will be purchasing again!”
Roast type: Medium roast
Origin: Chirinos and Cajamarca, Peru
Servings: 14 cups of coffee
Pros:
- Concentrate
- Easy to make
- 14 cups per bottle
Cons:
- High caffeine content
Brewed for 12 hours, Illy’s cold brew coffee is ideal for folks looking for a low-acid option to start their day. This product contains no preservatives or added sugar, and can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into cocktails or beverages of your choice (hi, espresso martinis). You can also find it in cappuccino and latte flavors if you want to mix things up.
What reviewers are saying: “Such a difference in taste compared to the acidic coffee. I’ll be coming back to buy more. Please, don’t stop selling this product.”
Roast type: Medium roast
Origin: Multi-origin
Servings: 1 per 250 ml can
Pros:
- Ready-to-drink
- Multiple flavors available
- Individual cans
Cons:
- Expensive per ounce
- Mild flavor
An RD shares the benefits of drinking coffee:
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