low acid espresso

Best Low Acid Coffee 2024 (Complete Expert Guide)

Let me guess, you searched for 'low acid coffee' on google because unfortunately, regular coffee doesn't really agree with your stomach?

Don't worry, it's a common problem for lots of people. It's frustrating because you no doubt love the taste of regular coffee, and I'm sure you enjoy the caffeine kick which gives you extra focus in the mornings?

The problem is, it doesn't quite agree with you and you haven't managed to find a low acid coffee in the UK that works for you.

Heart burn and acid reflux springs to mind... Thankfully, I'm here to debunk all the myths and talk to you about acid coffee so you can discover your new favourite low acid brew to join the dark side again (drinking coffee).

What is Low Acid Coffee?

The phrase low acid coffee has gained an increase in popularity in recent years, but why?

Well, since coffee consumption has grown vastly over the last decade, more and more people rely on their caffeine fuelled beverage every day, That kick start out of bed in the morning provides that long lasting energy boost you need.

The definition of a low acid coffee is referred to as having little or very moderate levels of quinic acid. Therefore, the PH level within low acid coffee is situated much closer to neutral than what you'd find in regular brewed coffee.

You could also describe this kind of coffee as being more gentle on your stomach which is particularly important if you're searching for speciality coffee that doesn't make you feel uncomfortable.

Let's find out the science behind this method and more importantly, how you can get your hands on it.

low acid coffee uk

Where Does Acid in Coffee Come From?

The Science:

In order to understand how to make low acid coffee, we need to dive a little deeper into the science to truly understand what's at play when we're talking about acidity.

There are nine different acids that are released when freshly ground coffee is brewed with hot water. It's these acids which also contribute to the flavour you experience when you sip on your favourite coffee.

  • Citric
  • Chlorogenic
  • Quinic
  • Lactic
  • Acetic
  • Malic
  • Phosphoric
  • Linoleic
  • Palmitic acids

Factors that Affect Acidity in Coffee

Coffee Roast Profile

The coffee roasting process is one of the most significant aspects to coffee acidity. Simply put, the length of time the coffee is roasted for plays a vital role in how high or low in acidity a given coffee produces.

As a rule of thumb, the darker the coffee roast is, the lower the lower their levels of Chlorogenic acid is produced meaning it should have produced less acidity when it comes to brewing.

low acid coffee roasting

This is an important learning and factor when you're choosing where to buy your coffee online. It means you can carefully filter through your speciality coffee roaster to find the right coffee roast type to suit your preferences.

Head to our popular blog on the differences between light and dark roasts if you want to learn more on this topic.

Altitude, Processing Methods

The specific farm, and altitude in which the coffee is grown at also plays a part in the acidity created. How is this so?

As a result, of higher altitude conditions, coffee matures at a slow rate, creating more sugars and complexity that is created.

For example, unique coffee varietals like the famous Panama Geisha demonstrate characteristics of floral notes of jasmine making this type of coffee one to avoid if you're searching for a coffee low in acidity.

Coffee Origin

Does the country a coffee is grown in impact the acidity levels in the coffee? Absolutely.

The coffee origin and therefore, climate conditions are a big contributing factor to the flavour you taste from your daily coffee fix.

It's important to think about because, the top five coffee producing countries worldwide are the coffees you'll most commonly find when buying coffee.

So if you're looking to avoid a particular origin then you'll need to do more research than the average Joe. Here are some examples of coffee origins that we know have naturally lower acidity based on their growing conditions.

That way, you can get closer to your goal of buying coffee in the UK lower in acidity.

1. Brazil

2. Sumatra

3. Nicaragua

Brewing Process

The coffee brewing process plays a big role in producing more or less acidity in coffee too. But how?

Studies produced demonstrate that the shorter the brew time, the more acidity produced in the coffee. That makes sense when talking about extraction time in general.

If a coffee is 'under-extracted' or brewed too quickly, it'll produce astringency in the drink which will give greater acidity.

Size of the Coffee Grounds

Did you know that the size of the coffee grounds you use contribute to the acidity of your coffee?

Yes its true. Studies show that the finer the coffee grounds are (Espresso), the more acidity will be extracted. By contrast, the coarser the coffee grounds are (larger in particle size), the less acidic.

This means, you may want to change your method of brewing to test out whether that helps your sensitivity to coffee. Here is a useful list of ways to make coffee from least acidic to most acidic based on brewing method.

cafetiere best low acidity brewer

1. Cold Brew Coffee
2. Cafetière Recipe - Explore our brewing guide.
3. Pourover Coffee - Enjoy our brewing guide.
4. Aeropress Guide - Read how to use it.
5. Moka Pot Maker - View our Moka Pot brew guide.
6. Espresso - Read a guide to espresso brewing.

Buying Guide to Low Acid Coffee

When you're looking to buy low acid coffee, (I recommend our Rotate Espresso). You'll need to use the information above to find a coffee that best suits your tolerance for coffee acidity.

Medium-dark and dark roasts in general will work well. When you come to buy low acid coffee online you can look for the following parameters to ensure you're choosing a coffee that best aligns with our recommended advice. Hopefully you've found this useful so far.

This way, you'll enjoy coffee once again, without the uncomfortable effects you previously had.

Rotate Espresso (Best Low Acid Coffee)

Some people might buy a coffee with low acidity from Tesco or other supermarkets, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Why? There are two key reasons to avoid supermarket coffee.

First, the coffee you buy there is often not fresh, as it has likely gone through lengthy logistics and transportation processes.

Freshness is crucial to both flavour and health benefits.

Second, most supermarket coffee is of commercial grade, typically low-quality and grown for mass production.

This type of coffee can lack the health benefits you’re seeking.

So, where can you find the best low acid coffee beans?

Look no further than our Rotate Espresso. Specifically roasted to produce less acidic coffee, it’s an excellent choice for those who are sensitive to acidity or suffer from acid reflux.

Unlike the low acid coffee brands you might find at large retailers, our espresso is crafted for flavour and health.

It provides a rich, dark chocolate and cranberry flavour while being gentle on the stomach.

Here are the pros and cons after drinking this coffee for 4 years.

What I Like (Pros) What I Don’t Like (Cons)
The roasting process reduces acidity, making it a great option for those with high-acid coffee. At £11.99 for 250g (15 cups), it’s more expensive than supermarket brands, but the quality justifies the cost.
Dark chocolate and cranberry notes provide a rich, full-bodied espresso experience. This coffee may not be as widely available as mass-produced supermarket brands, but it’s worth finding.
Our process ensures a clean and healthy cup free from chemicals and additives.
Over 1,000 antioxidants per cup, providing numerous health benefits.

Health Benefits

Not only does Rotate Espresso taste incredible but it’s also packed with health benefits. The low acidity ensures a smooth coffee that’s kind to your digestive system.

Some key benefits include:

  • Low Acidity makes it ideal for those with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux, making it one of the best coffees for acid reflux available.

  • Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin B3, and polyphenols to support energy, brain health, and gut health.

  • Our coffee does not contain harmful chemicals, mycotoxins, or pesticides, ensuring a clean cup every time.

Customer Reviews

What are customers saying about the Rotate Espresso?

Natalia P. Feedback

The Rotate Espresso is great! I love the taste, and I know the coffee is organic, without nasty chemicals, and kind to my stomach! I finally found my favourite, and I recommend it.

Jorge T. Feedback

This is an amazing bean for low acidity espresso coffees. It is balanced with dark chocolatey notes and an incredible body and mouthfeel.

Matthew H. Feedback

I love this rotating espresso. I discovered it from an online review, and there is just no turning back. Having excellent quality coffee at home makes my mornings so much more enjoyable. There are no words to describe how fabulous this coffee is; just try it!

Price

I purchased the 250g bag for £11.99, which gives me around 15 cups of coffee.

While it’s more expensive than the standard options in supermarkets, the low acidity coffee profile and overall quality make it a worthy investment.

Rotate Espresso is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a smooth, health-conscious espresso that’s easy on the stomach.

Click here to try Rotate Espresso.

Organic Low Acid Coffee

The first question to answer here is what is organic coffee? Organic coffee means that the coffee has received certification of quality.

You can read all about the benefits of organic coffee here but you'll be pleased to know all of Balance Coffee is speciality grade organic.

So just ensure you're buying from a top coffee roaster.

Other Ways To Reduce Coffee Acidity - Expert Hack

If you've done your best to reduce acidity in coffee but you're still having trouble. No matter what coffee you buy, you still can't find a solution to the problem?

You might want to shift to milk based coffee drinks. The dilution of the coffee in liquid substance can help provide some robustness as it passes through your body.

Alternatively, you could try mixing coffee with other drinks such as blended shakes, coffee and protein mixes or even a banana coffee recipe.

Low Acid Decaf Coffee - Does it Exist?

If you’re wondering whether an acid-free decaf coffee exists, you’re in luck.

While no coffee is entirely acid-free, you can still find options with significantly lower acidity, which is ideal for sensitive stomachs.

Let’s explore what you need to know about low-acid decaf coffee, like our Halcyon Decaf, which could be your perfect solution.

Regarding acidity levels, both regular and decaf coffee are relatively similar.

However, decaf tends to be much gentler on the stomach, making it a smart choice for anyone prone to digestive discomfort or acid reflux.

If you’re in the UK and looking for the best low acid coffee, our Halcyon Decaf might be just what you need.

This medium roast, with its smooth notes of dark chocolate, provides a satisfying and enjoyable experience without the high acidity that can cause issues for some drinkers.

It’s a standout among low acidity coffee options in the UK.

Key ingredients include

  • 100% Arabica beans, decaffeinated using a natural, chemical-free process that preserves the rich, full-bodied flavour.

  • The CO2 Decaffeination Method removes caffeine while retaining the coffee’s health-boosting antioxidants.

  • It is high in Antioxidants for brain and body health, offering over 1,000 antioxidants per cup.

  • Niacin-rich (Vitamin B3) for an essential energy boost and improved brain function.

  • It contains zero toxins and is roasted to reduce acidity, making it an ideal low acid coffee for sensitive stomachs.

After drinking this for several months, the benefits and drawbacks are quite clear. Let’s break them down.

What I Like (Pros) What I Don’t Like (Cons)
It is designed to be easy on the stomach, perfect for anyone with acid reflux or a sensitive digestive system. At £12.00 per 250g (15 cups), it’s more expensive than regular coffee, but the health benefits might be worth it.
Despite being decaf, it offers a full-bodied taste with dark chocolate notes that don’t compromise enjoyment. Although decaf, trace amounts of caffeine may still be present, so it’s not 100% caffeine-free.
Unlike traditional decaf methods, the CO2 method ensures no harmful chemicals are used.
Over 1,000 antioxidants per cup, making it a powerful health choice.

Health Benefits

Our Halcyon Decaf coffee doesn’t just taste good; it’s designed to support your overall well-being. The benefits include:

  • It is ideal for those with acid reflux or digestive issues, making it one of the best low acid coffee options.

  • Packed with antioxidants and Vitamin B3 for energy and brain health.

  • High in polyphenols and fibres to promote a healthy gut microbiome.

If you’re looking for low acid coffee in the UK that’s gentle on your stomach without compromising on flavour; this is the one to try.

Customer Reviews

Let’s hear what customers are saying, shall we?

Sharon D. Feedback

I love my Halcyon decaf; it has a great taste. I have it with frothed oat milk, warming it first to make a good foam. This decaf suits me as I have digestive issues and acid reflux. I think it’s a healthier coffee, as I have no problems drinking it.

Melissa L. Feedback

I’ve enjoyed this decaf after switching from caffeinated coffee while pregnant. It is a delicious coffee, and the aroma from it, too, fills the house. Knowing it’s a healthier choice of coffee, too, and so well-sourced really adds to the purchase decision-making.

Alexandru G. Feedback

I've tried so many decaf coffees, but this one is one of the best, like espresso or V60. I enjoy this one!

Price

I purchased the 250g bag for £12.00, around 15 cups.

Though it’s pricier than regular coffee, the low acidity coffee profile and health benefits make it a worthwhile addition to my routine.

Try it out if you want a decaf with flavour and health benefits.

Click here to try Halcyon Decaf Coffee.