Many people who love the aroma and ritual of coffee find it doesn't love them back. Heartburn. Bloating. Stomach irritation. It’s a common complaint — especially for those with acid reflux, GERD, or gut sensitivity.
So, what's to blame? Spoiler: it's not just acidity in the classic pH sense.
In this article, we’ll demystify:
What low acidity coffee really means
Why your reaction to coffee may have little to do with pH
Who benefits most from low acid brews
Why Java Planet’s clean coffee offers more than just a smoother sip
Let’s get into it.
You’ve probably seen the term “low acid coffee” on bags, blogs, or health sites. It often gets simplified to “lower pH,” but that’s only part of the picture — and not the most important one.
Here’s what most people get wrong:
Coffee’s pH is naturally between 4.5 and 6, whether it’s “low acid” or not. What really affects how your body reacts to coffee is what's in the cup — and what’s not.
What causes coffee to upset your stomach?
Pesticide residues: Non-organic beans are one of the most chemically treated crops.
Mold and mycotoxins: Poor storage, especially in humid regions, leads to toxin contamination that irritates the gut.
Heavy metals: Cheap soil and low-quality processing allow metals to leach into beans.
Chlorogenic acids (CGAs): These natural compounds give coffee brightness but can irritate the stomach lining in sensitive people.
Over-roasting and bitterness: Improper roasting creates harsh flavors and compounds that your body struggles to digest.
So, when we talk about “low acid” coffee, we’re really talking about a coffee that’s:
Clean (no mold, metals, or chemicals)
Gentle (lower in CGAs and bitterness)
Smooth (roasted to preserve natural sweetness, not sharpness)
If any of this sound familiar, switching to a truly low acidity coffee could change your mornings:
You suffer from acid reflux or GERD
Coffee makes you feel bloated, gassy, or nauseous
You have IBS, Crohn’s, or a sensitive gut
You’ve been told to avoid acidic foods
You love coffee but hate the "post-cup regret"
Even without digestive issues, low acidity coffee offers a smoother, more balanced flavor profile that many find preferable.
Not all “low acid” claims are created equal. At Java Planet, we back it up with:
100% Certified Organic beans
Tested for mold and mycotoxins
Heavy metal safe
Carefully roasted for optimal smoothness
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Low acid varieties selected for gentle digestion
Our Top Low Acidity Picks:
➜ Colombia: Medium-dark roast, smooth and full bodied with the flavor Colombia is known for
➜ Costa Rica: Dark roast, balanced with notes of chocolate and caramel
➜ Guatemala: Medium roast, well balanced with notes of chocolate and caramel
What kind of coffee has the lowest acidity?
Organically grown, medium to dark roast coffees from lower elevations typically have the lowest acidity — especially when tested for mold and metals, like Java Planet’s Colombia and Guatemala coffees.
What coffee is low in acid for GERD?
Look for organic, mold-free, and low-CGA coffees. Java Planet’s low acid line is ideal for GERD sufferers.
How to find low acid coffee?
Check labels for "low acid," but more importantly, choose brands that are organic, mold-tested, and roasted for smoothness — like Java Planet.
Which coffee is easiest on the stomach?
Coffee that’s free from pesticides and mold, with a medium to dark roast and a smooth profile. Our Peru and Costa Rica are popular for this reason.
How to reduce acidity in coffee? Choose low acid beans, cold brew your coffee, and avoid light roasts and over-extraction. Java Planet’s brewing guide can help.
If you’ve been blaming coffee for your stomach issues, it might be time to blame the wrong coffee.
Java Planet’s clean, organic, low acid roasts are:
Easy on the stomach
Free from hidden toxins
Full of rich, smooth flavor
Try a sample pack or start with our Low Acid Coffee Collection today.