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Coffee is one of the most popular drinks worldwide, with around 2 billion cups consumed every day according to the British Coffee Association.
Coffee can provide us with benefits such as improved digestion and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer.
But is coffee acidic? Throughout this blog, we will be exploring everything you need to know about coffee, whether or not it’s acidic or alkaline and its benefits. Read this blog to find out more.
The short answer to this question is yes, coffee is acidic and has a PH level of 4.85–5.10. Not sure what this means? Here is a PH scale to help you understand further:
As you can see, coffee is number 5 on the PH scale, which is less acidic compared to sodas, tomatoes, and lemons.
Coffee is a naturally acidic drink; however, this can vary depending on the type of coffee bean and the brewing process. But is it bad that coffee is acidic and what does this mean for coffee drinkers? Keep reading to find out.
The main reason why coffee is acidic is down to the caffeine and acidity that is found in the coffee beans. When you brew coffee, you cause the acid to form chlorogenic acids, which have been associated with a wide range of health benefits.
There can be some negative side effects of the acidity in coffee, such as:
These side effects are usually the case if you drink excessive amounts of coffee; however, by limiting your caffeine intake or switching to decaf, you can reduce these side effects and enjoy your daily cup of coffee without any unwanted side effects.
Altogether, there are six different types of acid found in your coffee, such as:
This acid is found in most plants, including coffee beans, and has potential health benefits, such as preventing diseases and cancers and reducing blood pressure. This acid can also be found in black tea, fruits, and vegetables.
This is found in citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes and contributes to the flavour of the coffee. This acid can also be found in:
This acid is one of the main causes of stomach problems and is formed when chlorogenic acid is broken down during the roasting process.
This acid is usually found in a wide range of plant sources, such as:
Did you know that recent studies have shown that quinic acid may have positive effects on metabolic health? This is because quinic acid promotes insulin secretion from cells, which can reduce the risks of diabetes.
This acid contributes to the coffee's fruity flavour and is often associated with different fruits, including peaches.
Malic acid can be used in a wide range of products, such as foods, cosmetics, and sports supplements. This acid is a natural compound that can be found in fruits and vegetables, such as:
This acid is most commonly found in vinegar and plays a key role in balancing coffee’s overall flavour.
Acetic acid can be used in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, textiles, cleaning products, and the oil and gas industry. It is used as a food preservative for flavouring.
This acid is used to enhance the sharpness of the coffee's flavour. All of these acids work together to create coffee’s unique flavour and taste profile.
As briefly discussed before, the acidity can vary based on the coffee bean, roasting process, and brewing method. There are many things that can affect the acidity of coffee, such as:
The location in which the coffee beans are grown can massively impact how acidic the beans are. Coffee beans usually have a higher acidity level and a more complex flavour profile the higher the altitude.
For example, coffee beans that are grown in African countries, such as Ethiopia and Kenya, are renowned for their acidic qualities. However, coffee beans that have been grown in South America tend to have lower acidity levels.
This process plays a key role in how acidic your coffee is. For example, light roasts usually have higher acidity levels compared to medium and dark roasts. These coffee beans are typically light brown in colour and contain fruity and floral notes.
Medium roasts offer a balance between acidity and different flavours. Some of the notes included in this flavour profile are nuts, chocolate, and fruit.
Dark roasts, on the other hand, usually have lower acidity levels because the longer you roast the coffee beans, the more acidic compounds are broken down.
These beans appear dark brown or, in some cases, almost black. This type of coffee usually has a strong flavour profile and is traditionally used to make espressos.
Did you know that the way in which you prepare your coffee can determine how acidic it is? For example, cold brewing your coffee usually produces coffee with lower acidity compared to hot brewing. This is because when you brew the coffee, you release acids, such as chlorogenic acids.
Now that you have a better understanding of how acidic coffee is and the factors that influence it, let’s explore how you can avoid the acidity from your coffee. There are many ways you can do this, such as:
Many people opt for decaf coffee as an alternative to regular coffee because it contains less caffeine. But is decaf coffee acidic? The simple answer is yes. However, the acid content in decaf coffee is lower compared to regular coffee.
Decaf coffee allows you to enjoy your daily cup of coffee without suffering from any unwanted side effects, such as acid reflux, stomach problems, headaches, or insomnia.
When caffeine is extracted, the acidity levels are reduced, which means that decaf coffee is less likely to cause any unpleasant side effects, such as heartburn.
However, it is important to remember that decaf coffee is still slightly acidic, and the exact levels of acidity depend on the roasting and brewing methods.
Although decaf and regular coffee are both acidic, regular coffee is slightly more acidic. This is because the decaffeination method used to remove caffeine from the coffee beans also removes some of the acids found in the coffee.
So, if you are looking for a slightly less acidic coffee to enjoy, then decaf coffee may be your best option.
Here at Crosby Coffee, we offer a wide range of coffee beans sourced from sustainable farms around the world.
Great coffee starts with high-quality beans. That’s why we establish strong partnerships with coffee growers who prioritise sustainable practices.
Working directly with these farms ensures that our customers receive only the best lots of coffee harvested each year.
Our commitment to sustainability not only supports the farmers but also contributes to the protection of the environment.
We take pride in our unique roasting style that enhances the natural flavours of our beans. Lighter roasts retain more acidity and fruity notes, while our medium roasts develop deeper, chocolatey flavours.
Our expert roasters monitor each stage of the process to ensure consistency and quality in every cup. To help you enjoy our coffee to its fullest potential, we provide guidance on various brewing methods.
For some, coffee is just something to get you through the day. However, coffee offers many health benefits when consumed in moderation. Rich in antioxidants, coffee can help combat oxidative stress and may even reduce the risk of certain diseases.
However, we understand that some individuals may be sensitive to coffee's acidity or caffeine content, which is why we offer decaffeinated beans for those who still want to enjoy great flavour without the jitters.
At Crosby Coffee, we’re not just a coffee roaster. We’re part of a community – we regularly host events and tastings to connect with our customers and share our love for coffee.
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