Low Acid Instant Coffee (7 Best Options + Everything you need to know)

Low acid instant coffee is a must-have, especially for people who are constantly struggling with acid reflux and other acid-related gastrointestinal conditions. So, what are the best low acid coffees?

The best low acid instant coffees are those whose pH is as close to 7 as possible. They are treated or roasted to make sure that their acidity is reduced to make them smoother. Coffee has always been something of a staple in my house, and because my wife and I barely have time to get a pot brewing, we opt for instant coffee. For a pretty long time, my wife struggled with acidity and could not figure out where the problem lay until a medic friend asked how much instant coffee she consumed. Well, we decided to get low acid instant coffee, and the rest is history. Over time, we have tried many brands, and this article compiles some of the best and our go-to options for different days. Here goes.

What is acid in coffee?

Coffee beans contain acid in them, and in most instances, this acid is released during the brewing process. The acidity in coffee can be described as numbing on the tip of the tongue, sharpness at the front of the mouth, or dryness at the back of the mouth.

During the brewing process, the acid released can affect the overall quality of coffee. On average, instant coffee will have a pH range of 4.85 to 5.10 which is quite acidic. To make low acid instant coffee, the coffee is treated so as to raise its pH, making it less acidic and more palatable.

Which coffee roasts have high acidity levels?

Light roasts have the highest levels of acidity, with darker roasts presenting low acid levels. This is because the acid gets broken down further as the roasting process progresses. With lighter roasts, there is very little time for the acid to get broken down, and this is why there is more acidity and a keener sharpness to the said roast.

Who should avoid drinking high acidity coffee?

Any person with a certain level of sensitivity to acid in foods should avoid consuming high-acidity coffee. This would mean that people who are susceptible to acid reflux, or who suffer from IBS and GERD should avoid taking high acidity instant coffee.

The same goes for people who suffer frequent heartburn and who have stomach ulcers and other similar conditions. In addition, people with thin or weak tooth enamel should go easy on high acid instant coffee, as should persons who suffer from bladder inflammation conditions such as interstitial cystitis.

What are the best instant low acidity coffees?

Here is a tabulated representation of some of the best.

Rank	Brand	Features
1	Kava Reduced Acid Instant Coffee	Near-neutral pH of 6.8 Contains higher levels of potassium Comes in 4-ounce jars
2	VitaCup Perfect Low Acid Instant Coffee	Made from 100% organic low acidity coffee beans Ideal for all diets
3	Kava Decaf Reduced Acid Instant Coffee	Decaffeinated Affordable
4	Lifeboost Steeped Bags	100% organic Comes in different flavors and roasts
5	Kopi Luwak 3-in-1 Low Acid Instant Coffee	Contains non-dairy creamer and sweetener Coffee is mild
6	Kopiko Low Acid Instant Coffee	Has non-dairy creamer and sweetener Very sweet
7	Golden Ratio Low Acid Instant Coffee	Very low acidity Comes in sachets

Kava Reduced Acid Instant Coffee

This is easily one of the best reduced acidity instant coffees in the market. It is very high quality and it is readily available in many stores across the country.

This brand of coffee is made from high acidity coffee, but it is treated to increase the pH. It has been proven that this coffee has up to 50% less acidity than regular instant coffee. While it is high quality instant coffee, the manufacturers add potassium to the coffee to reduce the acidity, and some people are not too comfortable with this. If you need to keep your potassium levels down, you might want to stay away from this brand.

Another major let-down is the fact that Kava Reduced Acid Instant Coffee only comes in small packages, meaning that a high consumption household would have to buy many at a go.

Pros

• Readily available
• It is affordable
• A decaf version is available
• Presents a pH of 6.8 which is close to neutral

Cons

• It contains higher levels of potassium and is not made from natural low acid coffee beans
• It is packed in small 4 ounce jars

VitaCup Perfect Low Acid Instant Coffee

This brand is an excellent choice for anyone looking to keep their potassium consumption regulated. It is made from 100% organic dark roast Arabica coffee, meaning that most of its acid is broken down naturally during the roasting process. This means that it has very little potassium, making it ideal for people who need to be cautious of their potassium intake.

Another reason to have this coffee is the fact that it has been proven to work with all diets including Keto, Vegan, Paleo, and Whole 30. To make sure that it is safe for all, this coffee is taken through a series of tests to make sure that it is free of mycotoxins. This instant coffee is also free of pesticides, and it does not include additives such as flavor enhancers and preservatives, making it 100% organic.

One of the main downsides to this coffee is the fact that it is somewhat expensive. It, however, delivers a very smooth taste and high quality.

Pros

• Made from high-altitude organic dark roast Arabica coffee from Guatemala
• Very smooth taste
• Works with all diets
• Pesticide, additives, and mycotoxin-free

Cons

• This is one of the more expensive low-acid instant coffee brands

Kava Decaf Reduced Acid Instant Coffee

If you are looking to get low acid coffee that is also decaf, this is likely the best match for you. It is high quality instant coffee which is great for people looking to have a near-neutral acidity coffee. The coffee beans used to make this brand are not low-acidity, so the manufacturers use potassium to increase the pH to 6.8.

While this is an effective method, it poses a health concern to persons who need to keep their potassium intake low due to health reasons. However, people with no problems with potassium will find that this coffee has an incredible aroma and is very smooth.

The fact that it only comes in small 4-ounce jars is quite a let-down since high consumption households have to buy many jars or make several store runs to get a fresh jar.

Pros

• This coffee is decaf
• Has a near-neutral pH
• Comes with a strong coffee taste and strong aroma
• Affordable and easy to find

Cons

• Has high levels of potassium
• Comes in very small jars

Lifeboost Steeped Bags

This coffee is easily one of the best low acid versions around. Its quality is so good it has been compared to several specialty coffees. One of the reasons why it boasts such quality is the fact that it is made from shade-grown coffee in the Nicaraguan mountains. It is 100% organic, meaning that there are no traces of pesticides, additives, or mycotoxins.

Another reason why the Lifeboost Steeped Coffee is great is the fact that it comes with three options from which to choose. There are light roasts, medium roasts, and dark roasts. Even though light and medium roast coffees are known to have high quantities of acid, this particular type of coffee has low acid content because the beans from which it is made are a low acid variety.

Even though it is not readily available in local convenience stores, the manufacturer has a subscription and delivery service that makes sure you have enough coffee throughout the year. You can receive 3 or 6 bags of coffee every 12 weeks depending on how much your household consumes.

Pros

• Comes in different flavors and roasts
• Made from 100% organic coffee
• Does not contain additives, mold, or mycotoxins
• Has very low acidity

Cons

• This coffee is not too readily available
• It is considered expensive

Kopi Luwak 3-in-1 Low Acid Instant Coffee

Even though it is commonly referred to as white coffee, the Kopi Luwak 3-in-1 Low Acid Instant Coffee is made from a dark roast of coffee. It is considered very convenient because a sachet of this product contains instant coffee, sweetener, and non-dairy creamer, and this is why it is called white coffee.

Because this brand has very low acidity, it makes an incredible choice for people who suffer from gut problems associated with acidity. It is proven to be gentle on the stomach, and the fact that it has a nice flavor and smooth taste adds to the list of its advantages.

Being that it is a 3-in-1 coffee, the Kopi Luwak 3-in-1 Low Acid Instant Coffee is a favorite for people who like creamer in their beverage. This, however, means that it is an unsuitable choice for persons who like their instant coffee dark. The same goes for sweeteners since there are people who prefer dark and sugarless coffee.

The fact that this coffee comes in small sachets makes it convenient since you can carry a couple to work.

Pros

• Has very low acidity
• Convenient because it comes in sachets
• It contains non-dairy creamer and sweetener
• Great for people with acid sensitivity

Cons

• Not ideal for people who do not like creamer and sweetener in their coffee
• It is somewhat expensive

Kopiko Low Acid Instant Coffee

This instant coffee is easily one of the best brands from Asia. It is made from a special blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee of the highest quality. One of the reasons why it has low acidity, an incredible aroma, and great taste is the fact that the coffee beans are roasted in controlled conditions and at very low temperatures. This makes sure that the acidity of the coffee beans is reduced considerably during the roasting process.

Apart from tasting great, this coffee is pretty convenient because it is packed in sachets. This works to maintain the integrity of the coffee as it is not exposed to air and moisture every now and then. The packaging also proves convenient since you can carry a few sachets with you to use in the office.

Two downsides to this coffee are that some people find it too sweet, and others feel that it is not strong enough.

Pros

• Made from high quality arabica and robusta blend
• Has very low acidity
• Comes with non-dairy creamer and sweetener
• Packed in sachets

Cons

• Some people find it too sweet
• Not ideal for people who do not like creamer
• The coffee is a bit mild

Golden Ratio Low Acid Instant Coffee

This coffee is considered and described as non-traditional because it is not made through conventional means. The coffee goes through a special roasting process that works to maintain a very low acid content without compromising the taste, aroma, and quality of the coffee produced.

Because of this unique process, this coffee proves to be 5 times less acidic than regular black instant coffee, making it ideal for people looking to maintain a low-acid diet. In addition, it comes in a variety of flavors such as vanilla coconut, chai spice, and golden milk.

One of this brand’s main advantages is the fact that it does not stain teeth as does regular black coffee. It also comes packed in sachets, making it convenient for carrying about with you.

Its main downside is that it is not available in any physical stores. It also has high amounts of caffeine and may not be ideal for all.

Pros

• Very low acidity
• Does not stain teeth
• Packed in sachets
• Comes in various flavors

Cons

• Not available in any physical stores
• Has high caffeine content

Conclusion

If you are looking to enjoy instant coffee without having to deal with the repercussions of high acidity, you definitely want to look into getting low acidity instant coffee. There are many brands from which to choose, and they are all suited for various people with different needs. Try out one of the 7 highlighted ones that best matches your needs.

FAQ Section

Is instant coffee better for acid reflux?

Well, yes, as long as the acidity of the coffee is reduced. High-acid instant coffee will have as bad an effect as non-instant high-acid coffee.

What makes coffee hostile to the stomach?

Coffee becomes hostile to the stomach when it has high acidity, when it has lots of caffeine, and when you drink it on an empty stomach.

Are low acid coffees healthy?

Well, not particularly. They are just better for your stomach as they do not cause bad effects associated with acidity.

Are there any health benefits of drinking low acid coffee?

Low acid coffee reduces discomfort associated with acid reflux and other similar conditions.