Low Acid Coffee for Acid Reflux: Doctor-Backed Guide
Low Acid Coffee for Acid Reflux: What Works, What Doesn’t
A doctor-backed guide to choosing the right coffee when you suffer from GERD or acid reflux, including real product picks and brewing tips.
What Is Low Acid Coffee—And Does It Help With Reflux?
Low acid coffee typically has a pH of around 5.5 or higher, compared to regular coffee's ~4.85–5.10. While that might not sound like a big difference, it's enough to affect how your body responds—especially if you're prone to reflux.
Scientific backing:
A 2014 meta-analysis published in Diseases of the Esophagus found no significant link between overall coffee intake and GERD (OR = 1.06, 95 % CI 0.94–1.19) [PubMed Study]. However, a 2024 clinical study of nearly 450 participants found that while coffee consumption did not differ significantly between GERD patients and healthy controls, symptom severity increased in GERD patients who consumed more than 4 cups per day. This also correlated with elevated markers of stomach acid activity such as pepsinogen‑I. [Clinical Study]
Not All Low Acid Coffees Are Equal
Some brands use chemical processes or additives to reduce acid, and don’t disclose how their coffee was treated. That’s why you should always look for:
- Naturally low-acid beans (like those from Tanzania or Costa Rica)
- Fresh, specialty-grade roasting
- Allergen-free, mold-free processing
Our Top Picks for Acid Reflux-Friendly Coffee
Unity Blend ‘25 – Medium Roast
- Origins: Washed Arabica from Tanzania + Natural Ethiopian from Guji
- Notes: Smooth, classic, nostalgic
- Why it helps: Gentle acidity, full-bodied, ideal for daily drinkers managing reflux
Unity – Costa Rica Naranjo – Medium Roast
- Origin: Turrialba, Costa Rica
- Notes: Peach, apricot, caramel
- Why it helps: Naturally low acid, sweet and rounded for sensitive stomachs
Bold Respect No. 2 – Low Acid Espresso
- Notes: Creamy, bold, frothy
- Why it helps: Dark roast espresso that’s stomach-friendly without going decaf
Pangea Flavor Discovery Pack – Organic Sampler
- Includes 3 rotating 10oz bags of Pangea's lowest-acid, freshest beans
- Perfect way to find your favorite reflux-safe roast
Best Brewing Methods to Reduce Acidity
| Brewing Method | Acid Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Brew | ↓↓ | Lowers acidity up to 70% |
| Pour Over | ↓ | Smooth extraction, ideal with light/medium roasts |
| French Press | ↔ | Balanced acidity, coarse grind recommended |
Tip: Avoid espresso on an empty stomach. Try a splash of oat milk to soften the acidity.
Backed by a GI Specialist: Dr. Joseph Salhab (@TheStomachDoc)
Not all coffee is created equal when it comes to gut health. That’s why we’re proud to be endorsed by Dr. Joseph Salhab—a licensed gastroenterologist known as @TheStomachDoc on Tiktok and Instagram. With millions of followers across the United States, Dr. Salhab is a trusted authority on managing GERD, IBS, and reflux through nutrition and lifestyle.
In his own words:
“Pangea Coffee’s clean sourcing, low acid profile, and allergen-free roasting process make it one of the best choices for anyone with gut issues.”
— Dr. Joseph Salhab, @TheStomachDoc
That’s why we’ve carefully formulated our lineup to support digestion without sacrificing flavor—roasts that are rich, complex, and clean on the inside.
You don’t need to quit coffee if you’re managing reflux—you just need better beans and better brewing. Pangea offers:
- Specialty-grade, low-acid roasts
- Allergen-free, mold-free processing
- Fresh, clean sourcing—never chemical treated
💬 Want a deeper dive? Read our Doctor-Backed Guide to Coffee and GERD.
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