Ever wonder why some coffees taste more acidic than others? 

It all comes down to the pH of coffee. 

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is considered acidic, while anything above 7 is basic. Coffee typically has a pH of around 5, making it slightly acidic. 

But why does this matter for coffee drinkers?

The acidity of coffee can affect its flavor, aroma, and even how it interacts with your body. It can also impact how you feel after drinking it. 

In this article, we’ll talk about the pH of coffee and show you practical tips you can use to lower coffee’s acidity.

Let’s dive in. 

Key Takeaways

• The pH of coffee typically ranges from 4.85 to 5.10, making it slightly acidic.
• The acidity of coffee can affect its flavor, aroma, and how it interacts with your body.
• Practical tips, such as choosing the right beans and adjusting your brew method, can help modulate coffee’s acidity.

Practical Tips to Modulate Coffee’s Acidity

Let’s start with the practical. 

Here are some easy and effective tips to lower the acidity of your coffee:

Try cold brewing 

Cold brewing is a popular method to make coffee less acidic. It involves steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. The resulting coffee is less bitter and acidic than hot-brewed coffee. You can also heat up cold brew to change its acidity.

Use Darker Roasts

Darker roasts have less acidity than lighter roasts. The roasting process reduces the acidity of coffee beans by breaking down the compounds that cause bitterness and acidity. Dark roasts also have a stronger and richer flavor than lighter roasts.

Use Low-Acid Beans

Some coffee beans are naturally low in acidity. These beans are grown in alkaline soil and roasted for a shorter time to preserve their natural flavor and acidity. Low-acid beans are usually Arabica beans from Brazil, Sumatra, or Jamaica.

Use Alkaline Water

Water is the biggest ingredient in your coffee. Using alkaline water can help reduce the acidity. 

Alkaline water has a pH of 7.5 to 9.5, which is more basic than tap water. You can buy alkaline water or add baking soda or a pinch of salt to your water before brewing.

Use a Larger Ground Size

The size of your coffee grounds can affect the acidity of your coffee. 

Finely ground coffee is more acidic than coarsely ground coffee, so using a larger ground size can help reduce the acidity of your coffee. You can adjust your grinder to a coarser setting or use a French press or a drip coffee maker with a metal filter.

Use a Longer Brewing Time

The duration of your brewing process can also affect the acidity of your coffee. 

The longer you brew your coffee, the less acidic it will be. You can try a longer brewing time with a French press or a drip coffee maker. You can also use a cold-brewing method to steep your coffee for 12 to 24 hours (see above).

Use a Paper Filter

Using a paper filter can help reduce the acidity of your coffee. Paper filters trap the coffee oils and compounds that cause bitterness and acidity. They also remove the sediment that can irritate your stomach. You can use a paper filter with a drip coffee maker or a pour-over coffee maker.

Add Milk

Adding milk to your coffee can help reduce its acidity. 

Milk is alkaline and can neutralize the acids in your coffee. It also adds a creamy and smooth texture. You can use any type of milk, such as whole milk, skim milk, or almond milk. You can also try a latte or a cappuccino for a less acidic coffee.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a less acidic and more flavorful coffee without sacrificing its quality or taste. 

Try them out and see which ones work best for you.

Unconventional Methods

We’re not done yet. 

Here are some unconventional methods you can try to modify the pH level of your coffee and enhance its taste (and lower its acidity). 

• Add a pinch of salt: Adding a pinch of salt to the grounds or the brewed coffee can neutralize the bitterness and enhance the sweetness of your coffee. The salt can also reduce the acidity and make your coffee less sour.
  
• Add a dash of baking soda: Adding a dash of baking soda to your brewed coffee can raise its pH level and reduce its sourness. But be careful not to add too much baking soda, as it can make the coffee taste soapy or bitter.
  
• Use eggshells or egg whites: Using eggshells or egg whites to clarify and smooth out the coffee during boiling or filtering can also reduce its acidity. The eggshells or egg whites can absorb the acidity and make the coffee less sour.
  

These unconventional methods can help you reduce the acidity of your coffee and enhance its taste. 

Keep in mind that the effectiveness of these methods may vary depending on the type of coffee and your personal preferences.

The Science of pH: A Brief Primer

Now for the theoretical science bit. 

Have you ever wondered why some substances taste sour, while others taste bitter or sweet? 

The answer lies in their pH values. 

pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a substance, ranging from 0 to 14. 

A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while values below 7 are acidic and values above 7 are alkaline (or basic).

For reference, water has a pH of 7, lemon juice has a pH of 2, and milk has a pH of 6.5. The pH of coffee typically ranges from 4.5 to 5.5, making it slightly acidic.

The pH of coffee affects its taste and aroma. Acidity in coffee is desirable and contributes to its bright, fruity flavors. But excessive acidity can make coffee taste sour or bitter. On the other hand, low acidity can make coffee taste flat or dull.

To get the perfect balance of acidity in coffee, roasters carefully monitor the pH levels during the roasting process. 

Baristas can also adjust the pH of coffee by adding alkaline water or milk to reduce its acidity.

Overall, pH is a crucial factor in determining the taste of coffee. 

Understanding the science behind pH can help you appreciate the complexities of coffee and make informed decisions when brewing or ordering your next cup.

Diving Deep: The pH of Coffee

Let’s dive a bit deeper into this idea of pH, shall we?

As we now know, coffee is generally considered to be acidic, with a pH range of 4.5 to 6, depending on various factors.

Factors that Affect Coffee pH

The pH of coffee can vary depending on several factors, including the type of coffee, brewing method, roasting level, and water used. 

For example, dark roasts tend to have a lower pH than light roasts, and cold-brewed coffee is less acidic than hot-brewed coffee. 

Also, adding milk to coffee can raise the pH level.

Comparing the pH Values of Different Types of Coffee

Here is a table comparing the pH values of various types of coffee:

As you can see, black coffee is the most acidic, with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. 

Cold-brewed coffee is less acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. 

Decaf coffee falls somewhere in between, with a pH range of 5.0 to 5.5. 

French press coffee is also less acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.

The Impact of Coffee pH on Taste

The acidity of coffee can affect its taste. 

And I think everyone can agree that taste is the most important factor since many people are put off trying coffee because of this. 

Higher-acid coffees tend to have a brighter, fruitier taste, while lower-acid coffees are smoother and less bitter.

But the acidity level is not the only factor that determines coffee flavor. 

The variety of coffee beans, the roasting level, and the brewing method can all impact the taste of your coffee.

Bottom line: understanding the pH of coffee can help you make informed decisions about your coffee brewing and consumption. 

While coffee is generally considered to be acidic, the pH can vary depending on several factors. By experimenting with different types of coffee, brewing methods, and roasting levels, you can find the perfect cup of coffee that suits your taste preferences.

Health Implications of Coffee’s Acidity

Coffee’s acidity can have both positive and negative effects on your health and well-being. 

Here are some of the main health implications of coffee’s acidity:

• May help prevent bacterial infections and diseases: Coffee’s acidity can help prevent bacterial infections and diseases such as dental caries, Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, and more. Studies have shown that coffee’s acidity can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth and digestive system.
  
• May cause or worsen some gastrointestinal disorders and symptoms: Coffee’s acidity can cause or worsen some gastrointestinal disorders and symptoms such as gastritis, ulcers, heartburn, and indigestion. This is because coffee’s acidity can stimulate the production of stomach acid, which can irritate the lining of the stomach and exacerbate these conditions.
  
• May affect the enamel and dentin of the teeth: Coffee’s acidity can affect the enamel and dentin of the teeth, leading to erosion, sensitivity, staining, and more. This is because coffee’s acidity can weaken the protective layer of the teeth, making them more susceptible to damage.
  

It’s important to note that the effects of coffee’s acidity on your health can vary depending on a variety of factors.

These include the type of coffee, the brewing method, and your individual health status. 

If you’re concerned about the health implications of coffee’s acidity, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider.

Coffee Acidity in Perspective: Comparison with Other Beverages

If you’re wondering how acidic coffee is compared to other drinks, you’re not alone. 

While coffee is acidic, it’s not the most acidic beverage out there. 

To give you an idea of how coffee acidity compares to other beverages, here’s a table that shows the pH values of some common drinks:

As you can see, coffee falls in the middle of the pH scale, with a pH value ranging from 4.50 to 6.00. 

This means that coffee is less acidic than drinks like lemon juice and cola, but more acidic than milk and water.

Conclusion

Now that you know all about the pH of coffee, you can make more informed decisions about your coffee consumption.

Coffee is an acidic substance with a pH range of 4.85 to 5.10. This acidity can cause problems for some people with certain health conditions, but for most people, drinking a cup of coffee with a pH level of 5.0 is perfectly fine.

Bottom line: while coffee is an acidic substance, it can still be enjoyed in moderation. 

As always, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your coffee consumption.

In the meantime, check out our articles on making cold brew at home and the difference between coffee roasts. 

Frequently Asked Questions